When I first looked at patterns in Australian housing demand, one statistic hit me: more people are living alone than ever before. That shift has profound implications – for how we house people, how communities form, and how we build viable property models.
Trends and Scale
Co-living involves a property offering private rooms (often with ensuites) plus shared common facilities (kitchen, lounge, co-working, laundry). It might be fully managed or leased per room.
Variants include:
According to ABS census data, Australia’s lone-person households have steadily increased.
Over 2016–2021, single-person households grew ~17.2%, outpacing the growth of family households. Freshlogic
In property forecasts, the number of Australian households is projected to grow from about 10.66 million to 12.31 million by 2034 — and the lion’s share of that future growth will come from lone-person households.
Nation-wide, the share of people living alone rose from 20% in 1991 to 26% in 2021. Real Estate
The ABS also publishes household projections (2021–2046) showing that “non-family” and single arrangements will contribute disproportionately to future growth.
These numbers tell us: the “average household” is shrinking, and more Australians are choosing or ending up living solo.
What’s Driving the Rise?
Migration & workforce mobility: Many migrants, international students, young professionals move alone.
Delayed marriage & family formation: More people choose to stay single longer or never couple.
Ageing & widowhood: As life expectancy increases, many older people live alone after losing a partner.
Lifestyle preference: Some prefer independence, minimalism, flexibility.
Economic pressures: Rising cost of housing means people may delay forming families or accumulating big homes.
These forces converge to push demand for smaller, better designed, more flexible housing.
Risks & Challenges
Social isolation & mental health: Living alone can increase loneliness, especially for older adults.
Infrastructure & service gaps: Areas designed for families may lack amenities for solo dwellers (transport, social spaces, convenience).
Housing inefficiency: Large homes become under-utilised.
Key Markets in Australia & Queensland
We believe the future lies in housing models that combine privacy with community. Co-living, shared houses,well managed rooming accommodation — all offer solutions:
You retain your own space (bedroom, ensuite), but share common lounges, kitchens, workspaces.
It builds in social interaction without forcing it.
It lets developers / operators better utilise space and reduce per-tenant costs.
Vacancy risk is lowered: if one tenant leaves, others remain.
How Dominion Sees It
At Dominion, we want to build places where a solo dwellerdoesn’t feel isolated. Spaces designed for connection, safe social nooks,flexibility, and amenity. We want to serve those who often get ignored: thesingle, the migrant, the older adult living alone. We combine strong design, operations, and housing policy insight to do that.
Invitation
If you live solo or support someone who does, or if you’re interested in investment models for this shift – reach out. We’d love to hear stories, partner on pilot projects, or collaborate on community design.
