With the nature of the housing economic climate around the world, and especially in Australia, finding a place to live affordably and comfortably is nearly becoming an unrealistic entitlement for many single mums and families around the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Rent prices increasing – Single mums house sharing is increasing
- ShareAbode has been developed to help single mums
It’s estimated that rental growth will increase in price by 40% over the next 5 years. Not only growing concerns with rent prices, but finding suitable accommodation is also a strained situation, which is emphasising the situation to get worse for many families and single mums.
Recent Story
Focusing now on Australia – in a recent article by Cosmina Marriner from the Sydney-Herald who interviews two-single mums based in Sydney Min Carroll and Bobbi Bamford, the article illuminates the state of which single mums are now looking outside of traditional accommodation methods to take up living in house sharing situations to be able to live in Sydney’s high rental market.
“We’re on the same team,” Ms Carroll said. She and her children, Raphaella, Felix, and Marlo, share a house in North Narrabeen with Ms Bamford and her daughter Fleur, and their respective pets.
What’s more interesting from the two single mums is that it’s more than just about covering rent costs, but providing mutual support for each other.
“The financial aspect is there of course, but it’s really the sharing and feeling supported,” Ms Bamford said. “It’s someone else to bounce off, to share the load. Taking turns cooking feels really nice.”
In Australia, 1 in 4 Australian kids will experience divorce and this effect correlates in not only personal stress and tough circumstances, but also financial repercussions with approximately a 56% increase in costs.
What needs to be done?
House sharing options and pooling resources needs to be more available to single mums without penalty. You can live in a tiny two bedroom flat or you can pool your resources and get a four bedroom house. You have the added social, emotional and economic support – and a babysitter when you need it.
How else can we create a community of single mums who are struggling to pay for rent?
- ShareAbode once populated will be one of the answers to many single mums’ affordability problems
- The Government needs to look at payment rates and see if they are in line with the reality of the housing market
