"Our cities remain the focal point of opportunity and promise in Britain, and if you’re trying to build a successful career or find your path in life, it’s almost essential that you make one of them your home"
- Vann Vogstad - COHO
The South East has emerged as the most competitive house share rental market in Great Britain, according to new data from COHO.
The House Share Demand Index for Q2 2025, released by the HMO management platform, shows that 19.9% of shared rental opportunities in the South East were taken by tenants during the second quarter of the year.
This places the region ahead of the East of England, where 15.8% of rooms were let, and the South West, which recorded a 15.3% uptake. These figures highlight a regional divide, with demand significantly stronger in the southern parts of Britain.
In contrast, Scotland remains the slowest rental market, with only 2.8% of available shared rentals finding a tenant. The North West and Yorkshire & Humber also recorded low demand levels, at 6.5% and 7.2% respectively.
Bradford sees strongest city-level demand
At a city level, Bradford tops the list for house share demand, with 25% of rental opportunities taken up. Brighton follows at 21.4%, while Newcastle ranks third at 19.9%.
On the other end of the scale, tenant interest is weakest in Edinburgh, where only 2.9% of available house shares were let. Birmingham saw the same level of demand, also at 2.9%, while Leeds recorded 5.8%.
London, despite its long-standing reputation as a shared living hub, saw demand reach 12.9%. While still a relatively high figure, it trails behind other major cities such as Newcastle and Brighton.
Rising prices, rising demand for shared living
“The house share market provides tenants with two things that, you could argue, are more important now than ever before: affordable homes and community,” explained Vann Vogstad, founder and CEO of COHO. “In 2025, the cost of living and the price of rent are extraordinarily high, particularly in major cities.
"Our cities remain the focal point of opportunity and promise in Britain, and if you’re trying to build a successful career or find your path in life, it’s almost essential that you make one of them your home."
"For singletons or couples arriving in a new city to pursue their dreams or ambitions, a one-bed flat is often unaffordable, so shared houses act as a vital lifeline, providing a level of affordability that not only enables you to survive, but also provides the financial freedom to actually enjoy life.”
Vogstad continued, “But in our digital-first world where remote working dominates, shared living not only provides financial freedom, it also offers a much-needed and increasingly sought-after sense of community, connection, and belonging."
"Living with people, as opposed to living alone, does wonders for our wellbeing and happiness, which is why we’re seeing the housemate demographic evolve away from those who move in because of financial necessity towards those who move in for the sheer joy of living with other people and all of the wonders of life that this opens us up to.”
