As an apprentice, balancing a limited income with the rising cost of living can be challenging. While you’re gaining valuable experience and earning a wage, stretching that income to cover rent, bills, and daily expenses can feel overwhelming. One of the most effective ways to cut down on housing costs is by living in a flatshare, where rent and utilities are divided amongst housemates. But to truly make the most of this arrangement, it’s important to be smart about the choices you make.
In this post, we will offer some essential tips for apprentices looking to save on rent while living in a flatshare.
1. Choose the Right Location
Location is key when it comes to saving on rent. As an Apprentice, you likely need to commute to your workplace, so living close enough to your apprenticeship is crucial to avoid high transportation costs. But city centre flats tend to be more expensive. Instead, neighbourhoods slightly further out that have good public transport links, like buses or trains, that can get you to work quickly and affordably.
Look for areas that strike a balance between affordability and accessibility. Often, you’ll find lower rents just outside of city centres, in places that are still well-connected but not in prime locations.
Tip: Use online tools to compare rent prices across different neighbourhoods and factor in transportation costs before making a decision. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive area with a short commute can actually save you money in the long run.
2. Find the Right Flatmates
Your flatmates can make or break your flatshares experience- both financially and socially. Look for flat housemates who are responsible with money, reliable with payments, and respectful of shared spaces. This way, you’ll avoid the common issue of chasing down rent or utility contributions at the end of the month.
Also, choose flatmates who share a similar lifestyle to you. If you work early shifts, for example, living with a house full of night owls might not be ideal. Compatibility ensures a more harmonious living environment and less stress.
Tip: When looking for a flatshare, ask potential housemates about their work schedules, habits and expectations for communal living. Being upfront about your needs can help you find a better match. Even better, consider built-to-rent flatshares designed to offer tenants more independence. These typically price each room individually and include bills. They also aim to match tenants effectively, take complaints seriously, and maintain shared areas like corridors and, if you're lucky to have one, the clubhouse!
3. Opt for an All-Inclusive Rent
From our previous tip, you’ll agree that having an all-inclusive rent package is the best way forward, as it gives you a degree of independence. It is one of the best ways to manage your budget.
Some flatshares offer a flat rate that covers rent, utilities (electricity, water, gas), internet, and sometimes even council tax. This way, you know exactly how much you need to budget each month, and you won’t have to worry about fluctuating bills or disagreements over splitting bills.
While the rent may seem slightly higher in all-inclusive arrangements, it often saves you time and money in the long run, eliminating the hassle of managing multiple bills and ensuring everyone contributes equally.
Tip: Before committing to an all-inclusive flatshare, compare the package price to the costs of paying bills separately to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
4. Maximise Energy Efficiency in the Flat
One of the biggest shared expenses in a flatshare is the energy bill. By making small adjustments, you can collectively lower energy consumption, reducing the overall cost for everyone. Simple measures like switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, turning off lights when they’re not in use, and being mindful of heating or air conditioning use can make a big difference.
If your flat has shared utilities, encourage your flatmates to adopt energy-saving habits. This is not only good for the environment but also helps everyone save money.
Tip: If possible, negotiate with your landlord to install energy-saving appliances, or invest in items like programmable thermostat to better control heating.
5. Split the Cost of Essentials
Living with others offers the benefit of splitting the cost of essentials like household supplies. You and your flatmates can pool money for items such as toilet paper, cleaning products, kitchen staples, and even shared streaming services like Netflix. This works best if you share the toilet or the living area. By sharing the cost of these everyday items, you’ll reduce your personal expenditure while making sure the household stays stocked and clean.
Tip: Create a rotating system for buying items or start a small fund where everyone contributes a set amount each month to cover communal purchases.
6. Use Shared Platforms to Find Better Deals
When hunting for a flatshare, make use of online platforms designed to help you find the best deals. Websites and apps like SpareRoom, Easyroommate or even Rightmove and Zoopla, let you search for flatshares within your budget. Some sites let you filter by criteria like location, lease length and whether utilities are included, which helps you zero in on the best option.Additionally, joining social media groups for apprentices, young professionals, or students can help you find flatshares that aren’t listed on major platforms. You might discover more affordable options through word of mouth.
Tip: Always read reviews or ask for references before committing to a flatshare found online. This ensures you’re dealing with trustworthy landlords and reliable flatmates.
7. Be Smart About Space
If you’re really looking to save, consider renting a smaller room in a flatshare. While the idea of having the biggest room in the house may be tempting, opting for a smaller space can often mean paying less rent. After all, you’ll be sharing common areas like the living room and kitchen, so you don’t need to spend all your time in your bedroom.
Alternatively, if the flat has a living room that doesn’t get much use, some flatshares convert this into an extra bedroom, bringing the cost down for everyone. Just be sure you’re comfortable with this arrangement and that it’s allowed by your landlord.
Tip: Declutter your belongings and adopt a minimalist lifestyle to make a smaller room more livable. Multi-functional furniture, like a bed with storage or a foldable desk, can help maximise the space.
Living Smart in a Flatshare
Yes, flatsharing is one of the best ways for apprentices to save on rent. However, to truly live smart, it’s important to make careful choices about who you live with, where you live, and how you manage shared expenses. By following these tips, you can maximise your savings while minimising potential stress, allowing you to focus on what really matters- your apprenticeship and personal growth.
Flatsharing doesn’t have to be a compromise. With the right strategies, it can be an affordable and enjoyable way to live while you build your career.
