Research from the University of Sydney suggests rapid house price growth may be locking people into marriages.
Economist Dr Luke Hartigan notes that higher house prices make running two households more costly, so couples are more likely to stay together.
Conflict Under One Roof
Shaw describes "Robert" and "Jane," who sought counselling after eight months living together post-separation.
Robert moved into his son's bedroom, but the couple fought constantly, and Jane cried often. They couldn't afford two homes or even two rentals.
"Both were increasingly stressed but were stuck," Shaw says.
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Another couple spent a year in conflict under one roof, drawing their children into the combat. Neither would move out.
"Their financial picture looked pretty bleak," Shaw says, adding that some couples stay for the children or until the house sells.
But she notes that few couples part amicably enough to tolerate it long-term.
Family law specialist Tara Houseman has seen couples divide homes into zones and argue over mundane issues like who empties the dishwasher or uses more electricity.
One couple engaged in passive-aggressive battles over hallway lights. Tensions escalate when one partner starts dating again, which Shaw calls "excruciating."
For some women, SUSR is dangerous. Financial pressures can trap them with abusive partners.
Sally Renfrey, a financial counsellor, says that on income support, finding an affordable rental is "virtually impossible."
One woman interviewed said her partner's violence escalated over five years, but financial pressures repeatedly drew her back.
