Britons are continuing to live in shared households far later in life as housing and living costs make solo living harder to achieve, according to new research from Nationwide.

The building society said people believe house sharing becomes “embarrassing” at the age of 29, yet 11% are still living with parents, friends or strangers beyond that point. Nationwide said 69% of respondents believe living alone is unaffordable, helping to push the average age of people in house shares to 35.

The findings point to the continuing strain that affordability pressures are placing on household formation, with many adults delaying independent living or returning to shared arrangements in order to manage costs. Nationwide said one in 10 people had formed what it described as “rally households” to save money, including by moving back home, sharing with others or even living with an ex-partner.

These arrangements may be helping some people reduce outgoings, but the research suggests there is a personal cost. Nearly half, 46%, said their living situation had negatively affected their relationships and personal lives. Some 15% reported stress and anxiety, 14% said they felt stuck, 8% had experienced tension among housemates and 7% said they had delayed major life decisions.

Nationwide said the sense of discomfort around shared living is widespread, with 27 million people saying they have felt embarrassed about their living situation. Among younger adults, 22% of Gen Z respondents said comparisons with peers on social media had made this harder, while 19% of millennials said they felt awkward discussing their housing arrangements at work.

For property professionals, the findings offer another indication of the pressures shaping current housing demand. The data suggests affordability constraints are not only affecting first-time-buyers and renters in the conventional sense, but are also reshaping living arrangements across a broader age range. Shared housing, family support and informal multi-adult households appear to be playing a growing role in helping people cope with the cost of housing.

Florrie, 26 in Surrey, said: “I have been living and working in London for five years, but have never been able to save a penny. I would be counting the pennies before payday came around, and feeling like the tight friend when making plans to go out.

“As a result, I’ve just moved in with my boyfriend and his parents in his family home in Surrey, and am now commuting into the city. We’re hoping this will help us save for a house or to go travelling.”

Vicky said: “I currently live in an owned property with my husband and four children. Of these children, three are over 18 and financially independent. My son moved out three years ago, but his relationship broke down, so he has moved back in with us.

“The older children are unable to afford to move out or buy a house, which has made our living situation quite challenging.

“Since my son moved back, it’s been a struggle because we only have a three-bedroom house. One of my daughters has to stay at her boyfriend’s house because there aren’t enough rooms or beds for everyone, especially since her brother shares a room with his sister.

“I have felt embarrassed about our living situation, particularly with four children in a three-bedroom house. It’s not ideal, but we have no choice given our circumstances.

“Sometimes, I wonder about my future and my relationship, and I feel that not having enough money impacts me, making me feel stuck where I am. The financial strain is a constant concern and affects my overall well-being”

Flo, 65 in London, said: “I own my own home, but began renting out two of the rooms because I was facing financial difficulties and needed an additional source of income. I can’t say that I’ve saved a significant amount of money, but having lodgers has helped me maintain a better quality of life.

“Having lodgers has sometimes been challenging, mainly due to personality differences and, more frequently, disagreements over household chores. I expect to maintain room rentals until I am in a position to retire”

Richard Stocker, head of savings at Nationwide, said: “Whether it’s saving for a first home, getting on the housing ladder or moving out for the first time it’s important to start with achievable savings goals. Make the most of your ISA allowance, and use a good budgeting app like Nationwide’s Budget Builder, they can do the heavy lifting.

“With the right tools, getting on top of your money feels far more doable.”