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London Sharers Save Big with Unique Homeshare Living
27 Jul
Summary
- Homeshare Living matches older householders with companions.
- Sharers provide 10 hours weekly help for reduced accommodation costs.
- Scheme offers financial relief and improved well-being for both.
In a leafy North London neighborhood, Maria, a dental therapist, pays just £200 monthly for housing thanks to a unique homeshare arrangement with 83-year-old Hazel. This setup is part of the Homeshare Living scheme, connecting individuals with spare rooms needing support to live independently with sharers seeking affordable housing.
The scheme sees sharers contribute approximately 10 hours weekly to assist householders with tasks like cleaning and shopping. In return for this support, Maria enjoys significant savings compared to the UK's national average rent of £1,383 per month. Hazel benefits from companionship and practical assistance, noting reduced anxiety since Maria moved in during July 2024.
Both participants pay a monthly fee to the agency, rather than rent to each other. Maria sees this as more than a lodger, less than a carer, gaining financial relief and improved well-being. She hopes to eventually buy her own home, escaping the challenging rental market where available properties have decreased by 25% since before the pandemic.
