Elderly homeowners are being encouraged to consider opening their home for a younger flatmate to alleviate Queensland’s housing crisis. 

‘Home sharing’ matches people who need practical help to live at home with potential tenants needing accommodation.

In exchange for a cheaper rent rate, housemates can offer companionship and a helping hand with household chores.

Aged & Community Services Australia CEO Paul Sadler told Sofie Formica formal programs in Australia have struggled to gain the interest of older homeowners.

“The pressures … around homelessness, the rise in price of housing, lack of availability of housing, … is a key driver of this.

“But what we’ve often found is the older people … have not been as keen to share homes as maybe some have been overseas.”

Mr Sadler said programs need consistent investment to support linking homeowners with home-seekers.

“After that, there’s not really any other investment government needs to make into it other than a check-in process to make sure it’s all going well.”

Press PLAY below to hear how to participate in homesharing programs 

Image: Getty