The cost of living is constantly on the rise. Still, savvy seniors in Queensland have discovered an affordable rental solution.

A pensioner from Brisbane named Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing––until she discovered the ingenious concept of the sharehouse.

‘I was struggling to find somewhere, and I'm on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,’ Chilcott said.

Rachelle is now living comfortably for just $250 per week, with water, electricity and internet all included in the price.

The sharehouse is a new affordable living trend among seniors in Queensland.Image source: senivpetro on Freepik (left), Freepik (right).

Here’s how it works–up to three people can live under one roof, with each tenant having their own bathroom and bedroom, while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.

The only catch is you’ll be sharing your house with strangers––but that’s the beauty of it! 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 a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as being a fantastic place to socialise.

‘It's a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,’ she said.

Plus, there are brand-new houses that the tenants can live in!

Calyptus Senior Living CEO Yvette Paterson said, ‘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.’

'It’s great,' Chilcott said.

'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. That’s the idea of the sharehouse: to provide people with an affordable outcome, but also social life.'

So, for those out there who are looking for a cheaper way to rent and meet new people–– a sharehouse is something worth considering! Just remember to listen to your intuition and take precautions when you’re meeting new people.

Below are some benefits of sharehouses for seniors:

Shared living is more than just an affordable housing solution for seniors. It also brings a myriad of benefits that enhances quality of life and promotes overall well-being.

To begin with, shared living can stave off loneliness, a significant issue among older adults. By living in sharehouses, interacting with others daily means companionship readily available. This set-up directly combats isolation and fosters emotional support among individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected.

Shared living also instils a sense of security. With other people around all the time, some research shows it's less likely for criminals to target sharehouses. Moreover, in cases of emergencies such as falls or sudden health problems, immediate help is close at hand.

In addition to companionship and safety, shared living encourages independence. While domestic responsibilities are shared, seniors can still manage their own affairs and maintain a degree of autonomy. Learning to live with others also enables residents to learn new skills, adapt to group dynamics, and keep their minds open to different perspectives.

Finally, sharing a residence with like-minded people encourages the spirit of adventure in people––no matter the age. Exploring new hobbies, discovering new music, or diving into mesmerising books suggested by housemates creates a truly enriching living experience for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Senior residents in Queensland have turned to sharehouses as an affordable rental solution.
• Pensioner Rachelle Chilcott found relief in a sharehouse after struggling to find affordable housing because of being on a disability pension.
• The sharehouses consist of up to three people living under one roof, each tenant has their own bathroom and bedroom, and rent includes utilities.
• Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as a place to socialise.

What are your thoughts on sharing a home with a stranger? Would you be willing to live in a sharehouse? Let us know in the comments below!

 

[Penny4]

I think that's a great idea, especially with each person having their own bathroom. If it doesn't suit someone after a while, they can move.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I think it's a great idea but feel there should be security put in place eg police checks ect.

I understand they have their own bedroom and bathroom but it would feel like a room to let,eg loungeroom , kitchen shared , would it be a roster on times when someone can cook.
Someone may hog the loungeroom ect

Although better than being homeless

 

[rehandra]

The cost of living is constantly on the rise. Still, savvy seniors in Queensland have discovered an affordable rental solution.

A pensioner from Brisbane named Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing––until she discovered the ingenious concept of the sharehouse.

‘I was struggling to find somewhere, and I'm on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,’ Chilcott said.

Rachelle is now living comfortably for just $250 per week, with water, electricity and internet all included in the price.

View attachment 27924

The sharehouse is a new affordable living trend among seniors in Queensland.Image source: senivpetro on Freepik (left), Freepik (right).

Here’s how it works–up to three people can live under one roof, with each tenant having their own bathroom and bedroom, while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.

The only catch is you’ll be sharing your house with strangers––but that’s the beauty of it! 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 a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as being a fantastic place to socialise.

‘It's a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,’ she said.

Plus, there are brand-new houses that the tenants can live in!

Calyptus Senior Living CEO Yvette Paterson said, ‘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.’

'It’s great,' Chilcott said.

'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. That’s the idea of the sharehouse: to provide people with an affordable outcome, but also social life.'

