With the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the UK totalling £919.26*, it’s no surprise couples are choosing to move in together sooner rather than later.
In fact, recent ONS data** shows living together outside of traditional marriage is becoming increasingly common in the UK, with 3.5 million cohabiting couple families.
However, new research from home appliance brand SharkNinja has revealed that 50% of people regret moving in together within the first year, and a third (32%) of relationships break down after taking this step.
SharkNinja has unearthed exactly why relationships are breaking down in the UK post moving in together and spoken exclusively with Certified Relationship Coach, Gemma Nice, to reveal how couples can work through their cohabiting problems.
40% of the nation think couples are moving in together too quickly
Shockingly, the study found that 40% of the nation think that couples are moving in together too quickly in 2026.
Not only do a whopping 81% of couples regret moving in together at some point, 50% regret taking the leap within the first year, and 1 in 10 admit to feeling regret within just four weeks of getting the keys.
The main reasons couples break up after moving in together
Cohabiting couples make up 17.7% of family households, and although still just under a fifth**, this figure continues to decline as more adults choose to live together without getting married or having children.
SharkNinja uncovered that over half (58%) of the UK have experienced a near or complete relationship breakdown after moving in together.
Communication and emotional disconnect were named as the leading cause, with 44% saying this was the main reason. Meanwhile, 42% shared that lifestyle and compatibility differences were the biggest problem.
Over half (51%) of the UK said that cleanliness and household habits were the biggest cause of arguments, closely followed by money and responsibilities, highlighted by 50%. Space and environment were cited by 19%, and 33% said daily routines.
Why do relationships struggle after moving in together?
SharkNinja spoke exclusively with Gemma Nice, Certified Relationship Coach to offer advice on how to approach moving in with a partner:
Gemma Nice, advises: “When you have just moved in, the chronic stress suppresses passion which then makes you doubt the connection in the first place. When you move in together, daily life stressors multiply. If you aren’t grounded individually, you end up treating your partner like a roommate, instead of a lover.
“To get through the roommates to lovers, you must create an intentional, daily container for connection. Laugh together, have fun, and don’t let the domestic routine override your playful personalities. Intimacy keeps you acting as a supportive unit rather than two people just sharing a roof. So cook dinner together and eat together at the dinner table at least twice a week.
“Before you address a frustration with your partner, ground yourself first. Take a moment for a few rounds of deep breathing, movement, or a quick meditation. I always get my clients to do the 4,7,8 breath work practice as this helps to ground you.
“When you approach a household argument from a place of internal safety and calm, you stop walking on eggshells and start communicating with genuine honesty and love.”