First-time buyers are turning their backs on independent living and laying down their roots close to mum and dad, according to research by Crest Nicholson.

The study of first-time buyers reveals that four in five (79 per cent) choose to buy a property within 20 miles of their family home, with almost one in five (20 per cent) buying less than 15 minutes away from their parents.

In fact, such is their devotion to their folks that four in five (80 per cent) see themselves continuing to live close to their parents for many years to come.

Help around the house and home comforts are key reasons for living close to parents, with many respondents relying on mum and dad for help with baby-sitting.

A large proportion cited good relationships with siblings as a reason to live close to home, as well as having childhood friends who still live in the area. Most people indicated that they genuinely like the area that they grew up in and were keen to stay in the area for its amenities.

Annette Cole of Crest Nicholson Eastern said: "Buying your own home is one of the biggest changes people encounter. Our research shows that people are making the move on to the property ladder, but aren't quite ready to fully cut the apron strings.

"Adult children are choosing to stay close to the family home, not only because they enjoy spending time with their parents, but also because they genuinely like the area that they grew up in."

One development which has seen a large number of first-time buyers purchase there in order to be close to their family home is Crest Nicholson's Liberty Park development in Wainscott, near Strood.

Liberty Park is on Hoo Road, Wainscott. Prices for current availability at Liberty Park start from £160,500 for a two-bedroom coach house. For more details call 0870 752 4382 or go to www.crestnicholson.com/LibertyPark

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