A recent survey commissioned by Barclays has found that nearly nine out of ten young renters in the UK have experienced difficulties with their housemates, ranging from dirty dishes left in shared spaces to loud music at night. The research highlights both traditional and new types of challenging behaviors among flat sharers, including "Nocturnal Gamers" who play video games late into the night, "Persistent Puffers" who vape or smoke indoors, and "WhatsApp Micromanagers" who frequently send reminders or passive-aggressive messages in group chats.
The study surveyed 2,000 people—1,000 current house-sharers and 1,000 past house-sharers—and revealed that while 88 percent of Millennials and Gen Z renters reported clashes over shared-space etiquette, only a third admitted they might be responsible for such issues themselves. Common complaints included playing loud music or watching TV at unsociable hours (30 percent), leaving dirty dishes in the sink (29 percent), and avoiding cleaning duties (26 percent).
Newer grievances have also emerged. Nineteen percent reported living with late-night gamers whose activities disturbed others; 17 percent cited indoor vaping or smoking as a problem; and 18 percent had to deal with frequent reminders from housemates via messaging apps. Other frustrations involved partners staying over without contributing to bills and using appliances at odd hours.
Financial impact is significant for many renters. Sixty-four percent said problematic housemates cost them money through unpaid bills or damages, averaging an extra £553.20 per year per person.
The experience of communal living is influencing future housing decisions. Sixty-two percent plan to leave their current shared accommodation within a year due to ongoing frustrations. A majority would prefer to pay more to live alone, and almost seven in ten say these experiences make them more determined to buy their own home.
Barclays’ Jatin Patel commented: “House-sharing is a rite of passage for many young adults, but the reality of splitting bills, chasing rent payments and covering extra costs due to housemate issues is making young renters think more seriously about their own financial future.
“It’s no surprise so many renters want to explore how they could buy a place of their own, but saving for a deposit is the main barrier they face. While families often want to help, they can’t always afford to gift money, so Barclays Mortgage Boost bridges that gap, helping first-time buyers turn aspirations about ‘one day owning a place’ into a real plan for home ownership.”
Parents are also concerned about the challenges faced by their children who share houses. Only 11 percent suspect their child might be part of the problem as a difficult housemate themselves. Over half worry about their child’s living situation in shared accommodation; some would rather help financially if possible.
Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman explained: “Even the best friendships are tested when you live together. Sharing a home can be both comforting and challenging because our different routines, habits and emotional needs inevitably collide. Small things can start to feel personal when really they’re often about people protecting their own comfort or managing stress. The healthiest way to navigate these moments is through open, respectful communication rather than silence or resentment.
“Modern house-sharing can be intense but it also helps us learn patience, empathy and boundaries. It’s completely normal to crave independence or dream of your own space; that’s not a rejection of your friendships—it’s a natural step in adult life and personal growth.”
Barclays has launched its new campaign highlighting ways it can support first-time buyers onto the property ladder—including Mortgage Boost—which allows family members' income contributions without requiring them to co-own the property.
For further information about Barclays’ offerings for first-time buyers visit home.barclays.