[ice2000]

The biggest cost of living alone is getting on the housing ladder. Even with a large deposit saved up, on my fairly average UK salary, the amount I can borrow on a mortgage does not get me very far in my area. If I had a partner, even if they were on a minimum wage job, it would change what I could afford from 2 bed terrace to decent 3 bed semi-detached.

Not saying it's unfair, just that it kind of sucks.

[sershe]

Could it be that your expectations of what housing should be are formed by the "default" households? I think 2 bed is way too much for one person, while 3 bed is barely enough for two, so it looks like you are getting a better deal now :)