The trend in house sharing in the UK is shifting as the number of people, beyond their 50’s, who find house sharing a more practical way to live, have increased, according to recent data from top room share platform, ideal flatmate.

Recent figures gathered from ideal flatmate’s room share listings from around the country show that room share tenants are mostly in their thirties.

Of late, the viability of sharing a house and splitting the rent to minimize the high cost, especially in the capital cities, is now very much preferred by most. And according to ideal flatmate, from last year, they have observed a 24% rise in the number of tenants who would rather share a room.

Age bracket of room share tenants based on ideal flatmate’s 2018 listings:

* 18-25 or 43%
* 25-35 or 36%
* 35-45 or 13%
* 45-55 or 6%
* 55-over 2%

From last year’s 2%, the number of 55-over users of the popular platform who are either looking to apply for a room sharing or to fill an extra space has increased by 74%. And although the numbers are still quite low, the jump is still quite significant, according to ideal flatmate’s co-founder, Tom Gatzen:

“While the older age brackets still account for a very small number of room share applicants as a whole, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of people over 50 opting to search for either a housemate or a spare room for themselves.

Changing Perceptions
I think perceptions are starting to change and there has been a number of great stories around older people welcoming others into their homes, particularly younger roommates. Previously it carried a bit of stigma, much like living with your parents at the age of 30 use to, but as rents continue to climb and the issue of affordability grows ever larger, I think people of all ages are starting to band together and tackle the rental market in whatever way they can.

The ability to verify people and the information and checks required has also provided an additional layer of security for elderly applicants and as more of the older population becomes silver surfers, their ability to adapt and adopt new technology has changed the way they do things from shopping to contacting family, and now even renting.

Age is just a number and it’s one that doesn’t seem to hold any bearing whatsoever when looking for that ideal flatmate and we expect that the fabric of the UK rental sector will continue to evolve as a result of this diversity and acceptance.”

With the housing situation in the UK as it is, the numbers will continue to grow, especially in the major cities where people flock for employment or better circumstances. The practicality of room or house sharing is currently the best option to address the increasing cost of decent lodgings and still have enough money to live by.

SIGN UP TODAY TO APEX27 CRM

Create your free trial account today or contact us to arrange a demo.

ARRANGE A DEMO INSTANT SIGN UP
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LETTINGS & ESTATE AGENT SOFTWARE

FEATURED ARTICLES