Flatsharing FAQ
What is a flatshare?
A flatshare is where two or more people live in a property together. Each person usually has their own bedroom. Where the property is a house the term is usually houseshare (although flatshare is often used for both). More about the types of shared accommodation you might find.
Why share?
Sharing is usually cheaper than renting your own place. If you live in a 1 bed flat you still need a bathroom, kitchen and living room. Effectively by sharing you split the cost of these extra rooms. By sharing it's often possible to live in a better property or in a better area than you could afford otherwise.
In addition to the cost factor sharing can also be a great way to live. The social benefits of sharing can be a real advantage. In a recent survey of Spareroom users 58% said that, while the financial benefit is the most important factor, they choose to live in a flatshare for both financial and social reasons.
Who will I be sharing with?
All sorts of people use SpareRoom, from young students to parents whose children have moved out and have a room to let. The average age of SpareRoom's 5 million+ registered users is 32. Our detailed listing and search facilities allow you to specify all sorts of different criteria to help find the ideal flatmate for you.
Isn't it a bit risky?
As with any form of shared accommodation there are always risks. However, with the listing options available on SpareRoom it's easier to narrow down where you want to live and who you want to live with. We also go to great lengths to check listings to filter out any scammers or illegitimate advertisers. We employ real people to check the content of our ads so, while we can't vouch for everyone who uses the site, we can make it as safe as possible to give you peace of mind.
What about lodgers?
The biggest growth sector in sharing at the moment is in people taking in lodgers. As more and more people struggle to afford a mortgage the financial incentives are obvious. From the landlord's point of view it helps to pay the mortgage and, as a lodger, the chances of living in a good property are often increased if it's the landlord's home as well as yours.
Why should I take in a lodger?
The average lodger nowadays is much more like a flatmate than the old fashioned idea of a lodger. Most are professionals who simply can't afford to buy but want a good standard of accommodation, not just a crash pad.
Under the government's Rent a Room scheme you can earn up to £7,500 tax free a year by renting out a room in your house. That's thanks to SpareRoom's successful six year campaign.