For those in a flatshare, the last few months have been more than a little bit testing. Back in January nobody thought they’d be working, living and socialising with the very same people they shared four walls with but amidst a pandemic, renters have had no choice.
While I’m lucky enough to have my own place, so many of my friends and colleagues have spent lockdown confined to their bedrooms where they work, eat and sleep. Most rental properties in cities like London were not made for four or more adults to live and work there full-time – and that’s not even including the additional partners who decided to move in pre-lockdown.
One friend’s flatmates all returned to their family homes across the country before lockdown which meant she’s had the place to herself and she’s now realised just how much she wants her own place. She’s been able to spread herself around the property, keeping it just how she likes it, telling me, “I’m actually dreading everyone coming back, I’ve been able to have space for the first time in 10 years – I don’t want to let it go.”
Others have agreed that while they do love their housemates and are grateful for the company, they want a space that feels entirely their own. One friend said, “I miss my housemates but I’ve realised if I’m going to be renting for the long-term, my priorities have changed – I want to live with fewer people and have a garden.”
There’s been a lot of discussion about how the pandemic will affect our working futures as companies such as Twitter have already told staff that they can work from home “forever” if they wish as the company said its work-from-home measures during the lockdown had been a success.
If more companies allow working-from-home as a norm, renters will have far more choice about where they live, especially if it means they can be away from a city, with the prospects of more space and cheaper rents.
Ryan Prince, CEO and Founder of UNCLE says, “A house isn’t just a place to sleep any more – it’s your office, your social space, your exercise space, and more – so I predict, after lockdown, people will be looking for a home that reflects this” and added, “working from home – and having the space to do so – will be crucial.”
Prince also believes that flatsharers will view those they live with as ‘home-working colleagues’ too. “I can see a world where people now have their work colleagues and their ‘home-working’ colleagues. It may create an entirely new social network, literally on their front door.”
Not everyone wants to be renting alone and the pandemic has left many feeling more lonely and isolated than ever before. This could have an impact on the types of properties renters look towards post-lockdown, with a surge in those opting for more communal living, as Prince states, “with the idea of a shared neighbourhood in mind. Spaces like our shared co-working space, which are all included in the price, at our 45th floor Sky Lounge at UNCLE Elephant & Castle certainly set a new standard for work views.”
