MORE people in their 30s and older are turning to house shares as the cost of living continues to bite.
New research from shared living platform COHO shows that 40.6 per cent of people living in Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are now aged 30 or over, compared to 32.4 per cent the previous year.
The findings are based on responses from more than 5,000 UK house sharers as part of the State of Shared Living Report 2026.
Alejandra Reyes Salinas, a 52-year-old business support officer based in Warrington, found stability through shared living after a long-term relationship ended.
She said: "After my relationship ended, I found myself in a position where living alone simply wasn't affordable.
"Shared living gave me stability when I needed it most.
"I have my own private space, but I also have people around me if I want company.
"It's nice that we're all different ages and professions, from hospital staff to care workers.
"As the eldest, I tend to take on a bit of a 'mum' role, but most importantly, we respect each other's routines, lifestyles and need for space.
"The all-inclusive rent also makes budgeting much easier, allowing me to save money while rebuilding my life."
Ms Salinas found a professional house share in Warrington through COHO after spending time sofa surfing with family and friends.
COHO’s research highlights that affordability is a major factor driving the trend.
Nearly half (48.8 per cent) of sharers moved into their current home to afford living in their preferred area, and 67.4 per cent said house sharing helps them save money.
More than half (55.4 per cent) said it was a lifestyle choice rather than a financial necessity.
Vann Vogstad, founder and CEO of COHO, said: "The profile of today's house sharer also challenges many long-held stereotypes of HMO renters.
"Our research found that among those aged 30 and over, 89 per cent are in paid employment, while across the wider sector 63 per cent work full-time, just under 90 per cent are part-time and around 4 per cent are self-employed."
Ms Salinas believes shared living is often misunderstood.
She said: "People often assume house shares are only for students or young professionals starting out, but that's not the reality.
"I've recommended shared living to friends in their 30s and 40s who are going through major life changes.
"We get on well with our neighbours, and it can be a practical way to get back on your feet without the financial pressure of doing it by yourself."
The report also found that three-quarters (75.4 per cent) of current sharers feel comfortable telling others about their living arrangements, and nearly two-thirds (64.2 per cent) would recommend house sharing to others.
More than four in ten (41.1 per cent) have no plans to move, suggesting that shared living is becoming a long-term housing choice.
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