Shared living is changing. Once seen as a short-term fix for students and young professionals, it is now becoming a long-term housing choice for a much wider range of tenants. Our latest survey reveals exactly what people want from shared living in 2025: longer tenancies, professional management, compatibility with housemates, and seamless digital experiences. For property managers, these insights show how expectations are evolving and where the real opportunities lie.
Longer tenancies, not just transitions
Shared living is not just a short-term fix.
39% of tenants in shared housing said they have no plans to move.
Nearly 19% of those who did intend to move said their next home would be another house share.
The idea that shared housing is simply a temporary phase is outdated. When homes are well managed and socially compatible, tenants are choosing to stay.
Professionalisation of the sector
As demand rises, scrutiny does too. Tenants are quicker to notice the gap between acceptable and excellent, and they act on it.
Over 62% said a bad property manager would make them want to leave sooner, with maintenance delays being a key trigger.
Tenants want visibility, responsiveness and confidence that someone is actively keeping their home running smoothly. A hands-off approach does not work. When problems go unresolved, trust breaks down quickly.
Filter by compatibility
Tenants want to know who they will be living with.
19% of tenants said housemate compatibility was a key concern.
And yet, more than 70% moved in with little or no idea who their future housemates would be.
40% said better matching of tenants based on lifestyle or interests would make shared living more appealing.
The gap between what tenants want and what they get is an opportunity for improvement. Compatibility is not just about preference. It reduces friction, improves the experience, and encourages longer stays.
Seamless digital experiences
Today’s tenants are digital natives. They expect renting to be fast, transparent and online.
65.6% said they would be less likely to trust a property manager who did not offer a user-friendly move-in and communication process.
Tenants highlighted features they want most from platforms like COHO:
- A clear move-in process showing progress (66%)
- Ability to communicate with property managers via an app or website (56%)
- Reporting and tracking maintenance issues (54%)
- Rent schedules and payments visible in one place (52%)
- Tenancy agreements in one place (44%)
- Separation of bills and fees (38%)
- Welcome packs and compliance documents in one place (36%)
Fragmented systems frustrate tenants. Being asked to juggle multiple apps and platforms does not feel modern. Property managers who meet expectations for a centralised, seamless experience will win trust. Those who do not risk losing it.
The bigger picture
The future of shared living is being shaped by tenants who want:
- Homes that feel stable and long term
- Professional management they can trust
- Compatibility with housemates
- Digital-first systems that simplify renting
For property managers, the message is clear. Meet these expectations and you will attract, retain and build stronger tenant relationships.
FAQs about the future of shared living
Are tenants treating shared living as long-term housing?
Yes. 39% said they have no plans to move, and 19% plan to move into another shared home.
What makes tenants leave shared housing?
Poor property management, especially unresolved maintenance issues, is a key trigger.
Why does compatibility matter so much?
Compatibility reduces conflict, improves tenant satisfaction, and encourages longer tenancies.
What digital features do tenants want most?
A clear move-in process, easy communication with property managers, real-time maintenance tracking and rent/payment visibility.
👉 Want to see all the data shaping the future of shared living? Download the State of Shared Living 2025 report for the full survey insights.
Shared living is changing. Once seen as a short-term fix for students and young professionals, it is now becoming a long-term housing choice for a much wider range of tenants. Our latest survey reveals exactly what people want from shared living in 2025: longer tenancies, professional management, compatibility with housemates, and seamless digital experiences. For property managers, these insights show how expectations are evolving and where the real opportunities lie.
Longer tenancies, not just transitions
Shared living is not just a short-term fix.
39% of tenants in shared housing said they have no plans to move.
Nearly 19% of those who did intend to move said their next home would be another house share.
The idea that shared housing is simply a temporary phase is outdated. When homes are well managed and socially compatible, tenants are choosing to stay.
Professionalisation of the sector
As demand rises, scrutiny does too. Tenants are quicker to notice the gap between acceptable and excellent, and they act on it.
Over 62% said a bad property manager would make them want to leave sooner, with maintenance delays being a key trigger.
Tenants want visibility, responsiveness and confidence that someone is actively keeping their home running smoothly. A hands-off approach does not work. When problems go unresolved, trust breaks down quickly.
Filter by compatibility
Tenants want to know who they will be living with.
19% of tenants said housemate compatibility was a key concern.
And yet, more than 70% moved in with little or no idea who their future housemates would be.
40% said better matching of tenants based on lifestyle or interests would make shared living more appealing.
The gap between what tenants want and what they get is an opportunity for improvement. Compatibility is not just about preference. It reduces friction, improves the experience, and encourages longer stays.
Seamless digital experiences
Today’s tenants are digital natives. They expect renting to be fast, transparent and online.
65.6% said they would be less likely to trust a property manager who did not offer a user-friendly move-in and communication process.
Tenants highlighted features they want most from platforms like COHO:
- A clear move-in process showing progress (66%)
- Ability to communicate with property managers via an app or website (56%)
- Reporting and tracking maintenance issues (54%)
- Rent schedules and payments visible in one place (52%)
- Tenancy agreements in one place (44%)
- Separation of bills and fees (38%)
- Welcome packs and compliance documents in one place (36%)
Fragmented systems frustrate tenants. Being asked to juggle multiple apps and platforms does not feel modern. Property managers who meet expectations for a centralised, seamless experience will win trust. Those who do not risk losing it.
The bigger picture
The future of shared living is being shaped by tenants who want:
- Homes that feel stable and long term
- Professional management they can trust
- Compatibility with housemates
- Digital-first systems that simplify renting
For property managers, the message is clear. Meet these expectations and you will attract, retain and build stronger tenant relationships.
FAQs about the future of shared living
Are tenants treating shared living as long-term housing?
Yes. 39% said they have no plans to move, and 19% plan to move into another shared home.
What makes tenants leave shared housing?
Poor property management, especially unresolved maintenance issues, is a key trigger.
Why does compatibility matter so much?
Compatibility reduces conflict, improves tenant satisfaction, and encourages longer tenancies.
What digital features do tenants want most?
A clear move-in process, easy communication with property managers, real-time maintenance tracking and rent/payment visibility.
👉 Want to see all the data shaping the future of shared living? Download the State of Shared Living 2025 report for the full survey insights.
