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Mature ages residents in Queensland have turned to share houses as an affordable rental solution.
Pensioner Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing in Brisbane until she discovered sharehouses.
Up to three people live under one roof, with water, electricity and internet included for $250 per week.
“I was struggling to find somewhere, and I’m on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,” Chilcott said.
“It’s great I wish I’d found out about it sooner.”
“We sort of all look out for each other, and I’ve made friends by moving here.”
Each tenant has their own bathroom and bedroom while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.
“They’re brand new houses and many of our clients wouldn’t have the opportunity to live in a brand new house let alone a really big one,” Yvette Paterson from Calyptus Senior Living said.
Strangers are matched together based on similar interests, lifestyles, food preferences and work schedules.
Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer an affordable option for seniors, as well as a social life.
“It’s a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,” she said.
