Rising rents 'causing death of the love nest'

Thursday, 19 May 2011 10:21 AM

The cosy love nest for two could soon become a thing of the past as the number of couples being forced to share rental homes to save money is booming, according to research from easyroommate.co.uk.

The flatsharing website said the soaring cost of living and property rents is hitting home, with twice as many couples are looking to share with flatmates compared with last year.

Couples looking to live with housemates currently represent 11 per cent of all flat-hunters, according to the site’s analysis of 60,000 room rentals and 35,000 flathunters’ profiles around the UK.

Jonathan Moore, director of easyroommate.co.uk, said the boom in rental prices is taking its toll on couples as much as it is individual tenants.

He said: “Thousands of couples are finding that even when they pool their monthly income, renting a whole property of their own – let alone buying – is currently out of reach.

“For many, the idea of sharing an intimate flat with their partner has had to be placed on the backburner and sharing with flatmates has become a financial necessity.”

Sharing a flat with others is 38 per cent cheaper for couples than having a whole place to themselves, the research suggests.

Monthly rent for the average UK property stands at £687, while the average couple-friendly room costs £426, the website said.
  

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