Finding Stability in Uncertain Times

 

In 2020, I was a single parent to an eight-year-old, juggling part-time work, a master’s degree, and parenting—all within the walls of a cramped Queenslander flat. With no living room, backyard, ceiling fans, or air-conditioning, we made do with limited space. But when the pandemic hit, lockdowns forced me to turn my tiny kitchen table into an office, classroom, dining area, and social hub.

As the months passed, I found myself yearning for more space, though I never believed I could afford it. The thought of a larger home felt like an unattainable dream—until I decided to embrace an unconventional solution: co-living.

 

A Life-Changing Move

That same year, I moved in with my longtime friend, Jen. Though we had never shared a home before, we had known each other since high school, and I trusted her completely. By pooling our incomes, we could afford a spacious three-bedroom house with air-conditioning and a sprawling backyard. Suddenly, my son had the space to play hide and seek, celebrate backyard birthdays, and enjoy the outdoors—something he had never experienced before.

Financially, the benefits were undeniable. With a joint bank account, Jen and I split bills, groceries, and household expenses, drastically reducing our individual financial burdens. The mental and emotional load lightened, too. If I had late work commitments, Jen would care for my son and cook dinner. The sense of community was invaluable.

 

Co-Living: A Growing Trend for Single Parents

My experience is not unique. Many single parents are turning to shared housing to ease financial strain and create a supportive living environment. Lenine Bourke, a Brisbane-based renter and single mother of two, has lived in various shared housing setups. “When my eldest was little, my partner and I lived with a friend to afford a beachside unit. Later, as a single parent, I rented a house and had nannies, friends, and even my mother stay with me to help with expenses,” she shares.

Now, Bourke and her two children live in a dual-occupancy home owned by a friend, Coonan, who lives downstairs with his three kids. “Having a landlord who genuinely cares about us and offers a stable three-year lease is life-changing,” she says.

 

The Harsh Reality of Rental Stress

Single parents in Australia face immense housing challenges. According to Jenny Davidson, CEO of the Council of Single Mothers and their Children (CSMC), “Housing has been one of our top issues for over a decade, and it’s only getting worse.” Many single mothers apply for dozens—even hundreds—of rental properties, only to be rejected due to financial instability or perceived lack of reliability as tenants.

CSMC’s 2022 survey found that single mothers experience homelessness or unstable housing at three times the national average. As a response, co-living has emerged as a crucial survival strategy, allowing single parents to pool resources and reduce costs while maintaining a safe home for their children.

 

More Than Just a Roof Overhead

Beyond financial relief, shared living fosters emotional support and a sense of belonging. When I lived with Jen, our household functioned like an extended family. We took vacations together, set up savings goals, and even shared a beloved geriatric cat named Pancakes. I no longer carried the weight of single parenthood alone.

Bourke echoes this sentiment: “After a tough day, I can pop downstairs for a cuppa and a debrief with another single parent who understands my struggles.”

 

Is Co-Living the Future for Single Parents?

Despite its many advantages, co-living isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Davidson advises single parents to carefully consider compatibility before moving in with someone. Factors like parenting styles, routines, and household responsibilities must be openly discussed.

For some, shared living means sacrificing privacy, but for others, it provides a much-needed support system. Dual-living properties, where families have separate spaces under one roof, are particularly effective—though they can be difficult to find.

 

A New Definition of Home

My co-living arrangement ended when Jen started her own family, and I’ve since struggled to find another suitable housemate. With rental prices skyrocketing, the search has been tough. Today, a two-bedroom flat costs more than a three-bedroom house did just a few years ago. Like many single parents, I am now navigating rental stress once again.

Still, I believe co-living offers a glimpse into the future of housing. It challenges traditional ideas of what a family should look like and proves that home is not just a physical space—it’s a community of people who support and uplift each other.

As Bourke wisely puts it, “Out of crisis often comes resilience.” And for single parents, co-living is not just about survival—it’s about finding a new way to thrive.