So, for those out there who are looking for a cheaper way to rent and meet new people–– a sharehouse is something worth considering! Just remember to listen to your intuition and take precautions when you’re meeting new people.

Below are some benefits of sharehouses for seniors:

Shared living is more than just an affordable housing solution for seniors. It also brings a myriad of benefits that enhances quality of life and promotes overall well-being.

To begin with, shared living can stave off loneliness, a significant issue among older adults. By living in sharehouses, interacting with others daily means companionship readily available. This set-up directly combats isolation and fosters emotional support among individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected.

Shared living also instils a sense of security. With other people around all the time, some research shows it's less likely for criminals to target sharehouses. Moreover, in cases of emergencies such as falls or sudden health problems, immediate help is close at hand.

In addition to companionship and safety, shared living encourages independence. While domestic responsibilities are shared, seniors can still manage their own affairs and maintain a degree of autonomy. Learning to live with others also enables residents to learn new skills, adapt to group dynamics, and keep their minds open to different perspectives.

Finally, sharing a residence with like-minded people encourages the spirit of adventure in people––no matter the age. Exploring new hobbies, discovering new music, or diving into mesmerising books suggested by housemates creates a truly enriching living experience for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Senior residents in Queensland have turned to sharehouses as an affordable rental solution.
• Pensioner Rachelle Chilcott found relief in a sharehouse after struggling to find affordable housing because of being on a disability pension.
• The sharehouses consist of up to three people living under one roof, each tenant has their own bathroom and bedroom, and rent includes utilities.
• Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as a place to socialise.

What are your thoughts on sharing a home with a stranger? Would you be willing to live in a sharehouse? Let us know in the comments below!

Hubby and I have said this for years. Just build a large home each with own bedroom/ensuite and common area where they can meet up and socialise. Could even have more than one kitchen if space allowed. I saw a lovely home for sale some years back which I would loved to have purchased but we did not unfortunately. They had the main bedroom and lounge area up one end of house, the kitchen and open plan lounging area in the centre and at the other end of the house two other bedrooms with a small lounge area as well. Laundry /toilet down that end as well.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The picture here is painted way too bright. Try living in a share house which is just a revolving door for junkies and iceheads. Security? Doesn't exist! Landlords just want the $$$ without consideration for their residents.

Two years ago, I was given the task of vetting prospective tenants for a share house. First impressions were interesting. If they weren't off their chops on something, they were hiding it. Two weeks into their tenancy, the true colours emerge. An endless procession of substance affected individuals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever noisy.

Don't start me on the evictions I had to perform. The worst was a crossdressing Sri Lankan who liked entertaining underage males.

Life is not always rosy in a share house.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

I’d be bit concerned about what might happen if one person became ill or experienced reduced mobility. Would the others find themselves in a position of having to care for that person? And what about having friends and family to visit? If two of the three people wanted to have visitors over at the same time it could cause problems. Who cooks? Washes up? Does everyone cook separately? When? A roster? Who cleans? Different expectations of cleanliness and tidiness in common areas? It could work under optimal conditions but I could see it being fraught with difficulties.

 

[mylittletibbies]

How many crack head seniors are there around??
Although it sounds like a great idea, in practice I am not so sure
People lie all the time, you don't know what these people are like until you actually live with them
Share houses have always had problems, people pinching others food, milk, etc
Some people are very clean, others very messy leave dirty dishes in the kitchen, leave their rubbish around communal living areas, etc. Arguments about what to watch on TV.. What happens is one resident has a dozen rowdy, undisciplined grand children who visit constantly
Not for me I'm afraid.

 

[Babbie]

How many crack head seniors are there around??
Although it sounds like a great idea, in practice I am not so sure
People lie all the time, you don't know what these people are like until you actually live with them
Share houses have always had problems, people pinching others food, milk, etc
Some people are very clean, others very messy leave dirty dishes in the kitchen, leave their rubbish around communal living areas, etc. Arguments about what to watch on TV.. What happens is one resident has a dozen rowdy, undisciplined grand children who visit constantly
Not for me I'm afraid.

While it may suit some people, it is not as rosy as painted. The issues you mention just for a start!

