Think sharehouses are just for young people? Think again!

We asked 3 people how they came to have flatmates later in life. It turns out that sharehouse living offers the perfect blend of companionship, affordability and flexibility.

By Carolyn Tate

When we think of a ‘sharehouse’ the image that often comes to mind is one of young people, fresh out of uni, navigating their first jobs and adult responsibilities together – usually with a sink full of dirty dishes and a sack of washing to bring home to Mum on the weekends. 

But the reality is that sharehouse living can be a fantastic option for people of all ages. In fact, there is a growing trend of shared households populated by older Australians, which is attributed to a combination of shifting social norms and a decline in affordable rental properties. This is particularly acute in Australia’s capital cities but is also evident in regional centres across the country.

But it isn’t always about affordability. For many older adults, sharehouses also offer the perfect blend of companionship and flexibility that can offer a big boost to their quality of life.

To delve a bit deeper into these reasons, we spoke to Peter, Linda and Sue – 3 people who found themselves in need of a new living arrangement and a sharehouse offered the perfect fit.

“The loneliness was worrying me a bit”  

Peter*, 55, Brisbane

After separating from his wife of 27 years, Peter found himself in a big, empty house that he says felt more like a reminder of what he had lost than a home. 

Peter’s three kids had grown up and moved out, and he was feeling lonely and worried about finances, so when he saw a notice at his work about some colleagues looking for a housemate, he decided to give it a try.

"Moving into a sharehouse seemed like the perfect solution,” Peter says. “I wanted to downsize and save on living expenses – and to be honest, the loneliness that had started to set in was worrying me a bit."

Living with Hassan, 36, and Janelle, 49, has brought a sense of community and support that Peter really values. They share meals and talk about their day, and they’ve even developed a system to manage household chores that keeps everything running smoothly.

But living in a sharehouse is not without its challenges, says Peter.

"For example, Hassan works late and can be a bit noisy when he comes home, which sometimes keeps me awake," Peter says.

But despite these minor hurdles, Peter says the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

"Overall, it’s been a good change for me, especially during this transitional period where I’m still adjusting to not being married," he says.

"I was afraid of moving into a place by myself”

Christine*, 62, Adelaide 

Christine’s journey to sharehouse living began after she left her relationship due to domestic violence, seeking a safe and supportive environment. She found her current home through a local women’s support group, and she says moving in has been a transformative experience.

"I was afraid of moving into a place by myself, and a friend suggested I look into sharehouses as an option – it seemed like a good fit from the start," Christine says.

Living with her housemate Sarah, 47, who also has experience of domestic violence, has created a strong bond between them.

"Having someone who understands what you’ve been through has made a huge difference for both of us," Christine explains.

While she is loving her new life and living with Sarah, the change has presented some trust issues, and Christine says navigating different living habits has required some adjustment.

"At first, it was tough to open up and trust someone new, even though Sarah was lovely and very patient," Christine says.

Over time, the new friends developed a supportive and respectful relationship, often sharing dinners and planning adventures together.

"Living with Sarah has given me a sense of family and belonging that I was missing," she says. “Financially, sharing rent and utilities has also been a massive relief because I really left with nothing.”

"I like the closer connections with my housemates”

Sue*, 70, Melbourne

For Sue, the decision to move into a sharehouse came after she decided she didn’t love the idea of a retirement village, because she wanted a more personalised and flexible living arrangement. 

After considering various options, she found that a sharehouse offered the intimate environment and independence she was looking for. 

"I like the closer connections with my housemates, which is harder to achieve in larger retirement villages," Sue explains, adding with a wink: “Plus, retirement villages are full of oldies, and I wanted someone with a bit of get-up-and-go!”

Sue now lives with Emma, 53, a graphic designer. Their shared interests in bushwalking and cooking have helped them to bond.

"Living with Emma has given me a sense of community and friendship that I was looking for," Suse says.

After living alone for the past four years, since her husband Ken passed away, Sue says “breaking in a new one” wasn’t simple from day one.

"We had to figure out how to split household chores and respect each other’s schedules, which is something I never thought I’d have to worry about again" Sue shares. “One night, I just about starved waiting to make myself beans on toast, while Emma cooked an elaborate 3 course dinner for her friends, but we had a good chat afterwards and worked out a clearer system for sharing the kitchen.”

Despite these minor hiccups, Sue says the financial savings and the companionship of living with Emma are big perks.

"It feels more like home [than a retirement village would], and I can live the way I want without too many adjustments," she says.

Sharehouse living is for everyone 

The experiences of Peter, Christine, and Sue show that sharehouse living really can be for anyone, as long as you find the right fit. If you’re looking for companionship, financial relief, or a sense of community, a sharehouse could be the answer.

If you’d like to give it a try, you might like to search local community boards, support groups, and online platforms like Flatmates or Flatmate Finders. Social media groups and local community centres can also be great places to find potential housemates – and don’t forget the simple power of asking around among your social circle.

Take the time to meet and get to know your potential housemates to make sure they’re a good fit – it’s much easier to say no before someone is living in your house!

You might just find the perfect blend of friendship, affordability, and support, and a whole new chapter of your life could be about to begin. 

*Names have been changed due to the personal nature of these stories.

You might also like:

Don't sell your home until you understand the downsizer bonus

The pitfalls and benefits of renting in retirement

How to unlock the benefits of home ownership if you're still renting