The implication is that these so-called empty nesters should just move into smaller homes and leave the youngsters to get on with their lives. Making the move to a smaller property in retirement is not always motivated by the costs and efforts involved in maintaining a larger one. We can sell our house tomorrow but can’t afford to buy a smaller house in town – the cost is higher. “We can sell our house tomorrow but can’t afford to buy a smaller house in town – the cost is higher,” she says. The paper found that Ireland had a rate of 67 per cent – more than twice the European average.

Source: The Irish Times December 07, 2025 09:00 UTC