New research by SpareRoom reveals that almost half (47%) of all flatsharers will spend Christmas in their flatshares and away from their family and friends if coronavirus restrictions stay in place that ban socialising indoors. For almost three quarters (70%) this will be the first time they have ever spent Christmas away from their family homes.

Even if the nation returns to a state of relaxed rules, the same proportion (47%) of those surveyed said they would be reticent to visit family and friends for fear of passing on COVID-19 to their loved ones.

Consequently, a third (32%) of flatsharers expect to be spending Christmas on their own or with just one other person (23%) – a situation that could contribute to loneliness and mental health difficulties over the festive period.

Not all flatsharers are prepared to abide by the rules if they remain in place. One in five (21%) told SpareRoom they will be travelling to spend Christmas with their family regardless of Government regulations. What’s more, over a third (36%) will not self-isolate prior to going to stay with their family and are prepared to take the risk.

Partly as a result of the pandemic, the research by SpareRoom indicates that flatsharers will be spending less on gifting this year. Indeed, 14% will not be buying Christmas gifts for their relatives, while 17% are currently undecided. When asked why, a third (32%) said they had less disposable income due to coronavirus, while a quarter (24%) have been made unemployed and cannot afford to gift.

However, if flatsharers are forced to stay away from their families and friends this year, the research suggests they are going to make the best of it. A significant majority (78%) say they are actually looking forward to spending Christmas with their flatmates and 91% intend to organise a virtual Christmas gathering with their loved ones. What’s more, one in five (21%) admitted they are going to learn how to make a traditional Christmas roast – having never made one for themselves or others before.

SpareRoom Director Matt Hutchinson comments: “Whatever the government’s ruling on Christmas ends up being, it looks like a significant number of flatsharers will stay in their rented accommodation over the holidays rather than going home. This will be the first time many of them haven’t woken up in their family home on Christmas Day.

It’s clear this Christmas won’t be what we’re used to, but it’s great to see that, whether by choice or not, so many flatsharers are seeing the positive and are determined to enjoy Christmas in the company of flatmates.”