Stories

Tue, 04 Aug 2026

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 The cost of being single – and how friends are teaming up to beat it

Many singles face extra costs for housing, bills, food and holidays but there are ways to ease the burden.
Two friends, Sarah and Leanne, have successfully purchased a house together, avoiding the so-called "singles tax" that can make it difficult for single individuals to afford housing on their own. The "singles tax" refers to the extra costs that single people face due to being alone. This can include higher mortgage payments, council taxes, and household bills, as well as missing out on discounts and promotions designed for couples. Sarah and Leanne, who met in school, decided to buy a house together as friends after they both wanted to move back to Kent but couldn't afford the properties they liked on their own. They agreed to split the costs and responsibilities of homeownership, including mortgage payments, household bills, and maintenance. The arrangement worked well for them, allowing them to avoid the extra costs associated with being single. In fact, they were able to sell their house for a profit four years later and use the equity to fund their next purchases. Their experience has inspired others to consider buying a home with friends. An online platform called Cucoon is now matching up singles who want to buy together, with the goal of "leveling the playing field" for single people in the housing market. Other tips for managing costs as a single person include sharing household expenses with friends or family, splitting bills and subscriptions, and being mindful of solo supplements on travel and other services.