Find affordable housing with built-in community
Co-living offers reduced costs, meaningful connections, and a place to call home on the Isle of Man.
Book a chat with us
Co-living is more than affordable housing - it's a genuine lifeline. By bringing generations together in shared homes, younger sharers gain community, connection, and an invaluable opportunity to save for their future, whilst enabling someone else to live more fully in theirs.
What you gain through co-living
Affordable housing, not just a rental
Access to safe, secure accommodation at below market cost. This isn't just a room - it's a home. Save money while living somewhere you genuinely belong.
Built-in community
Combat loneliness and build genuine connections. You're not just a tenant - you're part of a household where you matter. Co-living brings a sense of purpose and belonging.
Learn from experience
Gain life skills, wisdom, and perspective from someone who's been there. Wisdom and knowledge you can't find in textbooks or from peers.
Save for your future
Put the money you save toward a deposit, paying off debt, further studies, or building your career. Co-living creates real opportunities for independence, stability, and financial progress.
Fully supported
Vetted homeowners, clear agreements, first aid training, 2 week trial period, and 24/7 ongoing support from PorchLight. You're never alone in this journey.
Your journey with PorchLight
Complete our short online form telling us about yourself, your preferences, and what you're looking for. Takes just 5 minutes.
We'll arrange a friendly chat to discuss your needs, answer questions, and help you understand co-living and what happens next.
We complete ID checks, verify your references, conduct DBS screening, and provide first aid training. This protects both you and homeowners. Once approved, you can browse available homes.
Explore available co-living homes that match your preferences. When you find one you like, we facilitate an introduction through personality matching and interviews. You'll meet the homeowner before making any decisions.
Once both parties are happy, we help complete the agreement and house guidelines. Then you move in and begin a 2 week trial period to ensure it's the right fit.
We provide 24/7 support with regular check-ins and scheduled meetings to monitor the partnership. We also run social events and activities, and if any issues arise, we offer mediation and help resolve them quickly and fairly.
What's expected from you
Co-living is built on mutual respect and contribution. Here's what we ask of sharers:
Contribute 10 hours of meaningful support and companionship per week
Provide a reliable overnight presence in the home
Pay your agreed monthly contribution on time each month
Treat the homeowner and their home with respect
Communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully
What's included
What does light help look like?
Every co-living arrangement is different. Here are some of the ways you might contribute:
Is co-living right for you?
Co-living works best for people who:
Are looking for affordable housing on the Isle of Man
Value connection and community
Are willing to contribute light help and companionship
Want to learn from someone with different life experience
Are reliable, respectful, and good communicators
Want more than just a rental - a place that feels like home
Your questions answered
What kind of help will I be expected to provide?
Typically light tasks like cooking together, sharing meals, taking walks, light housework, gardening, running errands, lifts to appointments, or help with technology - 10 hours per week. Specific arrangements are agreed before you move in.
What if it doesn't work out?
That's what the 2 week trial period is for. If it's not the right fit, we'll find you another match at no extra cost. No penalty, no long-term commitment until you're both happy.
Can I view the home before committing?
Absolutely! You'll meet the homeowner and see the property before making any decisions. Compatibility matters, and you're in full control.
Are pets allowed?
It depends on the homeowner's preferences. Some welcome pets - you can discuss this during the matching process.
Can I bring my own furniture?
Rooms are typically furnished, but small personal items are usually fine. Discuss larger furniture with the homeowner during your viewing.
What happens if I need to move out early?
We require standard notice periods (usually 4 weeks). If you need to leave earlier due to exceptional circumstances, speak to us and we'll work with you and the homeowner to find a solution.
Do I need any training?
We provide first aid training as part of the onboarding process. No prior experience is needed - just willingness, reliability, and respect.
What support do I get after move-in?
We provide 24/7 support, regular check-ins, and scheduled meetings to monitor the partnership. We also organise social events and activities, and you'll have a single point of contact for any issues.
Be part of the solution
Whether you have a room to offer or you're looking for a place to call home, there's a place for you at PorchLight.