Nearly half of all Aussies renting in share houses are at least 40 years old

The typical Aussie living in a share house is not a student in their early 20s – but a worker well into their 40s, according to new national data. Research by share house management app Homerun found 44 per cent of all Australians living in a share house are 40 years or older, the largest of the recorded age groups. Meanwhile, only 16 per cent are 25 and under, despite being the face of the share house lifestyle. Aussies over 40 are now the largest age group living in share houses today – not the stereotypical Gen Z renter. Homerun founder Scott McKeon said no formal bodies specifically supported share houses – but the numbers revealed the public needed to change their perception on renters in 2026. “Share housing is a far more permanent housing class than the public perceives, and the profile of who lives in one is much broader than the stereotype,” he said. “Share houses are under-represented and underserviced. Co-living with people you are not related to comes with its own problems, and very little is built for them.” Homerun’s Sharehouse Generation Report claimed 44 per cent of share house residents are above 40 years of age, while only 16 per cent are 25 and below. The Shareho...