Seniors flock to share homes as living costs rise – realestate.com.au

Queensland’s shared housing is no longer just for students, with three in five residents saying they were forced there by the cost of living crisis, and many are aged between 55 and 64.

Flatmates’ 2025 National Share Accommodation Survey, which included 4,500 respondents, shows Queenslanders’ reliance on shared housing has grown dramatically – and now includes not just students and young professionals, but also retirees and seniors struggling to cope.

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The cost of living is driving more older Australians into cohabitation, according to a new Flatmates survey. Source: Flatmates.com.au

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The survey also found that 70 percent of respondents across the country believe the Australian dream of owning a home is now out of reach for young people.

Roommates have seen a 60 percent increase in the number of people looking for shared housing since January 2021.

More than half (55.1 percent) of those who listed a spare room on Flatmates said they did so because of the financial burdens associated with home ownership, including rates and energy prices.

In Queensland, 48.9 per cent of respondents said they turned to the shared housing market because they “couldn’t afford” the costs of owning their own property.

These statistics highlight the real pressures Queenslanders face just to keep a roof over their heads, with growing concerns about the situation for seniors and retirees.

Flat sharing saw the largest demographic increase among Queenslanders aged 55-64, from 12.3 per cent in 2024 to 16.4 per cent in 2025.

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This private room with shared bathroom in Brisbane City costs $400 per week, including bills with a view of the Story Bridge. Source: Flatmates.com.au

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The data shows that the ‘common perception’ that shared accommodation is for students has been reversed, with 79 per cent of respondents saying they are ‘not currently studying at all’ – up from 71 per cent the year before.

A whopping 69.2 per cent of Queensland householders said share housing was a ‘practical solution’ that helped them save money.

In addition to financial benefits, shared housing also offers social and emotional benefits, with housemates forming close personal bonds.

About half of Australian respondents admit their shared home feels like home, while relationships with roommates motivated 11 percent to move in together.

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71% of respondents in share properties said the schemes helped them save more. Source: Flatmates.com.au

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On average, respondents rated their relationship with housemates 4.2 out of 5.

Despite the negative connotations of shared housing and the financial pressures impacting their situation, Australians living in shared housing report satisfaction and increased financial security.

However, the ongoing cost of living and housing crisis means more Australians are expected to “turn to shared housing”, as the Australian dream continues to slip from the grasp of both younger and older generations.

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