New research suggests matching older homeowners with spare rooms to younger renters could help ease housing pressures.
The study, led by the University of the Sunshine Coast and Anglicare Southern Queensland, found home-sharing could offer a practical housing option while improving affordability and reducing loneliness.
The research comes as ASQ’s Rental Affordability Snapshot highlighted the growing difficulty many Queenslanders, particularly younger people on low incomes, face in finding safe, appropriate and affordable housing.
Anglicare’s research evaluation and advocacy manager Leanne Wood said home-sharing could be one of many practical, community-based responses to the state’s housing crisis.
“Through our 2026 Rental Affordability Snapshot, we saw just how dire it is for people on low incomes to find an appropriate rental they can actually afford,” she said.
“We know there is no single silver bullet to solve the housing crisis. We need more social and affordable housing, continued investment and reform from all levels of government, and practical ideas that make better use of the housing options that already exist.
“Home-sharing is one of those ideas. It asks us to think differently about the spare rooms, homes and relationships that may already be available in our communities, while also helping to build connection across generations.”
The first phase of the research considered the views of potential home-sharers including homeowners, older people, young people, university students, Anglicare staff and people experiencing insecure housing.
The initial findings from many participants saw potential benefits in home-sharing, including improved affordability, reduced loneliness and stronger community connection.
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Many homeowners viewed the idea of home-sharing positively and felt it aligned with their values, with nearly two thirds of homeowner participants reporting they had at least one spare bedroom.
However, participants also raised concerns around interpersonal conflict, power imbalances, lifestyle disruption and uncertainty about sharing a home with someone outside their family or friendship networks.
“What this research tells us is that people recognise the potential value of home-sharing, but that any model would need clear guardrails to provide structure, safety and support for both homeowners and renters,” Ms Wood said.
“This means that careful housemate matching, clear written agreements, practical resources and ongoing support, including check-ins and mediation are offered to both parties by service providers.”
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers Anna McKinlay and Trudi Flynn said the research showed strong support for home-sharing in principle, but many people still needed reassurance before they would consider taking part.
“Participants broadly saw home-sharing as a sensible and practical housing option, but personal willingness was lower, particularly among homeowners considering sharing with someone outside their family,” Dr McKinlay said.
“This tells us is that the challenge is not necessarily in changing people’s attitudes but helping them feel informed and supported enough to take action.
“Across every focus group and the survey, the consistent message was that people would be more likely to consider home-sharing if a trusted organisation managed the process. That includes support with background checks, written agreements, reliable information, introduction opportunities and ongoing mediation.”
Dr Flynn said: “A future home-sharing model would not simply be about providing housing, but acting as a trusted broker and support mechanism for both homeowners and renters.”
“The research also suggests home-sharing would likely be more successful when introduced earlier, particularly for newly retired empty-nesters, before people are managing higher support needs.”
Ms Wood said Anglicare will use the findings to consider what a safe, supported and sustainable home-sharing model could look like in practice.
“These early-stage findings give us an important foundation to build from and we look forward to working with the University of the Sunshine Coast as this research progresses,” she said.
“The next step for us is to look closely at what supports, partnerships, education and safeguards would be needed to make home-sharing work safely and meaningfully for all involved.”