 

[Macarj]

Not for me

 

[darrellh]

It probably only works well if everyone is considerate but in my book it beats being homeless. Can always put a tv in your bedroom to ensure you can watch what you want when you want. Hopefully if people are almost on the street they will be giving this their all and just happy to have a roof over their heads.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

My son-in-law’s parents, together with another couple and a divorced woman, sold all their homes and bought one together. This was 20 or so years ago. It worked well for them, partly because they were long-time friends. They seemed to have worked out what worked for them in terms of everyday living, shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc, and family and friends to visit (the home had five bedrooms, plus a granny flat). However, the divorced woman died, leaving her two children looking for their inheritance. Then one by one the others died, with the same issues for one couple’s children. There’s only one original person left now, and she has dementia, being cared for by a now live-in daughter. Naively, they didn’t have conditions in place to deal with the inevitable changes and calls on their estates, none of them had wills, and it’s a great big mess now. Additionally, as they all aged, they weren’t able to cope with the upkeep of a large, older house. None of the family lives close by, except for this one daughter who has moved in recently. The whole thing is a shambles.

 

[Babbie]

My son-in-law’s parents, together with another couple and a divorced woman, sold all their homes and bought one together. This was 20 or so years ago. It worked well for them, partly because they were long-time friends. They seemed to have worked out what worked for them in terms of everyday living, shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc, and family and friends to visit (the home had five bedrooms, plus a granny flat). However, the divorced woman died, leaving her two children looking for their inheritance. Then one by one the others died, with the same issues for one couple’s children. There’s only one original person left now, and she has dementia, being cared for by a now live-in daughter. Naively, they didn’t have conditions in place to deal with the inevitable changes and calls on their estates, none of them had wills, and it’s a great big mess now. Additionally, as they all aged, they weren’t able to cope with the upkeep of a large, older house. None of the family lives close by, except for this one daughter who has moved in recently. The whole thing is a shambles.

Yes, you also have highlighted that it sounds great, but there are many unforeseen circumstances that many people would not think about! It is not all rosy.

 

[Nana Zorak]

The picture here is painted way too bright. Try living in a share house which is just a revolving door for junkies and iceheads. Security? Doesn't exist! Landlords just want the $$$ without consideration for their residents.

Two years ago, I was given the task of vetting prospective tenants for a share house. First impressions were interesting. If they weren't off their chops on something, they were hiding it. Two weeks into their tenancy, the true colours emerge. An endless procession of substance affected individuals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever noisy.

Don't start me on the evictions I had to perform. The worst was a crossdressing Sri Lankan who liked entertaining underage males.

Life is not always rosy in a share house.

My beautiful granddaughter rented the front house on this block on which we still have 2 months to live but the 2 guys that made up the house never contributed regularly to the financial keeping of the house & since she moved in with her man friend have done no cleaning & have created many hassles which we feel has led to our being given our marching orders at the end of our lease. As nothing has been kept up to scratch in the house & garden Jaz has a list of things that the owner needs to do on the house when we leave. I will have my 86th birthday 10 days before we are supposed to leave. Veggie Patch was right I have come to the same conclusion about Real Estate agents they are not there for our benefit but as a bastion between the owner & us the tenants who are keeping them both in financial clover.

 

[Jennylolo]

I think it's a great idea but feel there should be security put in place eg police checks ect.

I understand they have their own bedroom and bathroom but it would feel like a room to let,eg loungeroom , kitchen shared , would it be a roster on times when someone can cook.
Someone may hog the loungeroom ect

Although better than being homeless

I'd never be cooking for others as I have so many food issues to cope with.

 

[Gsr]

Would be a wonderful idea if you ended up with like minded tenants, for example all retired people or all working people. Would make life easier. People close in age and not older people with younger more rowdy people who wanted to entertain friends all the time. There are positives and negatives to this idea, but I’m sure people could adapt if the choice was between share house or homeless.

 

[Defiant540]

The cost of living is constantly on the rise. Still, savvy seniors in Queensland have discovered an affordable rental solution.

A pensioner from Brisbane named Rachelle Chilcott was struggling to find affordable housing––until she discovered the ingenious concept of the sharehouse.

