A shift is taking place in Britain's housing market, with younger renters increasingly opting for multigenerational flatmates over traditional shared living arrangements.
The SpareRoom survey of over 3,500 flatmates reveals that those aged under-35 are now making up just 26% of the market, a decline from 32% five years ago. In contrast, renters aged 45 and above have seen their share increase to 16%, up from 10% in 2015.
The rise of multigenerational households is also on the rise, with nearly two-fifths of respondents stating that they live in a house where there is an age difference of at least 20 years between the oldest and youngest adult. One notable example is Nicola Whyte, who has been living with her flatmates for 16 years, despite initially not imagining it would happen.
Whyte, now 45, credits the reasonable rent and close proximity to work as reasons why she's remained in her house share. However, others have found unexpected friendships within their shared living arrangements. Thea May, 29, found a compatible match with her elderly housemate Paul Williams after posting on Facebook for someone looking for a flatmate.
The trend towards multigenerational sharing is thought to be driven by fewer young people leaving home and rising housing costs, which have priced out many from homeownership. Experts claim that this shift in demographics could have significant implications if not addressed.
With the proportion of 65-year-olds living with lodgers more than tripling over the past decade, experts argue it's only a matter of time before homelessness among older generations becomes a major issue. Housing charities warn of increasing numbers of single older people being forced into house shares as they enter retirement.
While some see this trend as an opportunity for companionship and social interaction, others raise concerns about potential conflicts between flatmates from different age groups. However, many have reported positive experiences with their intergenerational household dynamics, highlighting the benefits of shared living arrangements beyond age alone.
The SpareRoom survey of over 3,500 flatmates reveals that those aged under-35 are now making up just 26% of the market, a decline from 32% five years ago. In contrast, renters aged 45 and above have seen their share increase to 16%, up from 10% in 2015.
The rise of multigenerational households is also on the rise, with nearly two-fifths of respondents stating that they live in a house where there is an age difference of at least 20 years between the oldest and youngest adult. One notable example is Nicola Whyte, who has been living with her flatmates for 16 years, despite initially not imagining it would happen.
Whyte, now 45, credits the reasonable rent and close proximity to work as reasons why she's remained in her house share. However, others have found unexpected friendships within their shared living arrangements. Thea May, 29, found a compatible match with her elderly housemate Paul Williams after posting on Facebook for someone looking for a flatmate.
The trend towards multigenerational sharing is thought to be driven by fewer young people leaving home and rising housing costs, which have priced out many from homeownership. Experts claim that this shift in demographics could have significant implications if not addressed.
With the proportion of 65-year-olds living with lodgers more than tripling over the past decade, experts argue it's only a matter of time before homelessness among older generations becomes a major issue. Housing charities warn of increasing numbers of single older people being forced into house shares as they enter retirement.
While some see this trend as an opportunity for companionship and social interaction, others raise concerns about potential conflicts between flatmates from different age groups. However, many have reported positive experiences with their intergenerational household dynamics, highlighting the benefits of shared living arrangements beyond age alone.
I think its wild how younger folks are embracing multigenerational flatmates now that they can't afford to live on their own. Its like a natural experiment in how different age groups interact and learn from each other. 
I've got some family members who do this sort of thing and honestly, it's been amazing to see the friendships form between the old and young. Thea May's story is so inspiring! 
It just goes to show that with a bit of flexibility and open-mindedness, age can be just a number when it comes to living together. 
. And don't even get me started on the potential conflicts – I've seen it happen with friends and family members who just can't seem to get along 
. Plus, what about all these people getting priced out of their own homes? It's like, isn't that supposed to be a basic human right or something? 
I'm low-key surprised by this trend 
The SpareRoom survey shows that multigenerational flatmates can be a win-win – rent is split and social connections are made! 
But what's interesting is that older renters are also driving this shift. A report by the Centre for Ageing and Adult Wellbeing found that 1 in 5 older adults (65+ years) live with someone else, often as a result of health or mobility issues 
. And don't even get me started on the whole idea of 65-year-olds living with lodgers - what's next, granny Airbnb's? 
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. And yeah, some folks might say it's cool to have older housemates and all that, but let's be real, there's a reason why we've always had like, strict age limits for roommates, right? 
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. I just hope these multigenerational flats don't end up being some crazy experiment gone wrong 
. Like, what about personal space and all that jazz? Can we at least get a clear set of rules or something? 
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. But at the same time, you gotta wonder about the potential conflicts between older and younger generations... like, how do they navigate those age gaps? 
. But hey, it's also great to hear about all the positive experiences out there where people are forming friendships across age lines 
my mom still lives with me and she's 72 lol I know it might sound weird but we actually love having her here too she makes the best lasagna ever 
. Maybe its just me being paranoid but I think we need to make sure that everyone's voice is heard and respected in these shared living arrangements 
And what about the fact that some of these shared housing arrangements might not be voluntary? Like, if you can't afford a place on your own, but then you have to live with some old aunt/uncle cuz... it's just not ideal 
. Its great to see how some are making it work and even finding friendships in the process. The problem is, I'm not sure if more governments should be stepping in to help regulate these kinds of living situations or not. Some ppl might need support with things like accessibility and accommodations for their age-related needs 
. and yeah, housing prices r pretty insane right now, don't know how ppl can afford this kinda thing... maybe we'll see more of these house shares poppin up? 
! it's all about finding common ground and making a plan work, right? 
he sounds like a cool guy, and its awesome that they met through facebook. my friends sister has been living with her grandma since she left college and it sounds like it worked out pretty well for them too 
more ppl should b tryna find companionship & social interaction through shered livin 
Still, I think it's a positive sign that people are finding ways to make this work - like Nicola Whyte and her Facebook flatmate match