‘16 years later, I’m not unhappy’: the rise of Britain’s multigenerational flatmates | Housing

The UK housing market is experiencing a notable demographic shift in shared accommodation, moving beyond its traditional association with young adults. A growing number of individuals over 35 are now choosing, or finding themselves needing, to live in shared housing arrangements, a trend fueled by economic pressures and changing lifestyles.

The Rise of the Mature Flatmate

Data from SpareRoom, a leading UK flatshare website, reveals a decline in the proportion of flatmates under 25 – from 32% a decade ago to 26% currently. Simultaneously, the number of renters aged 45 and above has increased from 10% in 2015 to 16% today. This indicates a significant expansion of the older demographic within the shared housing market.

Multigenerational Living and its Challenges

This shift is contributing to a rise in multigenerational households, with significant age gaps between housemates. Nicola Whyte, 45, has shared a house for 16 years and currently lives with a flatmate aged 28. While she enjoys the experience, noting it provides “a deeper understanding of people,” she acknowledges potential challenges. Differing expectations regarding housemate etiquette – such as social hours and cleanliness – can sometimes arise.

Economic Factors Driving the Trend

Experts attribute this change to a combination of factors. Fewer young people are leaving the parental home, and a growing number of older individuals are being priced out of both homeownership and renting independently. Matt Hutchinson, director of SpareRoom, observes that the older cohort is “growing by far the fastest,” challenging the perception that flat sharing is solely a young person’s domain.

The Over-65s Market and Intergenerational Appeal

The trend extends to over-65s sharing their homes with lodgers, a practice that has increased by 38% over the past two years, according to SpareRoom. Thea May, 29, found a rental solution in southwest Wales by sharing a home with Paul Williams, 67, after struggling to find suitable accommodation. Their arrangement has fostered an unexpected friendship, and companionship.

Looking Ahead

If current trends continue, shared housing could become an increasingly common living arrangement across all age groups. Cohabitas, a house-sharing site for over-40s, reports that 18% of recent registrants are open to intergenerational living. However, a lack of purpose-built shared housing developments could exacerbate the issue. Analysts expect that housing charities will continue to raise concerns about rising homelessness among older individuals, potentially leading to increased reliance on shared accommodation as a housing solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is driving the increase in older flatmates?

A combination of fewer under-25s leaving home and older renters being priced out of home ownership and renting solo is thought to be fueling the change in housemate demographics.

What challenges can arise from age-gap house shares?

Differences in housemate etiquette, such as differing ideas about social hours or cleanliness, can sometimes create friction. An older, more independent housemate might struggle with collegiate decision-making, while younger tenants may be more likely to keep antisocial hours or have parties.

Is the over-65s market for shared housing growing?

Yes, the proportion of flatsharers who are 65 and above has tripled in the past decade, although they still only account for 2.4% of the market.

As housing affordability continues to be a concern, how might shared living arrangements evolve to meet the needs of a diverse population?