From heartbreak to housemates — rising living costs are driving more Aussies to share space with their exes, new research reveals.
Nearly one in five (17 per cent) are keeping the love/hate alive under one roof because it’s cheaper than moving out, with over 800,000 Australians currently cohabiting with a former flame to dodge sky-high housing costs, according to comparison site, Finder.
1 in 5 Aussies are still living with their exes because they can’t afford to move out.
Another 13 per cent have done the ex-as-roomie dance in the past but have since called it quits for good.
Gen Z is leading the pack in ex cohabitation, with a staggering 33 per cent admitting they’ve bunked up with an ex to save cash — far outpacing the 11 per cent of Gen X and five per cent of Baby Boomers who have done the same.
The research found 11 per cent of Gen X-ers are still living with their ex because they can’t afford not to.
Women are also more likely to stay shacked up with an ex, with 19 per cent reporting they’ve done so compared to 16 per cent of men.
Western Australians lead the trend, with 22 per cent admitting to living with an ex after a breakup, followed by 18 per cent in NSW and 17 per cent in Victoria.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said facing the housing market as a single person during the current cost of living crisis was “daunting.”
Graham Cooke, Finder head of research.
“Thousands of Australians decide to separate but remain living together for a prolonged period because they can’t afford to go their separate ways,” Mr Cooke said.
“Living together as a separated couple could be very difficult unless you are on really good terms.”
Mortgages and children also make it more complex to part ways.
“Some homeowners worry they will lose out if they leave the family home before any financial settlement, but moving out doesn’t diminish your legal rights,” Mr Cooke said.
“It’s also incredibly difficult to find suitable accommodation in some parts of Australia right now so staying together under one roof might be the most realistic option in the short-term.”
Relationships Australia national executive officer Nick Tebbey said separation and divorce could have a significant impact on financial stability, and a lack of affordable housing could lead to housing precarity and homelessness for people exiting relationships.
Relationships Australia National Executive Officer Nick Tebbey. Picture: Supplied
“The main priority when considering cohabitation is to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of all family members, including parents and children,” Mr Tebbey said.
“The time surrounding a separation can be one of heightened emotions, including grief, loss, anger, and sadness.
“A prolonged period of cohabitation post separation can elevate these emotions and can lead to more tension and arguments.”
Mr Tebbey said former flame flatmates could work with “clear expectations and firm ground rules”.
“Relationship counselling and dispute resolution services could assist at any stage during the process and help individuals or families to cope with the pressures that arise,” he said.
“It is a good idea that people take regular opportunities for self-care, alone time, and, importantly, reach out to seek help if they need it.”
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