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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jessica Murray Social affairs correspondent

‘16 years later, I’m not unhappy’: the rise of Britain’s multigenerational flatmates

Thea May, 29, holds a book while sitting next to her housemate Paul Williams, who is holding a guitar, at their home in Cardigan, West Wales
When Thea May, 29, moved to south-west Wales for a new job, she couldn’t find anywhere to rent. In desperation, her mum posted on a local Facebook group and Paul Williams, 67, replied. Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/The Guardian

When Nicola Whyte first moved into a four-bedroom house share in Balham 16 years ago, she never imagined she would still be living there at 45. But with rents soaring, and ongoing challenges in saving up for a house deposit, she has ended up as a housemate far longer than she anticipated.

“I didn’t think I was going to be here 16 years later, but I’m not unhappy,” she said. “My friends sometimes think I’m a bit weird, they ask me how I can still do it. But I really enjoy it. The rent is really reasonable, it’s close to work and I think it gives you a deeper understanding of people.”

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