AS the national housing affordability crisis grows, ore a more adults are moving back home to live with their parents.

Anew survey by price comparison site Finder of 1,073 respondents revealed 1 in 10 Australians – equivalent to 662,000 households – have either moved back home with their parents or had an adult child return home in the past year.

“Of those who have moved back home or had an adult child move back in, almost 2 in 5 (36 percent) did so to save money,” Finder said.

“Soaring rents are a big factor, with 30 percent admitting they moved home as rent became unaffordable.

“The same amount (30 percent) used it as an opportunity to save money for a house deposit.”

Several recent reports have said housing is becoming more unattainable in Mansfield, with increased Domestic Building Insurance premiums, property taxes and rent affecting both homeowners and renters.

Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr James Tehan has described housing affordability as “a growing national issue”.

A recent Domain survey said house rentals in Mansfield have risen by 18.4 per cent year-on-year, now up 55.9 per cent over the past five years.

Nationally, rent has increased 9.7 per cent, with regional rentals across the country up 4.9 per cent.

Farah Farouque, Director of Community Engagement at Tenants Victoria said people are spending less on other essentials to afford rents.

"We know of people having to skip meals to pay the rent," she said.

Finder’s head of consumer research Graham Cooke said people are being forced to make harsh choices.

“Soaring living costs have left thousands of young adults struggling to make ends meet – with rate increases having a higher impact on renters than homeowners,” he said.

“Many are unable to juggle all their expenses and afford to live independently so they are moving back in with their parents.”

The state government has announced a series of Build-To-Rent projects to help improve affordability.

Data from the Department of Transport and Planning shows a rapid increase in the number of BTR projects – including 1,800 apartments completed and 12,000 either under construction or with planning for approval.

“As long as rental supply is low, rental prices will stay high,” said Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.

“That’s why we’re approving and delivering more homes for renters in established suburbs, close to jobs, transport and services and ensuring they include affordable housing for Victorians who need it most.”