LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/04/13 -- Official statistics show that the total figure of cohabiting adults has increased over the last 15 years in England and Wales.(i)

Figures show that in 1992 there were 2.7 million cohabiting adults - in 2007 this had risen to 4.5 million. Reports suggest that this number will continue to rise amongst the 'never married' adult group.

Figures also show that there is a decline in the number of people under the age of 30 who are cohabiting, yet an increase in adult couples aged over 30 who are living together.

Further research shows that between 2001 and 2010 the number of opposite sex cohabiting couple families increased from 2.1 million to 2.7 million.(ii)

This means that the total number of children growing up in households where adults are unmarried has increased from 1.3 million to 1.8 million in the same time.

It is not just unmarried couples living together who are pushing up the trend. Groups of friends are collectively pooling their cash together to buy properties and live together for longer.

Mortgages are often considered one of the largest financial commitments that anyone can make in their lifetime. For this reason many co-habiting people may want to opt to take out a mortgage life insurance policy. A policy could safeguard finances in the event of death. Should one of the part homeowners suddenly pass away or suffer from a life threatening illness, the cover could provide financial support and peace of mind when you need it most.

Notes to editors

(i) Estimating the cohabiting population in 2007, ONS research http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/family-demography/cohabitation-estimates--england-and-wales/cohabitation-estimates/estimating-the-cohabiting-population.pdf

(ii) Families and Households, 2001 to 2010, ONS research http://www.ons.gov.uk:80/ons/rel/family-demography/families-and-households/2001-to-2010/index.html

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