29 is the age house sharing becomes ‘embarrassing’
but 11% still do it, according to new Nationwide research
That equates to 27 million admitting they have felt embarrassed about their living situation
With 69% saying living alone is unaffordable, it’s no surprise the average age of those in house shares is 35
From moving home (12%) to living with an ex (10%), as many as one in 10 Brits are forming ‘rally households’ to cut costs
However nearly half (46%) say these setups have negatively affected their relationships
Despite the cost‑of‑living squeeze, Brits say 29 is the ‘embarrassing’ age for house sharing, but one in ten (11%) are still sharing with parents, friends, or even strangers.
With over two thirds (69%) saying living alone is unaffordable, many are forming ‘Rally Households’ to get creative, pool resources and split costs, pushing shared living up to an average age of 35.
Whether it’s moving back to the family home or even living with an ex, one in ten (11%) say these arrangements have helped them save money. However, they’re not always by choice, and don’t come without challenges. Nearly half (46%) confess that the situations have had a negative impact on their relationships and personal lives. 15% have experienced stress and anxiety and 14% have felt “stuck”, while 8% have reported tension amongst housemates, and some have even delayed major life decisions (7%).
As a result, a whopping 27 million Brits admit they’ve felt embarrassed about their living situation, with a multitude of situations to blame. More than one in five (22%) Gen Zs say they struggle when comparing themselves to peers on social media, while 19% of Millennials say they feel awkward discussing their situations at work.
Florrie, 26 in Surrey, said: “I have been living and working in London for five years, but have never been able to save a penny. I would be counting the pennies before payday came around, and feeling like the tight friend when making plans to go out. As a result, I’ve just moved in with my boyfriend and his parents in his family home in Surrey, and am now commuting into the city. We’re hoping this will help us save for a house or to go travelling.
I definitely feel more relaxed when socialising now, knowing I have more spending capacity rather than checking my bank balance every other round at the pub. But living outside the city can be isolating – my commute is an hour longer than I’m used to, so when you’re feeling tired it’s very easy to opt out of plans. I also feel a little guilty when making plans, as I can no longer host people at my house, and often dictate whereabouts in London we meet up so my journey home is a little easier. People have definitely questioned our living situation too, which has made me feel like I need to justify it – but ultimately this was the best option for us to save some money!”
Vicky said: “I currently live in an owned property with my husband and four children. Of these children, three are over 18 and financially independent. My son moved out three years ago, but his relationship broke down, so he has moved back in with us. The older children are unable to afford to move out or buy a house, which has made our living situation quite challenging.
Since my son moved back, it’s been a struggle because we only have a three-bedroom house. One of my daughters has to stay at her boyfriend’s house because there aren’t enough rooms or beds for everyone, especially since her brother shares a room with his sister.
I have felt embarrassed about our living situation, particularly with four children in a three-bedroom house. It’s not ideal, but we have no choice given our circumstances. Sometimes, I wonder about my future and my relationship, and I feel that not having enough money impacts me, making me feel stuck where I am. The financial strain is a constant concern and affects my overall well-being”
Flo, 65 in London, said: “I own my own home, but began renting out two of the rooms because I was facing financial difficulties and needed an additional source of income. I can’t say that I’ve saved a significant amount of money, but having lodgers has helped me maintain a better quality of life. Having lodgers has sometimes been challenging, mainly due to personality differences and, more frequently, disagreements over household chores. I expect to maintain room rentals until I am in a position to retire”
Richard Stocker, Head of Savings at Nationwide explained:
“Whether it’s saving for a first home, getting on the housing ladder or moving out for the first time it’s important to start with achievable savings goals. Make the most of your ISA allowance, and use a good budgeting app like Nationwide’s Budget Builder, they can do the heavy lifting. With the right tools, getting on top of your money feels far more doable.”
Megan Eighteen, President of ARLA Propertymark (Association of Residential Letting Agents), comments:
“While the findings highlight that many renters begin to feel they have ‘outgrown’ house sharing by their late twenties, this is far less about social preference and more a reflection of ongoing affordability challenges within the housing market.
“For a growing number of people, particularly in high-demand areas, living in shared accommodation is not a choice but a necessity. Higher rent levels, rising living costs, and the barriers to home ownership mean that many renters are staying in house shares for longer than they might have expected.
“What we are seeing across the sector is a clear shift in the demographic of shared living. It is no longer limited to students or those in their early twenties, professionals in their late twenties, thirties and beyond are now a significant part of this market.
“This change is also influencing expectations. Renters are increasingly looking for well-managed, good quality shared homes that offer a balance of affordability, privacy and convenience.
“Ultimately, this trend underlines the need for a diverse and well-supplied private rented sector that can meet a range of needs. Until there is improved affordability and increased housing supply, shared living will remain a key part of the housing landscape for many people.”
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