Brits believe house sharing becomes “embarrassing” by the age of 29, despite one in ten adults continuing to live with others due to affordability pressures, according to new research from Nationwide.

The study found that 69% of people say living alone is unaffordable, pushing the average age of those in shared accommodation up to 35.

Around 11% of adults said they are currently living with parents, friends or strangers, while others are forming so-called “rally households” – including moving back home or even living with an ex – to cut costs. One in ten respondents said such arrangements had helped them save money.

However, nearly half (46%) said shared or multi-generational arrangements had negatively affected their relationships, while 15% reported stress and anxiety and 14% said they felt “stuck”.

The findings suggest the financial pressures of recent years are reshaping living arrangements, with as many as 27 million people saying they have felt embarrassed about their housing situation.

Younger generations appear particularly affected, with 22% of Gen Z respondents saying comparisons on social media make their situation harder, while 19% of millennials feel uncomfortable discussing where they live at work.

Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, believes the trend reflects affordability pressures rather than lifestyle choice. 

“While the findings highlight that many renters begin to feel they have ‘outgrown’ house sharing by their late twenties, this is far less about social preference and more a reflection of ongoing affordability challenges within the housing market,” she said.

“For a growing number of people, particularly in high-demand areas, living in shared accommodation is not a choice but a necessity. Higher rent levels, rising living costs, and the barriers to home ownership mean that many renters are staying in house shares for longer than they might have expected.”

Eighteen added: “What we are seeing across the sector is a clear shift in the demographic of shared living. It is no longer limited to students or those in their early twenties – professionals in their late twenties, thirties and beyond are now a significant part of this market.

“This change is also influencing expectations. Renters are increasingly looking for well-managed, good quality shared homes that offer a balance of affordability, privacy and convenience.

“Ultimately, this trend underlines the need for a diverse and well-supplied private rented sector that can meet a range of needs. Until there is improved affordability and increased housing supply, shared living will remain a key part of the housing landscape for many people.”