Hounslow has one of the highest number of households where at least three generations of the same family are living.

Social and economic factors have caused dependent children to stay at home for longer to get on the housing ladder, while increasing life expectancy has led to more people over the age of 60 to turn to their offspring for companionship.

The borough was identified as a hot spot in a recent survey, with 3.11 per cent of houses having three or more generations.

The UK has seen a 7.6 per cent increase since 2005.

Future increases are likely to be fuelled by a tougher economic climate as growing numbers of under 30s return to their family home to save money, or delay buying a house as they wait for the economy to pick-up, Lloyds TSB said.

Phil Loney, insurance spokesman for Lloyds TSB, said: “This reports shows that more and more middle-aged people are taking on the care of older family members and supporting children who are going through tough times.”

The study revealed the significant pressures placed on relatives that live communally, causing more arguments and lack of privacy, but also showed that it can have a positive effect on family cohesion.