Alyss, who lives with one friend in east London, has used this time to seriously think about taking the plunge: “Lockdown has definitely made me think about how much money I could be saving if I moved slightly further out of London. Also, if working from home is a reality I would rather do that in a space that felt entirely mine. It’s the first time I’ve really been able to explore this possibility.”

Jaz loves living in her south London flatshare but also relates: “It’s taken me a long time to feel comfortable saying I want to live alone. It almost feels like a bit of a betrayal of my incredible flatmates but I know it’s really high up there on my list of aspirations. Surprisingly, it’s become even more important to me since lockdown. I’ve really come to understand the importance of being able to be in command of my own space.”

And Leanne*, currently in a west London house share, is craving her own space more than ever: “I’m living with three housemates who I get along with really well, and I love having their company after work and at weekends, but after 10 + years of living in houseshares, I think I’m ready to take the leap and try being by myself. Lockdown has shown me that I can chat with friends and family virtually whenever I feel lonely, and while it might not be the same as having a physical presence in the house, I think I’d be OK.”

Renting after lockdown: “The pandemic has made me realise I want to live alone”