Its research showed that the UK flatsharing population reached 2.85m this year with that number expected to grow by 105,000 to reach 2.96m in 2012.
In London, where the flatshare population is 653,000 Easyroommate forecasts a further rise of at least 22,000 new flatsharers in 2012.
Jonathan Moore, director of Easyroommate.co.uk said: “The boom in the popularity of flatsharing is the second inevitable step following the mortgage market breakdown. Renters can no longer secure mortgages to become homeowners. This is pushing mainstream rents through the roof, and these buyers are turning to flatshares to trim the monthly cost of renting.
“Cheaper forms of rental accommodation will only become more popular next year as the UK faces a stalling economy and the fallout from the eurozone crisis.”
Moore added that with the withdrawal of Stamp Duty relief, demand for rental accommodation from frustrated buyers will be higher than ever.
“When you consider that student populations tend to swell during downturns, we may even see the flatsharing population top three million by the end of next year.”
