The “not-so-empty nest” phenomenon sees many young adults returning home due to housing shortages, particularly in major cities where property prices outstrip wages, impacting political dynamics and personal aspirations. This situation fosters a zero-sum mentality, particularly among the youth, leading to delays in family planning and increased commuting times as families seek affordable housing. Solutions may include repurposing existing spaces, encouraging older homeowners to downsize, and easing regulations to facilitate new housing developments, thereby addressing the pressing needs of the “boomerang” generation and enhancing urban living conditions.
