Almost one-in-five Australians has been forced to remain living with an ex-partner to save money on housing costs.
A Finder survey of 1049 respondents revealed that 17 per cent have remained living with an ex-partner due to affordability concerns, despite breaking up.
The research found that 4 per cent – equivalent to more than 800,000 people – currently live with an ex to save money on housing costs or to avoid an expensive move.
A further 13 per cent lived with an ex in the past but have since parted ways.
Gen Z were more likely to share a home with an ex-partner due to cash flow worries – with 33 per cent admitting they had, compared to 11 per cent of Gen X and 5 per cent of Baby Boomers.
Head of Consumer Research at Finder, Graham Cooke, said facing the housing market as a single person is daunting.
“Thousands of Australians decide to separate but remain living together for a prolonged period because they can’t afford to go their separate ways,” Mr Cooke said.
“Living together as a separated couple could be very difficult unless you are on really good terms.”
Almost 19 per cent of women said they had remained living with an ex, compared to 16 per cent of men.
Couples living in WA (22 per cent) were more likely to have remained living with an ex after a breakup, followed by NSW (18 per cent), and VIC (17 per cent).
Mr Cooke said it was often complex to part ways when mortgages and children were involved.
“Some homeowners worry that they will lose out if they leave the family home before any financial settlement but moving out doesn’t diminish your legal rights,” he said.
“It’s also incredibly difficult to find suitable accommodation in some parts of Australia right now so staying together under one roof might be the most realistic option in the short-term.”
Mr Cooke urged Aussies to build an emergency fund to safeguard against unexpected relationship breakdowns.
“During the honeymoon period of a new relationship very few people are imagining a time when they are no longer compatible,” he said.
“An emergency fund helps people to be financially prepared for the good and the bad.”
