Why housemate compatibility matters
When it comes to shared living, the property itself is only half the story. The other half is the people inside it. Tenants told us that the quality of their housemates often decides whether they move in and whether they stay.
Our survey results make this clear. 59% of tenants said that living with a bad housemate would make them leave sooner. That means more voids, higher costs and extra work for property managers. A single poor match can undo months of effort spent finding and onboarding tenants.
Compatibility matters because it directly shapes tenant satisfaction. A household that feels aligned and balanced is far more likely to stay together for longer.
The risks of large households
On paper, larger HMOs may appear more profitable. More rooms, more tenants, more rent. But the survey data shows that bigger is not always better in practice.
78% of tenants told us they prefer living in households of fewer than five people. Once numbers creep higher, the atmosphere of the property often shifts. Instead of feeling like a home, it risks feeling overcrowded, noisy or fragmented.
This matters because the tipping point between comfort and conflict has a direct impact on tenancy length. A property that is too large for tenant preferences is more likely to experience disputes, higher turnover and reduced overall profitability.
The demand for alignment
Compatibility is not just about avoiding conflict. It is about creating a home where tenants feel they belong.
47% of tenants told us they would prefer to live with housemates who share their lifestyle or values, even if it meant paying more. That is a significant number, and it shows that tenants see value in alignment.
This willingness to invest in better compatibility is a clear sign for property managers. It highlights that tenants now expect more than a convenient location and fair rent. They want a living experience that feels personal and sustainable.
What this means for property managers
Tenant preferences for smaller households, aligned lifestyles and long-term stability all have one thing in common: compatibility. For property managers, this is not a soft issue. It directly influences voids, income and the long-term success of shared living.
By focusing on compatibility, property managers can:
- Reduce the risk of early move-outs. A poor match is one of the fastest ways to create turnover.
- Minimise household conflict. Tenants who feel aligned are less likely to clash over daily living.
- Attract stronger tenants. Tenants who value compatibility are often prepared to commit more, both in time and financially.
- Create lasting communities. A positive household dynamic leads to happier tenants and more sustainable shared living.
Compatibility benefits tenants and property managers equally. For tenants, it means a better living experience. For property managers, it means fewer voids, less churn and stronger returns.
FAQs about shared living compatibility
Do tenants really leave because of bad housemates?
Yes. 59% of tenants told us they would leave a property sooner if they had a bad housemate.
What is the ideal household size for tenants?
According to our survey, 78% of tenants prefer sharing with fewer than five housemates.
Are tenants willing to pay more for compatibility?
47% said they would choose a household with people who share their values or lifestyle, even if it cost more.
Why should property managers focus on this?
Because compatibility reduces voids, increases tenancy length and improves the overall performance of shared living.
Why this matters in shared living
A property can be beautifully designed and well located, but if the household dynamic fails, tenants will leave. Compatibility is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a deciding factor in tenant behaviour.
By listening to what tenants want, property managers can create homes that are easier to fill, easier to manage and more profitable in the long run.
👉 Want to see the full picture? Download the State of Shared Living 2025 report to explore all the survey insights.
Why housemate compatibility matters
When it comes to shared living, the property itself is only half the story. The other half is the people inside it. Tenants told us that the quality of their housemates often decides whether they move in and whether they stay.
Our survey results make this clear. 59% of tenants said that living with a bad housemate would make them leave sooner. That means more voids, higher costs and extra work for property managers. A single poor match can undo months of effort spent finding and onboarding tenants.
Compatibility matters because it directly shapes tenant satisfaction. A household that feels aligned and balanced is far more likely to stay together for longer.
The risks of large households
On paper, larger HMOs may appear more profitable. More rooms, more tenants, more rent. But the survey data shows that bigger is not always better in practice.
78% of tenants told us they prefer living in households of fewer than five people. Once numbers creep higher, the atmosphere of the property often shifts. Instead of feeling like a home, it risks feeling overcrowded, noisy or fragmented.
This matters because the tipping point between comfort and conflict has a direct impact on tenancy length. A property that is too large for tenant preferences is more likely to experience disputes, higher turnover and reduced overall profitability.
The demand for alignment
Compatibility is not just about avoiding conflict. It is about creating a home where tenants feel they belong.
47% of tenants told us they would prefer to live with housemates who share their lifestyle or values, even if it meant paying more. That is a significant number, and it shows that tenants see value in alignment.
This willingness to invest in better compatibility is a clear sign for property managers. It highlights that tenants now expect more than a convenient location and fair rent. They want a living experience that feels personal and sustainable.
What this means for property managers
Tenant preferences for smaller households, aligned lifestyles and long-term stability all have one thing in common: compatibility. For property managers, this is not a soft issue. It directly influences voids, income and the long-term success of shared living.
By focusing on compatibility, property managers can:
- Reduce the risk of early move-outs. A poor match is one of the fastest ways to create turnover.
- Minimise household conflict. Tenants who feel aligned are less likely to clash over daily living.
- Attract stronger tenants. Tenants who value compatibility are often prepared to commit more, both in time and financially.
- Create lasting communities. A positive household dynamic leads to happier tenants and more sustainable shared living.
Compatibility benefits tenants and property managers equally. For tenants, it means a better living experience. For property managers, it means fewer voids, less churn and stronger returns.
FAQs about shared living compatibility
Do tenants really leave because of bad housemates?
Yes. 59% of tenants told us they would leave a property sooner if they had a bad housemate.
What is the ideal household size for tenants?
According to our survey, 78% of tenants prefer sharing with fewer than five housemates.
Are tenants willing to pay more for compatibility?
47% said they would choose a household with people who share their values or lifestyle, even if it cost more.
Why should property managers focus on this?
Because compatibility reduces voids, increases tenancy length and improves the overall performance of shared living.
Why this matters in shared living
A property can be beautifully designed and well located, but if the household dynamic fails, tenants will leave. Compatibility is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a deciding factor in tenant behaviour.
By listening to what tenants want, property managers can create homes that are easier to fill, easier to manage and more profitable in the long run.
👉 Want to see the full picture? Download the State of Shared Living 2025 report to explore all the survey insights.
