Shared living is no longer just about saving money. Affordability is still a key driver, but tenants today are looking for flexibility, community, and lifestyle. At COHO, we analysed responses from over 6,000 tenants to uncover the top five reasons people choose shared living and what this tells us about how the sector is evolving.
1. Affordability still leads the way
The most common reason tenants choose shared living is affordability. 58% of tenants said it was the biggest benefit.
For many, affordability is not simply about paying less rent. It is about stretching their budget further so they can live in a home that feels comfortable and social, while avoiding unexpected costs.
A typical tenant is not looking for the cheapest room on the market, but one that represents value for money. That means:
- Rent that feels fair and transparent
- Bills included so there are no surprises
- A property that offers more than the basics
Shared living gives tenants access to homes and locations that might otherwise be out of reach, which is why affordability remains such a strong motivator.
2. Location is just as important
Second on the list is location. Tenants want to live near work, friends, and everything else that makes daily life more convenient.
Living in a shared home within a well connected area offers exactly that: access to transport, shops, gyms, restaurants, and vibrant cities/towns, without paying the price tag of renting alone.
For many tenants, location is as important as the property itself. Our survey highlights how closely tenants link their home to their overall lifestyle. A good location means less time commuting and more time enjoying the things that matter most.
3. Bills included: clarity and convenience
Having bills included came third. Tenants want certainty over what they are paying, and they value the simplicity of a single monthly payment.
This is not just about cost saving, but about removing hassle. Chasing flatmates for money or juggling multiple utility accounts is a common frustration that shared living helps to solve. With bills included, households run more smoothly and tenants feel more secure in their budgeting.
Given the rise and fall of energy prices in recent years, the ability to lock in costs and avoid unpredictable bills has only grown in importance. Properties that offer bills included are increasingly seen as more attractive and easier to manage.
4. Good housemates make all the difference
Over half of tenants (56%) said good housemates made them more eager to move in.
Shared living is more than renting a room. It is about joining a household, and the people within it shape the experience. A good set of housemates can turn a property into a home.
Nearly half of tenants (48.6%) described shared living as sociable by nature
Nearly 40% said they would be more eager to move in if they had a sense of what the housemates were like first
A further 24% said they would want to meet housemates in advance
These figures show just how important compatibility has become. Tenants want more certainty that they will fit in before they sign. For property managers, offering ways to showcase household dynamics and promote compatibility is now a key differentiator.
5. Design that feels like home
Finally, tenants notice when a property is well designed. Great design came fifth on the list.
It does not need to be high end, but it should feel clean, modern, and thoughtfully put together. Small details like communal spaces that encourage interaction, kitchens that work for multiple users, and bedrooms that balance privacy with comfort all have a big impact.
Our survey findings show tenants increasingly expect shared homes to feel like places they can be proud of, rather than just a roof over their heads. For property managers, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Homes that are designed with tenants in mind stand out and encourage longer stays.
What this means for property managers
The priorities highlighted by tenants in 2025 are clear:
- Price alone is not enough. Tenants want affordability combined with value
- Location, convenience, and clarity matter. Bills included and well connected areas win tenants over
- Housemates and design drive satisfaction. Compatibility and presentation affect how long tenants stay
For property managers, this means rethinking shared living beyond cost. Homes that are well run, well designed, and built around compatibility will attract better tenants and reduce turnover.
At COHO, we help property managers run shared living properly, from tenant matching and rent tracking to communication and compliance. When tenants find their people and their place, everyone benefits.
Download the full State of Shared Living 2025 report
The insights in this article come directly from COHO’s tenant survey – the largest of its kind with over 6,000 respondents. The survey goes far deeper into tenant attitudes on affordability, community, design, and the future of shared living.
👉 Download the full State of Shared Living 2025 report here.
If you want to understand what tenants are really looking for, and how to adapt your properties to meet those expectations, the report is essential reading. It explores in detail how shared living is changing, what tenants now expect as standard, and where the biggest opportunities lie for property managers and investors.
