16 years later, I'm not unhappy': the rise of Britain's multigenerational flatmates

"'I didn't think I was going to be here 16 years later, but I'm not unhappy,' she said. 'My friends sometimes think I'm a bit weird, they ask me how I can still do it. But I really enjoy it. The rent is really reasonable, it's close to work and I think it gives you a deeper understanding of people.'"

"Data from SpareRoom, the UK's leading website for flat and house shares, has shown a significant shift in the market in recent years, with roommates under 35 in decline and those aged over 35 on the rise. Their survey of more than 3,500 flatmates showed that under-25s now make up just 26% of the market, down from 32% a decade ago, while renters 45 and above now make up 16%, up from 10% in 2015."

Rents have risen and saving for house deposits remains difficult, pushing many older renters to remain in or return to shared housing. SpareRoom data shows a decline in under-25 flatmates and a rise in those over 35, with renters aged 45+ increasing from 10% to 16% since 2015. Multigenerational households are growing, with almost two-fifths of flatmates living where the age gap between oldest and youngest adult is 20 years or more. Large age gaps can create etiquette and lifestyle tensions, though compatibility often depends more on individual personalities than age alone.

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