Over-40s Are Redefining UK HMOs & It’s About Time

When you picture a house-share (or HMOs), who comes to mind? Probably a bunch of 20-somethings crammed into a rental, juggling takeaway containers and Wi-Fi passwords. But more and more housemates these days are in their 40s.

New research has found that 11.5% of people living in shared properties are now over 40. That’s more than one in ten housemates, and it’s reshaping how we think about co-living in the UK.

Does That Mean HMOs Are No Longer Just for Students?

For decades, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) were mostly seen as a rite of passage, somewhere students and early-career professionals bunked up to save cash while figuring out adult life. But that stereotype is falling apart, quietly but steadily.

Modern co-living is a world apart from what it used to be. For years, HMOs were tied to youth, affordability and that post-university phase where people are still finding their feet. But today, it’s a lifestyle people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s are deliberately choosing.

That might surprise some, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Life isn’t so linear anymore. People divorce, change careers, relocate or just decide they want a simpler, more social living setup. And for many, co-living offers just that, a built-in community and a bit less isolation, without the pressures of homeownership or renting solo.

Who Is Leading the Way?

One city, in particular, is blazing a trail in this new co-living trend: Southampton. According to the aforementioned research, 20.2% of over-40s in HMOs live there. That’s more than anywhere else in the country. London is close behind at 19.8%, with cities like Leeds (4.9%), Manchester (4.5%), Portsmouth (4.1%) and Coventry (3.5%) following.

Even traditionally younger rental hubs like Birmingham and Oxford are showing a shift, each hosting just over 2.5% of these older housemates. It’s clear it’s part of a broader change in how Brits live.

Less About Scraping By, More About Living Well

The idea of house-sharing used to be tied tightly to tight budgets. And sure, money still matters but it’s not the only factor anymore.

For many in their 40s and beyond, shared housing isn’t just about saving cash. It’s about flexibility, community, and a different pace of life. Some enjoy the companionship; others like the freedom to move around without being weighed down by mortgages or long-term leases.

In some cases, it’s even about mental health. Living with others can combat loneliness, especially for those going through major life transitions like divorce, career changes or moving to a new city.

Key Takeaway: A Future of Flexible Living

As more people question the traditional housing ladder and reimagine what “home” looks like, the rise of the over-40s in HMOs might just be the beginning of something bigger.

It’s a reminder that housing should be about choice, not just age or circumstance. Whether you're 22 or 52, if co-living works for your lifestyle, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be an option.

So next time someone says shared housing is just for students, you’ll know better. The data’s in, and it tells a different story.