‘I was struggling to find somewhere, and I'm on a disability pension which obviously made it a lot harder,’ Chilcott said.

Rachelle is now living comfortably for just $250 per week, with water, electricity and internet all included in the price.

View attachment 27924

The sharehouse is a new affordable living trend among seniors in Queensland.Image source: senivpetro on Freepik (left), Freepik (right).

Here’s how it works–up to three people can live under one roof, with each tenant having their own bathroom and bedroom, while sharing the living room and kitchen areas.

The only catch is you’ll be sharing your house with strangers––but that’s the beauty of it! 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 a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as being a fantastic place to socialise.

‘It's a space where they can actually have a life to go along with their job and have an affordable outcome,’ she said.

Plus, there are brand-new houses that the tenants can live in!

Calyptus Senior Living CEO Yvette Paterson said, ‘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.’

'It’s great,' Chilcott said.

'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. That’s the idea of the sharehouse: to provide people with an affordable outcome, but also social life.'

So, for those out there who are looking for a cheaper way to rent and meet new people–– a sharehouse is something worth considering! Just remember to listen to your intuition and take precautions when you’re meeting new people.

Below are some benefits of sharehouses for seniors:

Shared living is more than just an affordable housing solution for seniors. It also brings a myriad of benefits that enhances quality of life and promotes overall well-being.

To begin with, shared living can stave off loneliness, a significant issue among older adults. By living in sharehouses, interacting with others daily means companionship readily available. This set-up directly combats isolation and fosters emotional support among individuals who may otherwise feel disconnected.

Shared living also instils a sense of security. With other people around all the time, some research shows it's less likely for criminals to target sharehouses. Moreover, in cases of emergencies such as falls or sudden health problems, immediate help is close at hand.

In addition to companionship and safety, shared living encourages independence. While domestic responsibilities are shared, seniors can still manage their own affairs and maintain a degree of autonomy. Learning to live with others also enables residents to learn new skills, adapt to group dynamics, and keep their minds open to different perspectives.

Finally, sharing a residence with like-minded people encourages the spirit of adventure in people––no matter the age. Exploring new hobbies, discovering new music, or diving into mesmerising books suggested by housemates creates a truly enriching living experience for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Senior residents in Queensland have turned to sharehouses as an affordable rental solution.
• Pensioner Rachelle Chilcott found relief in a sharehouse after struggling to find affordable housing because of being on a disability pension.
• The sharehouses consist of up to three people living under one roof, each tenant has their own bathroom and bedroom, and rent includes utilities.
• Property developer Alexandra Stuart-Robertson from Galley Group said the share homes offer a cheaper alternative for seniors as well as a place to socialise.

What are your thoughts on sharing a home with a stranger? Would you be willing to live in a sharehouse? Let us know in the comments below!

what about cooking/food??

 

[Leenie]

Not for me

It might appeal to some , not me I like my privacy you don’t know who you could end up sharing with.

 

[Thecheesequeen]

My beautiful granddaughter rented the front house on this block on which we still have 2 months to live but the 2 guys that made up the house never contributed regularly to the financial keeping of the house & since she moved in with her man friend have done no cleaning & have created many hassles which we feel has led to our being given our marching orders at the end of our lease. As nothing has been kept up to scratch in the house & garden Jaz has a list of things that the owner needs to do on the house when we leave. I will have my 86th birthday 10 days before we are supposed to leave. Veggie Patch was right I have come to the same conclusion about Real Estate agents they are not there for our benefit but as a bastion between the owner & us the tenants who are keeping them both in financial clover.

That’s sad, and must be so scary for you.

 

[Judy HB]

Even share houses with students don’t always work out well. The dishes are left all around, not everyone takes their turn at cooking or cleaning etc. Worse if drugs are involved.

 

[Leenie]

Even share houses with students don’t always work out well. The dishes are left all around, not everyone takes their turn at cooking or cleaning etc. Worse if drugs are involved.

My granddaughter is sharing with 2 of her friends and the female leaves washing in the machine ,doesn’t clean up after herself and steals her food, the male is a little better he doesn’t leave dishes in the sink etc. My granddaughter has had enough and started bringing this to her attention only it doesn’t have much effect.