Does single life come with a price tag for Brits?

The financial burden of living alone is pushing more single Britons to explore unconventional ways of buying homes, including teaming up with friends to enter the property market.

While home ownership has long been associated with couples pooling their incomes, a growing number of single, working adults are finding that rising property prices, higher living costs and limited affordability are making solo homeownership increasingly difficult, according to a report by the BBC.

One example given by the BBC involves two longtime friends who purchased a home together after realising they would struggle to buy independently.

By sharing mortgage payments, household expenses and maintenance costs, they were able to build equity before eventually selling the property for a profit and buying separate homes.

This experience suggests a broader financial challenge often described as the "singles tax"-- the additional costs faced by people living alone because they cannot split major household expenses.

Although the amount varies depending on location and lifestyle, research suggests single-person households can spend significantly more each year than couples on housing, utilities and other essential costs.

According to the  UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) 18.5 million people had never married or entered a civil partnership in 2024, representing 36.8% of the population aged 16 and above.

The UK ONS also estimates that around 8.6 million people were living alone last year, accounting for nearly one-third of all households.

Housing remains one of the biggest obstacles for single buyers.

Mortgage repayments, utility bills, insurance and broadband subscriptions are typically shared between two earners in couple households, while individuals shoulder the full cost themselves. 

In addition, single occupants receive a 25% council tax discount rather than paying half the amount charged to two-person households.

The UK Home Owners Alliance says buying with a trusted friend can increase purchasing power by combining deposits and incomes but it advises prospective buyers to establish clear legal agreements before making a purchase.

The organisation recommends drawing up a declaration of trust, seeking independent legal advice and agreeing in advance how ownership, expenses and potential future sales will be handled.

BBC reported that the success of shared homeownership has inspired new services designed to connect compatible buyers.

One such platform, Cucoon, aims to match single people interested in purchasing property together, arguing that collaborative ownership can help level the playing field for those excluded from the housing market.

Beyond housing, experts say single consumers often face higher costs in other areas. Solo travellers frequently pay additional accommodation charges, while many commercial discounts–from entertainment offers to gym memberships–are designed primarily for couples or families.

Consumer advocates say sharing resources can help offset some of these expenses.

Suggested strategies include renting out spare rooms or parking spaces, organising shared meals with friends, borrowing infrequently used tools instead of purchasing them and coordinating shopping trips to reduce transport costs.
Travel is another area where singles can face extra charges.

Campaigners have mentioned the long-standing issue of "single supplements" imposed by some holiday providers, although an increasing number of travel companies now offer solo-friendly packages without additional fees.

As housing affordability remains under pressure and living costs continue to strain household budgets, experts say collaborative living arrangements and shared ownership models are likely to become increasingly attractive for people navigating the economic realities of single life.

How to cut costs if you're single

• Monetise your real estate: Rent out rooms, car parking spaces and garages
• Shared dinners: Hosts take turns to cook with larger, cheaper products
• Borrowing circles: One person buys an expensive item, such as a lawnmower, and passes it along
• Errand pooling: Friends share fuel costs by taking it in turns to drive to the supermarket