Share a home with people at your stage of life
More people in their 50s, 60s and beyond are choosing to share. Team Up lets you find like-minded flatmates first, then choose the right place together.
Why share in later life?
Flatsharing isn't just for students. For many older adults it's a practical, sociable way to live.
Company at home
Someone to say good morning to, share a meal with or keep an eye on the place while you're away.
Lower living costs
Rent, power and internet split between a few people go a lot further, which matters on a fixed income.
Stay where you want to be
Sharing can make it affordable to stay near family, friends, your doctor and the places you know.
A fresh start
After a move, a separation, a loss or retirement, a shared home can be an easy way to meet people.
Why Team Up is the better way to start
The hardest part of sharing is finding the right people. Team Up puts that first, so you choose who you'll live with before you choose where.
Choose the people first. Instead of moving in with whoever answers an ad, you form a group with people you've already talked to, then look for a place together.
You approve every member. If you start the group, nobody joins without your OK. If you join one, the person who started it approves you.
See who you'd live with. Members can see each other's first name, photo, verified badges and flatmate profile before anyone commits.
Talk it through as a group. Team ups have their own group chat, so you can agree on the things that matter before you apply.
Apply to the landlord together. When your group is ready, you send one application for the place, and the landlord sees everyone in it.
How it works
- 1
Find a place to team up for
Open Team Up and browse places with two or more rooms that welcome groups. Look for a layout that suits you, such as step-free access or a bathroom close to the bedrooms.
- 2
Start a team up
Give your group a name and a short intro, choose how many people you're looking for, and add tags. Pick from the suggested tags or add your own, such as "Over 50s", "Quiet household" or "Non-smokers". Make it public so people can find it, or private and share the link yourself.
- 3
Approve who joins
People ask to join with a short message. Chat with them, ask your questions and approve the ones who feel right. You can also browse other groups and ask to join one.
- 4
Get to know each other
Use the group chat to talk about routines, visitors, pets, cleaning and bills. Meet in person or on a video call before you decide.
- 5
Finalise and fill in your application
Once everyone's in, finalise the group. You add the move-in date and how long you'd like to stay, and each member adds a little about themselves.
- 6
Send it to the landlord
The landlord sees your group and each member's profile, then approves or declines. If they approve, you each chat with them directly to arrange the rest.
Not sure what to write? Try something like this
“We're two recently retired friends looking for one or two more people to share a three-bedroom home near the shops and a bus route. We're non-smokers, enjoy gardening and cooking together now and then, and like a quiet house in the evenings. Happy to meet for a coffee first.”
Tags to consider: Over 50s, Quiet household, Non-smokers, Professionals, Couples welcome.
Worth talking about before you move in
A few honest conversations early on make sharing much easier later. Then put what you agree in writing.
Daily rhythm
Early riser or night owl, quiet hours, TV and music, working from home.
Visitors and family
Grandchildren, partners staying over, how often and how long.
Shared spaces
Cooking, cleaning, the garden, and who looks after what.
Money
How rent and bills are split and paid, and what happens if someone moves out.
Access and health
Stairs, bathrooms, mobility, quiet for rest, and who to call in an emergency.
Pets and smoking
What everyone's comfortable with, inside and out.
Have a home with spare rooms?
If the house feels too big, sharing it can bring in some rent and some company. List your rooms, describe the household you're hoping for, and leave team ups switched on so a like-minded group can apply together. You decide who moves in.
List your roomsQuestions
Is Team Up only for over 50s?
No. Team Up is open to everyone. Any group can describe itself with tags such as "Over 50s" so like-minded people can find it. Tags are labels the group chooses: Flathive doesn't check anyone's age, and the landlord decides who rents their place.
What does "like-minded" mean here?
Whatever matters to your group: a similar stage of life, shared interests, a quiet household, the same language or culture, faith, or simply similar routines. Say it in your intro so the right people get in touch, and be kind and respectful to everyone who asks.
Does it cost anything?
Starting or joining a team up is free, and so is messaging. You pay rent and any bond to the landlord as you agree with them.
I own a home with spare rooms. Can I find flatmates my own age?
Yes. List the rooms on Flathive and leave "Allow team ups" switched on, so a group can apply for them together. Describe the household you're hoping for in your listing, and you choose who moves in.
How do I stay safe?
Look for verified badges, meet in person or on a video call before deciding, never send money for a place you haven't seen, and put the rent, bond and house rules in a written agreement. If something feels wrong, report it to us.
Flathive is for everyone, whatever your age or background. Please be respectful in every conversation.