Homeshare Week 2026 starts today, celebrating how sharing a home can support independence, companionship and relationships that work both ways.
From Monday 28th September to Sunday 4th October, we’ll be resharing stories and content from organisations across the Homeshare UK network on our social media channels, helping more people see what Homeshare looks like in practice.
Recent Office for National Statistics figures show that around 8.6 million people lived alone in the UK in 2025, with people aged 65 and over accounting for almost half – 49.6%.
At the same time, the average UK private rent reached £1,393 a month in July 2026, up 3.7% in a year.
Against that backdrop, Homeshare offers a different way of sharing a home – bringing together someone with a spare room, often an older person, with someone looking for an affordable place to live. In return for accommodation, the homesharer provides companionship and an agreed amount of practical help around the home.
But Homeshare is about much more than practical support or affordable accommodation.
For the householder, having someone around can bring companionship, reassurance and a little practical support, while helping them continue doing the things they enjoy and living independently in their own home.
Homesharers gain an affordable place to live, but can also benefit from friendship, advice, shared interests and a sense of belonging.
For families, knowing someone is there can offer extra peace of mind without taking away their loved one’s independence.
Ewan King, Chief Executive of Shared Lives Plus, the membership charity that supports the Homeshare UK network, said:
“Most of us want to stay independent, connected to the people and places we know, and able to live life in the way we choose as we get older. But independence doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. Homeshare offers another possibility: having the right person around for companionship, a little practical support and the reassurance of knowing someone else is there.
“Homeshare is a relationship that works both ways. Both people bring something and both get something back – whether that is friendship, practical help, an affordable home, shared interests or simply having someone to talk to.
“At a time when millions of older people live alone and housing costs remain high; we want many more people to know that Homeshare exists and consider whether it could work for them or someone they know.”
Homeshare is for people who want to share their home while keeping their independence. Homeshare organisations carefully assess householders and homesharers and take time to find the right match, considering both people’s needs, interests, personalities and expectations.
A homesharer might provide companionship and help with agreed everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking, gardening or household jobs. Having someone in the home overnight can also provide reassurance. Homeshare is not personal care, although it can sit alongside other support where needed.
Government figures also show that 58% of households headed by someone aged 65 or over were under-occupying their home in 2024 – 25, representing 4.3 million households. Under-occupation means having at least two more bedrooms than required under the official bedroom standard. For people who want to share that space, Homeshare provides a way to find someone who could be the right match.
Homesharers do not pay rent to the householder. Instead, they pay a monthly fee to their Homeshare organisation for matching and ongoing support.
But the arrangement is about more than affordable accommodation. Householders and homesharers share time, companionship and everyday life. Both people have something to contribute, and both can benefit from the relationship.
Throughout Homeshare Week, we’ll be resharing content from Homeshare organisations across the UK on our social media channels, including stories and examples of the relationships they support in their local communities.
The week also includes International Day of Older Persons on Thursday 1st October and Silver Sunday on Sunday 4th October. This year’s International Day theme, “What’s on your doorstep?”, celebrates the people and places that help us stay active and connected, while Silver Sunday brings older people together through activities across the UK.
Follow Homeshare UK on social media throughout the week to see stories and updates from across the network.