Cohabitas

Cohabitas is an online platform established in 2016 by co-founders Eva Orasch and Nick Henley, dedicated to facilitating shared living arrangements for adults over the age of 40. The company's inception stemmed from observations regarding the challenges of living alone, particularly for older individuals who may experience loneliness or financial strain after losing a partner. Cohabitas aims to provide a space where mature individuals can find like-minded housemates for long-term shares or as Monday to Friday lodgers, promoting the belief that shared living can be enriching at any age. The firm's core mission is to connect people seeking shared accommodation with those who have spare rooms, emphasizing the social and financial benefits of cohabitation.

The platform operates as an online listings service, enabling individuals to advertise a room for rent or to present themselves as a prospective housemate. Users can detail not only the specifics of the room but also the characteristics they seek in a lodger or housemate, fostering a more compatible living situation. Cohabitas prioritizes the importance of personal compatibility in shared living, recognizing that the individuals sharing a home are often the most crucial factor for a successful arrangement. While the service is primarily online, the company also offers a telephone registration service for those who may require assistance with the process.

Cohabitas primarily serves a demographic of adults over 40, though registration is open to individuals aged 35 and above. The community comprises various individuals, including homeowners with spare rooms, those who prefer not to live alone, people facing new living circumstances, and mature professionals seeking accommodation near their workplaces. The platform has established itself as a prominent house sharing website for this age group in the UK and other English-speaking countries, with approximately 90% of its registrants located within the United Kingdom. Each month, Cohabitas connects over 20,000 users, including around 4,000 live-in landlords and 16,000 housemates, demonstrating a significant and active community.

It is important to note that Cohabitas does not operate within the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector. The company's focus is distinctly on mature house sharing, explicitly differentiating itself from services catering to younger professionals or students. The firm's philosophy centers on the idea that house sharing remains a sensible option for older adults, offering both financial advantages and social engagement. This specialized approach ensures that the community and resources provided are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of its over-40 demographic, rather than student housing requirements.

The company's approach to house sharing is rooted in the understanding that finding the "right" people is paramount for a positive co-living experience. Cohabitas provides the tools and information necessary for users to assess potential matches, rather than offering a personalized matching service. The platform supports various forms of shared living, including traditional lodger arrangements and "buddy-up" groups for those interested in creating new co-living environments. Free registration and listing options are available, with premium memberships offered for users who wish to contact all members directly.

This flexible structure allows individuals to explore shared living options that align with their specific needs and preferences, fostering a supportive community for mature adults seeking companionship and cost-effective housing.