WELLBEING

Why more Aussies are embracing share house living in later life

29 May, 2023 . 0

If you’re an older Australian looking to save on cost of living, or looking for company, house-sharing could be a win-win. Here’s how to make it work.

Sharing a house is no longer the domain of uni students and backpackers keen to split the bills, the chores and the odd bottle of wine or two.

Now, rising numbers of adults in their 40s, 50s and even older are choosing to bunk together.

House-sharing website Flatmates.com.au had its busiest April on record, with the most site visits and active members.

Members in the 45-65-plus age bracket has increased by 8.5 per cent.

But the dynamics of a share house later in life can be very different to living together in our 20s and 30s – here’s how to navigate the major hurdles to help foster a harmonious household.

Who’s looking to share homes – and why?

Flatmates.com.au community manager Claudia Conley says listings for flatmates on the site vary from single parents to empty nesters and even seniors in their 70s and 80s.

“We’ve always had a diverse community, but the older demographic is definitely growing,” Claudia says.

“I think it’s a combination of things – there’s a loneliness epidemic, the cost of living is rising, and we have an ageing population… and people don’t want to go into aged-care homes.”

How to find the right housemate

Chances are you don’t want a party house in middle age so when starting your search for a housemate, be specific about the traits you want and the type of household you want to create.

“Lay out your expectations in writing, from sharing food and condiments, to whether you can have friends or partners over to stay,” Claudia advises.

“If you own your own home and are renting to someone younger, make sure your lifestyles are compatible; if you are a social person and want to have meals together and watch TV together, make sure you state this at the start.”

She says it’s also crucial to be clear on which costs will be shared, and if bills are included in the rent, before moving day.

Communication is key to happy house-sharing

Like any relationship, the key to a happy household is communication, Claudia says.

Whether your housemate is playing music too loudly or shirking their cleaning responsibilities, it’s important to politely knock any grievances on the head as they come up.

“The best way to cause tension is to let things build up, so address issues straightaway, ideally in person,” she says.

Psychologist Phil Slade says moving into an established household later in life can bring its own challenges.

“That’s where communication is crucial, and working together, rather than the new person being expected to just fit into your world,” Phil says.

“You need to know the rules of engagement, on both sides,” he says.

‘We love living together’: Moving in with a best mate at 58

For Sydney business owner and Australian Tapping Institute founder Lorna Hollinger, 58, moving in with her best friend last year was a no-brainer.

“I didn’t enjoy living alone, I’m single and my sons are grown up,” Lorna says.

She says she also had a large mortgage, which she was struggling to pay off on her own.

“(My friend) Kathy and I used to joke that we’d move in together in old age and look after each other, but I never expected to be doing it in my 50s!”

She says she had no hesitation when her former travel buddy invited her to move in with her and her husband.

Lorna helps with the cooking, cleaning and caring for Kathy’s husband, George, 70, and has two of her own rooms, including a home office.

“We love living together,” she says.

“We make it work through respect, open communication, fun and laughter – we have family movie nights some nights but also spend a lot of time apart.”

More on living better in middle age – and beyond:

Written by Elissa Doherty.