Shared living is no longer just about saving money. Affordability is still a key driver, but tenants today are looking for flexibility, community, and lifestyle. At COHO, we analysed responses from over 6,000 tenants to uncover the top five reasons people choose shared living and what this tells us about how the sector is evolving.
1. Affordability still leads the way
The most common reason tenants choose shared living is affordability. 58% of tenants said it was the biggest benefit.
For many, affordability is not simply about paying less rent. It is about stretching their budget further so they can live in a home that feels comfortable and social, while avoiding unexpected costs.
A typical tenant is not looking for the cheapest room on the market, but one that represents value for money. That means:
- Rent that feels fair and transparent
- Bills included so there are no surprises
- A property that offers more than the basics
Shared living gives tenants access to homes and locations that might otherwise be out of reach, which is why affordability remains such a strong motivator.
2. Location is just as important
Second on the list is location. Tenants want to live near work, friends, and everything else that makes daily life more convenient.
Living in a shared home within a well connected area offers exactly that: access to transport, shops, gyms, restaurants, and vibrant cities/towns, without paying the price tag of renting alone.
For many tenants, location is as important as the property itself. Our survey highlights how closely tenants link their home to their overall lifestyle. A good location means less time commuting and more time enjoying the things that matter most.
3. Bills included: clarity and convenience
Having bills included came third. Tenants want certainty over what they are paying, and they value the simplicity of a single monthly payment.
This is not just about cost saving, but about removing hassle. Chasing flatmates for money or juggling multiple utility accounts is a common frustration that shared living helps to solve. With bills included, households run more smoothly and tenants feel more secure in their budgeting.
Given the rise and fall of energy prices in recent years, the ability to lock in costs and avoid unpredictable bills has only grown in importance. Properties that offer bills included are increasingly seen as more attractive and easier to manage.
4. Good housemates make all the difference
Over half of tenants (56%) said good housemates made them more eager to move in.
Shared living is more than renting a room. It is about joining a household, and the people within it shape the experience. A good set of housemates can turn a property into a home.
Nearly half of tenants (48.6%) described shared living as sociable by nature
Nearly 40% said they would be more eager to move in if they had a sense of what the housemates were like first
A further 24% said they would want to meet housemates in advance
These figures show just how important compatibility has become. Tenants want more certainty that they will fit in before they sign. For property managers, offering ways to showcase household dynamics and promote compatibility is now a key differentiator.
5. Design that feels like home
Finally, tenants notice when a property is well designed. Great design came fifth on the list.
It does not need to be high end, but it should feel clean, modern, and thoughtfully put together. Small details like communal spaces that encourage interaction, kitchens that work for multiple users, and bedrooms that balance privacy with comfort all have a big impact.
Our survey findings show tenants increasingly expect shared homes to feel like places they can be proud of, rather than just a roof over their heads. For property managers, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Homes that are designed with tenants in mind stand out and encourage longer stays.
What this means for property managers
The priorities highlighted by tenants in 2025 are clear:
- Price alone is not enough. Tenants want affordability combined with value
- Location, convenience, and clarity matter. Bills included and well connected areas win tenants over
- Housemates and design drive satisfaction. Compatibility and presentation affect how long tenants stay
For property managers, this means rethinking shared living beyond cost. Homes that are well run, well designed, and built around compatibility will attract better tenants and reduce turnover.
At COHO, we help property managers run shared living properly, from tenant matching and rent tracking to communication and compliance. When tenants find their people and their place, everyone benefits.
Download the full State of Shared Living 2025 report
The insights in this article come directly from COHO’s tenant survey – the largest of its kind with over 6,000 respondents. The survey goes far deeper into tenant attitudes on affordability, community, design, and the future of shared living.
👉 Download the full State of Shared Living 2025 report here.
If you want to understand what tenants are really looking for, and how to adapt your properties to meet those expectations, the report is essential reading. It explores in detail how shared living is changing, what tenants now expect as standard, and where the biggest opportunities lie for property managers and investors.
