This report investigates the potential of intergenerational homesharing as a response to Queensland’s housing crisis. Queensland faces severe declining housing affordability and rental shortages. Simultaneously, many older adults live alone in large homes with spare bedrooms, often experiencing loneliness and social isolation. International evidence suggests homesharing can address these parallel challenges, though uptake in Australia remains limited. 

The research described in the report aimed to co-design a service provision model that could alleviate housing stress while supporting older people to age in place. The two-phase study included focus groups and a homeowner survey. This research identifies five potential service models for further consideration: 

1. Full-service homesharing – a values-driven small-scale program matching homesharers (e.g. university students) with homeowners, supported by vetting, information, and mediation.
2. Helping people help family and friends – resources and support for households informally taking in relatives or friends.
3. Doing sharing well – community-wide education, agreements, and mediation services for shared living.
4. Home modifications for semi-independent sharing – guidance on adapting homes for flexible, dual living arrangements.
5. Semi-independent sharing as an aged care option – support for families seeking alternatives to retirement villages through intergenerational semi-independent living.