Whilst it may seem obvious that flat-sharers have less ties and are then more able to move around in search of work, the recent economic downturn has compelled more and more of Britain’s usually immobile work force to seek out opportunities in other cities and towns. Unhindered by mortgages and assured tenancy agreements, the flat-sharing population is thus more flexible, contributing to a mobile workforce of around 209,000 in the UK. During the recession, we saw a rise in this trend, with one in five live-in landlords (21%) saying they’d seen a marked increase with their tenants who’ve moved cross country for a job.

It’s not just the flexibility of flat-sharing that appeals to job hunters, but the total savings as well, with 74% of those who live in shared accommodation saying it’s the sharing of bills that’s also a big win.

EasyRoommate: How long have you been living in London?
Natalie: I arrived in October last year. But I’ve been living between London and Ibiza for the past three years!
Franck: I arrived in 2003 and left in 2007 to go to Ibiza, where I met Natalie! We came back together to London in October.

Tell us about how you managed to find a room for both of you and the difficulties you overcame to convince your future flatmates to live with you!
N: When we came back together as a couple in London we were looking for something in a hurry. We needed something decent, and that’s it. But day after day, we suffered from the lack of communication between the flatmates because we had no living room. The other guys thought we were together all the time and that we didn’t try to talk with them. Basically, it was just difficult because we both work nights too!
F: That’s why we decided to move and find a flatshare more appropriate for a couple.

How did you start your research?
F: Initially, we posted ads everywhere we could but our needs were not taken in consideration. We finally posted an ad on EasyRoommate: here, you can specify you are a couple and you can filter your search. A list of ”couple accepted” ads was provided according to our criteria! It was really easy!
N: We found a 3 bedroom flat in East London and we organise a dinner every week with the two other flatmates! I make them taste new cocktails I created as I’m a barmaid!

Which advice would you give to a couple looking for a flatshare?
N: Your future flatmates need to understand that a couple is not synonymous of people always stuck together, hidden in their bedroom! As a couple, we are two friendly different people who want to share experiences and chat, have a beer or watch a film! And the great advantage is that you can now count on more people to share the bills!

Are you a couple? Post your ad on EasyRoommate and find an easy way to find your dream flatshare!

1. Write a clear and detailed ad.
Potential flatmates are looking for someone who will match their personality. Do you like sport? Tell them! They’ll be happy to go training with you. Like arts, music, going out… well tell people!

2. Choose pictures that truly represent your personality.
Your photograph will be the first impression you show to EasyRoommate members. Everybody will see you in a different way, but maybe don’t scare them with an odd photo! Choose a photo that represents you in the best way!

3. Fill the all criteria boxes
Give the most amount of information you can to your future flatmates! You don’t mind living with smokers? Say it! You would love to live with cats or dogs? Say it! You are open-minded regarding to your flatmates sexual orientation? Say it! This way you’re sure that you won’t crash in a vegan people’s house if you are a meat lover!

4. Use all the website tools.
EasyRoommate allows you to search for a flatmate using a map, including by tube map or the radius research. So you can find the ideal place to shorten your daily commute.

5. Beware of fraud
Scammers operate on the Internet posting fake ads with very attractive prices. Our moderation staff works hard everyday to fight against scammers. Please don’t get caught in fake ads and beware of this criminal behaviour. Never pay for a place you haven’t visited. Please visit our topic Safety Online > How to identify a scammer.

See you soon on EasyRoommate!

She wanted to move to another flatshare that was more spacious and closer to work.

• How long have you been living in the UK? It’s been 5 years I live in London now. I work in the same restaurant since the beginning, I’m now a manager!
• Why did you come and live here? I’m from Marseilles, so I’m definitely a city person! I wanted to improve my english level and discover new experiences and new trends here in London!
• Why did you choose the flatshare option for your accommodation? When I came in UK I didn’t know anyone. I think flatsharing was a good option to be aware of the british way of life, to meet native speakers and make some good friends! In addition to that, London is a quite expensive city, it was a good means to save money!
• According to your previous experiences, which advice would you give to someone who wants to start flatsharing? First, don’t be afraid of living with people from other countries if you don’t speak their language: it will be a perfect start to speak english everyday! Second, try to have a strict organisation with your flatmates to pay the bills and common spendings! Then, never take the initiative to bleach your laundry when your flatmate’s favourite dress still remains into the washing machine…
• Where did you find all the tips to live in England?
  I visited a website called expat-etudiant.fr. I found very interesting tips about the way of life, but also flatsharing, jobs, and many useful general information!

Video: Flat hunting by Daisy Steiner (Jessica Hynes) in Spaced, british comedy.

What are you looking for? from Easyroommate on Vimeo.