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As the housing crisis continues to deepen across Britain, a surprising trend is emerging within the rental market: a rise in multigenerational house shares. An increasing number of individuals from different age groups are choosing to live together, creating unique bonds and fostering companionship amid the challenges of soaring rents and a scarcity of affordable housing.
Changing Demographics in Rental Living
The landscape of house sharing has transformed significantly in recent years, with data from SpareRoom highlighting a notable shift in tenant demographics. Traditionally, flat shares have been dominated by young adults under the age of 25, but this group now comprises only 26% of the market—a decline from 32% a decade ago. Meanwhile, renters aged 45 and older have surged to make up 16% of the share, up from just 10% in 2015. This change hints at a broader societal shift, as both younger and older generations navigate the complex realities of housing.
Nicola Whyte, who has spent 16 years living in a four-bedroom house share in Balham, reflects on her experience: “I didn’t think I would still be here at 45, but I’m not unhappy. The rent is affordable, it’s close to my work, and I find it enriching to live with a diverse group of people.” Her current flatmate is 28—17 years her junior—demonstrating the growing trend of mixed-age households.
The Rise of Intergenerational Living
The increase in older tenants is not merely a statistical anomaly; it is reshaping the very nature of house sharing. Nearly 40% of flatmates report living in homes where the age difference between the youngest and oldest resident exceeds 20 years. While age differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings—particularly regarding social habits—many find that compatibility as housemates often transcends age.
Experts attribute this demographic shift to multiple factors. Fewer young adults are moving out of their family homes, while older renters are frequently priced out of the housing market, forced to seek shared living arrangements as a viable alternative. Matt Hutchinson, director of SpareRoom, notes, “People have a perception that flat sharing is exclusively for youngsters, but the reality is that the older demographic is growing rapidly.”
In this new landscape, over-65s are increasingly welcoming lodgers into their homes, a trend that has surged by 38% in just two years. Paul Williams, 67, recently became a housemate to 29-year-old Thea May after she struggled to find affordable housing in south-west Wales. Initially wary of their age difference, May quickly discovered a meaningful friendship blossoming between them. “It provides a level of purpose, friendship, and companionship for both of us,” she shared. “I feel very lucky and it’s quite a profound experience.”
The Future of Renting: A Call for Change
As the market adapts to these new realities, organisations such as Cohabitas are emerging to cater specifically to older renters. Co-founder Nick Henley revealed that a significant portion of new registrants express interest in intergenerational living arrangements. “The majority of people will have to house share in the future; that’s the way things are going,” he said, advocating for more shared housing developments tailored to diverse age groups.
Despite rising numbers of older adults entering shared living situations, the issue remains largely overlooked. As housing charities raise alarms about increasing homelessness among those over 60, it is evident that a societal shift is needed to recognise and address the challenges faced by this demographic.
Why it Matters
The growing trend of multigenerational house sharing reflects a profound shift in societal structures and attitudes towards living arrangements. It highlights not only the pressing need for affordable housing but also the potential for enriching relationships across generations. As more people are forced to reconsider what home looks like, fostering connections between age groups could provide both practical solutions to housing crises and a deeper sense of community. Addressing these challenges head-on is crucial, as it impacts not just individual lives but the fabric of society as a whole.
