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According to government statistics, around 8.6 million people rent privately in the UK. And with the cost of living forcing many of us to consider how to cut rent costs, homesharing is becoming increasingly common. But even this doesn’t come cheap; Spareroom research revealed that the average price of renting a room in London in 2025 was £995 per month.
While these stats are gloomy, homeshare programmes offer a glimmer of hope, not only reducing housing costs but also social isolation.
Keep reading to discover what homesharing is, including benefits and how to sign up.
What is a homeshare programme?
Homeshare programmes match older people who would benefit from a little help to live independently in their own homes with people who are happy and able to provide 15 hours of practical help, support, and companionship each week, in exchange for low-cost accommodation.
This support could include anything from making dinner and grocery shopping to gardening and setting reminders, as well as having someone friendly and responsible in their home to chat with.
It’s important to note that homesharing isn’t a care service; it’s about shared living, friendship, and practical day-to-day support.
How does homesharing encourage intergenerational relationships?
According to data provided by the Homeshare Association, the average age of a householder is 83 years old, and the oldest is 104. Meanwhile, the average age of a homesharer is 40, and the youngest is 21.
Homeshare brings different generations together in a living arrangement in which both younger and older people make a valuable contribution; it’s a circle of support.
What are the benefits of homesharing?
Homesharing isn’t new in the UK, but it’s become more popular in recent years, and the 2025 Homeshare Report from the Homeshare Association reveals some of the key reasons for this.
For older homeowners
- Overnight security. Selected by 75% of homesharers as a reason for wanting to homeshare. Simply knowing someone else is in the house can provide invaluable peace of mind.
- Companionship. With over half of homesharers (58%) motivated by loneliness, bereavement, or isolation, homesharing provides regular companionship and human connection that can be difficult to maintain otherwise. Shared mealtimes, conversations, and the simple presence of another person can significantly improve mental wellbeing and quality of life.
- Practical support for those with health challenges. Whether it’s help with daily tasks, assistance related to mobility issues or dementia, or managing long-term conditions, having someone nearby offers reassurance and hands-on help that enables people to remain in their own homes rather than moving to care facilities. This might include help with shopping, light household tasks, or simply being available in case of emergencies.
A note on homesharing and dementia: Dementia affects 982,000 people in the UK in 2024, and this number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Living independently is possible for many people with dementia; they just need some low-level support to help them organise their lives.
Homesharing can offer a low-cost way for people to remain independent and living in their home, which is often what they desperately want.
For older homeowners
- Low-cost accommodation. With the average cost of a room in London sitting at an eye-watering £995, the cost-savings of homesharing can be huge, making it possible to live in areas that might have otherwise been unaffordable.
- Meaningful connections across generations. Living with an older person offers opportunities to build genuine friendships, gain different perspectives, and develop a sense of purpose that goes beyond a typical landlord-tenant relationship.
- Flexible living arrangements. For students, young professionals, or those in transitional life stages, homesharing can offer more flexible terms than traditional rentals, often with furnished accommodation and a more personal living environment.
Caroline Cook, Founder and Director of Share and Care Homeshare, told Rest Less, “One of the most powerful benefits of homeshare is how it brings people together who might otherwise never have met.
“There’s a wonderful balance of independence and interdependence about homeshare. Two sets of people helping each other, and the reciprocity the arrangement brings gives both the householder and the sharer a sense of purpose and value – and I think that’s incredibly strong.”
How homesharing is making a difference
For older homeowners
- Fewer falls. Householders who had a history of falls before starting a homeshare have reduced the frequency of falls by 29%, and 85% stated that they feel more secure.
- Emergency support. 52% of homesharers assisted their householder in an emergency, showing the value of having this type of live-in support.
- Greater comfort and security. 85% of householders felt more comfortable and secure in their home since homesharing, compared to before, and 80% felt that homesharing provides peace of mind.
- Fewer hospital admissions/GP appointments (other than routine). These fell by 41%.
For younger homesharers
- Greater financial security. 61.5% of homesharers stated that homesharing has provided greater financial security, offering affordable accommodation and helping them to save money.
- Friendship and purpose. 55% of homesharers stated that homesharing has reduced their loneliness and given them a friend, plus the fulfilment of supporting someone else.
What does homesharing look like in practice?
Janice and Laura
The Homeshare Association provided some wonderful examples of homeshare matches in their 2025 annual report.
For example, Janice, a 78-year-old retired teacher in London, cherished her time reading and gardening but was struggling with worsening arthritis and growing isolation when she was matched with Laura, a 27-year-old physiotherapy student seeking affordable accommodation.
From the beginning, Laura made it a point to spend evenings with Janice – chatting about their days, sharing stories over a cup of tea, or watching television together – companionship that Janice soon looked forward to and that broke up the long, lonely hours. Laura also helped Janice feel safer at home by reminding her to wear her fall-prevention slippers, keeping hallways well-lit, and assisting with daily tasks and meals that eased the physical strain on Janice’s joints.
What began as a practical arrangement evolved into a genuine intergenerational friendship, with Janice – who had initially been apprehensive about sharing her home – delighted by Laura’s company, while Laura gained a mentor and could focus on her studies without financial strain.
Ahmad and Pratibha
Ahmad and Pratibha Ahmad, 90, and Pratibha, 33, were brought together by Share and Care Homeshare, and their connection is a perfect example of homesharing at its best. What started as a practical arrangement has blossomed into something much deeper – the pair now consider each other family.
Have a watch of the video below to see their day-to-day life together.
Final thoughts…
Whether you or a loved one is looking to ease financial pressures or simply seeking companionship in your living space, homeshare programmes present a practical alternative to traditional private renting.
By connecting people who have spare rooms with those who need affordable accommodation, these schemes create mutually beneficial arrangements that go beyond just cutting costs. As housing affordability continues to challenge millions across the UK, exploring homeshare options could be the key to finding not just a place to live, but a genuine sense of home and community.
Caroline Cook said, “If someone’s considering entering into a homeshare, I know, for an older housesharer, it could be a bit daunting – the idea of having someone move into their home. We completely recognise that, so we take it very, very gently. But you’ve always got to remember that everyone is a stranger until they become a friend.
“We don’t just say, ‘Here you go, you’ve got to have this person; it’s very much about working with you to find the right person to make sure you enjoy them, you’ve met them, you’ve got to know them.
“In one of our recent surveys, we asked our householders and their sharers how quickly they felt settled with each other, and 90% said they felt at home with one another within a matter of days. A few said it took a few weeks, and that’s natural. But really, it’s giving it a chance and realising that everyone can be a genuine friend.”
If you’re ready to take the next step, you can contact the Homeshare Association for free independent advice.
Are you interested in homesharing, either for yourself or a loved one? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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