An honest homesharer's diary
More London.
Less rent.
A practical guide to homesharing
I live with an older person in London through a homeshare scheme. In return for companionship and around 10 hours of help a week, I pay about £500 a month all in. I saved £5,000 in 5 months on an average salary. Here's what I've learned, the good and the hard parts.
What I pay each month
about £500
all in, living in a London homeshare
The numbers, honestly
It isn't free. It's cheaper.
Homeshare isn't free, and I won't pretend it is. Here's what it actually costs me each month.
The average London room cost about £995 a month in 2025 (Spareroom research). Your own saving depends on what you'd otherwise pay, and the calculator shows you.
Free and paid
Free to read, and a guide for the full picture
The Homeshare Diary has two parts. The free part helps you understand homeshare. The guide helps you decide, do it well, and handle the parts nobody tells you about.
Calculator and articles
- A savings calculator you can use now
- Articles on what homeshare is, what it really costs, who it suits, and how to find a scheme and apply (on the way)
- My story of saving £5,000 in 5 months (on the way)
The full playbook
- What to check before you sign
- The trial month, and how to spot red flags
- What living there is really like, week to week
- Handling a householder's health with patience and clear limits
- Checklists and a savings workbook
Price to be announced. Waitlist members hear first.
Join the waitlistInside the guide
A practical guide, written from real experience
Decide
The honest numbers, and a gut-check to see whether homeshare really suits you.
Choose and start well
Choosing a match, using the trial month well, and what to check in the agreement before you sign: licence versus tenancy, notice, guests and time away.
Living it
A typical week, building a real relationship, what to do when health issues come up, and what to do when things go wrong.
Money and moving on
Where the savings go, planning your next move, and leaving well.
Checklists and workbook
Comparing schemes, interview prep, questions for the trial month, before you sign, moving out, and a budget sheet.
Is it for you?
Homeshare suits some people, not everyone
It might suit you if
- You want to cut London housing costs and save
- You're patient, reliable and curious about people
- You want company, not just a cheap room
- You can commit to regular help around the home
It may not suit you if
- You want to host friends often
- You want total privacy and control of your space
- You'd struggle with a housemate's illness or decline
- You need the security of a tenancy
About
About The Homeshare Diary
I'm a software engineer and a painter. I moved to London as a young professional and an immigrant, and I live in a homeshare. Living with an older person has taught me more than I expected about patience, history and home. I started The Homeshare Diary to share what I've learned, in a positive and honest way.
I keep my householder's details private on purpose, so this site shares lessons, not their story.
FAQ
Questions
Is this affiliated with a homeshare scheme?
No. The Homeshare Diary is independent. It isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any scheme, and it describes my own experience.
Is homeshare really free?
No. You don't pay rent, but you pay a monthly scheme fee and a contribution to the householder's bills, plus your own food and insurance. Fees vary between schemes, so always ask for current figures.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. It's free to use and doesn't need an email address.
When will the guide be ready?
I'm still writing it. Join the waitlist and I'll email you when it's available.
Is this financial, legal or medical advice?
No. It's one person's experience. Schemes, fees and rules change, so check details with any scheme and read your own agreement.
The guide
Get notified when it's ready
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Questions? Email hello@homesharediary.uk.