Flat sharing has long been the default solution for renting in London. For decades, it offered the most
accessible way to live in desirable locations while keeping costs manageable. As London moves beyond 2026,
however, flat sharing is no longer an automatic choice — and for some renters, it may no longer make sense at all.
This in-depth guide explores whether flat sharing will remain a viable and attractive option between 2026
and 2030, examining costs, supply pressures, lifestyle changes, and how the answer differs by London borough.
Why Flat Sharing Is Being Re-Evaluated
The reasons people shared homes in the past were simple: affordability, flexibility, and location. Those
reasons still exist, but the conditions around them have changed.
After 2026, renters are reassessing flat sharing due to:
- Narrowing cost differences between rooms and small studios
- Increased desire for privacy and control
- Hybrid work making home quality more important
- Stricter HMO regulations affecting availability
The Real Cost of Flat Sharing After 2026
While flat sharing is still cheaper on paper, the financial advantage is becoming less clear in many boroughs.
Typical Monthly Room Costs (2026–2030)
- Inner London: £850–£1,100
- Outer London: £650–£900
Once additional costs are factored in — such as shared utilities, higher turnover, and frequent moves — the
long-term savings compared to solo renting can be smaller than expected.
Studios vs Flat Shares: The Shrinking Gap
In several outer and transitional boroughs, the price difference between renting a room and renting a studio
is narrowing significantly.
Boroughs where this gap is smallest include:
- Croydon
- Newham
- Lewisham
- Barking & Dagenham
- Enfield
In these areas, renters may pay only £300–£400 more per month for full privacy — a trade-off many increasingly
consider worthwhile.
Supply Pressures: Why Good Flat Shares Are Harder to Find
The issue is not whether flat shares exist — but whether good-quality flat shares exist.
After 2026, supply is tightening due to:
- Landlords exiting the HMO market
- Rising compliance and licensing costs
- Local councils limiting new HMOs
- Conversion of shared homes into single-family rentals
As a result, renters face increased competition for compliant, well-managed shared homes.
Lifestyle Shifts Are Redefining “Value”
Flat sharing was once socially attractive, especially for younger renters. While this remains true for some,
lifestyle expectations are shifting.
Renters increasingly prioritise:
- Private workspace
- Control over noise and routines
- Predictable household dynamics
- Mental wellbeing and personal space
These factors make sharing less appealing for renters planning to stay in one home for more than 18–24 months.
Inner London Boroughs: Sharing Still Dominates
In boroughs such as Camden, Hackney, Islington, and Westminster, flat sharing will continue to dominate due to:
- Extremely high solo rental costs
- Limited studio and one-bed supply
- High renter turnover
In these areas, sharing remains a necessity rather than a preference for most renters.
Outer Boroughs: Where Flat Sharing May Decline
In outer boroughs, the calculus is different. As studio supply grows and renters stay longer, flat sharing may
decline in relative importance.
Boroughs where this shift is most visible include:
- Croydon
- Bexley
- Havering
- Sutton
In these locations, sharing increasingly becomes a transitional stage rather than a long-term solution.
Who Flat Sharing Will Still Make Sense For
Flat sharing will continue to suit:
- Students and early-career professionals
- Short-term residents
- Those prioritising central locations
- Renters with highly flexible lifestyles
Who May Move Away from Flat Sharing
Renters increasingly moving away from shared housing include:
- Remote and hybrid workers
- Renters planning multi-year stays
- Those seeking stability and privacy
- Couples transitioning out of shared homes
What This Means for Landlords
Landlords operating HMOs face a more polarised market. High-quality, well-managed flat shares will remain in
demand, while poorly maintained properties may struggle to attract long-term tenants.
Looking Ahead: Flat Sharing After 2030
Flat sharing will not disappear from London, but its role is evolving. After 2026, it increasingly functions
as a stepping stone rather than a permanent solution.
Renters who understand when sharing adds value — and when it no longer does — will make more sustainable
housing choices in the years ahead.
