More couples cohabit at speed to save on costs

Moving in with a loved one is usually a major decision, but it seems romances are speeding up these days as couples move in together quickly to help their finances.

As the cost of living increases, it’s no secret that rent magically becomes cheaper if it’s split between two people. So, to find out if finances are a factor on British couples moving in with each other sooner than they might have otherwise, a survery was carried out by the company, Supplies for Candles.

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The study found that almost a third of co-habiting couples moved in sooner than they had intended to, for financial reasons.

People living in the North West are the most eager to save on living costs, as 41% of cohabiting couples admit to moving in with their partner earlier than they would like to save on living expenses. The couples least likely to cohabit for love rather than financial reasons are in Wales.

Supplies For Candles also probed couples to find out how soon they would move in with their partners. Those in Yorkshire and the Humber were quickest to move in with their significant others, waiting just over a year, while Scotland couples were the most cautious, waiting 15.2 months before sharing the cost of living.

The survey also found that 54% of British people believe that rent and bills should be split down the middle, 50-50. However, this can cause friction if, or when, one partner earns considerably more – or less – than the other…

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When asked what is the biggest source of friction for newly cohabiting couples, the results were as follows: Needing your own space came top of the list; with 33% of them saying it was an issue. This was followed by money (25%), eating habits (16.7%) – it’s hard to keep loving someone who chews noisily or eats with their mouth open, for example, sleeping habits (167%) – snoring must be a pretty big one, and finally cleanliness (8.3%).

Often when moving in with a partner, you may see your friends less, as nearly half of cohabiting couples admit (42%).

Over half (53%) of couples admit they’re not happy with the amount of date nights they get with their significant other since moving in together. That aside, 82% of Brits say cohabiting actually strengthens the relationship.

"Whilst it can be challenging living with a new partner for the first time, it’s clear that these trials and tribulations strengthen the relationship’,"said Nicky Story from Supplies For Candles.

"Just remember to keep the romance alive. A candlelit bath or romantic dinner are a perfect little surprise or date night to keep that flame burning!"