Accommodation

Hello listeners, and a big welcome to IELTS TIME! Today’s focus is all about Accommodation in Part 3. We’ll be learning from the responses of our regular contributor, Joseph, and then showing you exactly how to ace this topic. Let’s get started!

Do you think it’s better to rent or to buy a place to live in?

In my opinion, whether it’s better to rent or buy really depends on a person’s stage of life and financial situation. For young adults, renting is often more practical because it offers greater flexibility, especially if they might need to relocate for work or education. Renting also requires less upfront investment, which is important when many young people are still establishing their careers. However, in the long term, buying a home is generally seen as a better investment, as it provides stability and allows individuals to build equity over time. Personally, I believe renting is the smarter choice early on, but once someone is financially secure and ready to settle down, purchasing a property becomes a much wiser option.

How easy is it to find a place to live in your country?

In my country, finding a place to live really depends on the location. In major cities, like the capital, it’s quite competitive because so many people move there for work or study. Good apartments, especially the affordable ones, get rented out very quickly, so you need to be fast and sometimes even pay more than you originally planned. On the other hand, in smaller towns or rural areas, it’s much easier and cheaper to find a place, but there might be fewer options in terms of modern facilities. I think overall it’s manageable, but if someone has specific needs, like wanting to live close to work or school, it can definitely take some time and effort.

Do you agree that there is a right age for young adults to stop living with their parents?

I think it really depends on individual circumstances. In some cultures, it’s common for young adults to move out at 18 or after finishing university, which encourages independence and personal growth. However, in other places, it’s normal for people to stay with their parents well into their late twenties or even thirties, especially if housing is expensive or if they’re supporting their family. Personally, I believe there isn’t a ‘right’ age — it’s more about when someone is financially stable and emotionally ready to live on their own. Forcing someone to move out too early could create unnecessary pressure, while staying too long might prevent them from becoming fully independent.

What options are available to young couples looking for accommodation in your country?

Young couples in my country have a few different options when it comes to finding accommodation. Many of them choose to rent apartments, especially in urban areas where buying a home is just too expensive. There are also shared housing options, where couples rent a room in a larger house with other tenants, which helps to cut costs. For those who are financially better off, some might consider taking out a mortgage to buy a small apartment or a starter home. Additionally, in some cases, couples might stay with one of their families temporarily to save money before moving out. Overall, the choice really depends on their budget and how quickly they want to become independent.

What are some of the pleasures involved in making a home for ourselves?

I think one of the biggest pleasures is the sense of freedom and creativity you get. When you’re setting up your own home, you can decorate it exactly the way you like, choose the furniture, and create a space that reflects your personality. It’s also really satisfying to have a place that feels completely yours — a space where you feel comfortable and relaxed after a long day. Another pleasure is the sense of achievement; it feels like an important step toward independence and adulthood. Even simple things, like cooking your own meals or inviting friends over, can feel very rewarding when it’s in a place you built for yourself.

Alright, everyone, welcome back! That was Joseph giving us some great sample answers for today’s topic: Accommodation.

Now, in this next part of the episode, let’s dive deeper into how you, too, can approach questions about accommodation effectively in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. This part of the exam isn’t just about answering quickly — it’s about developing your ideas thoughtfully, using relevant vocabulary, and showing the examiner that you can talk about abstract and social topics with confidence. So let’s walk through the questions Joseph answered earlier and break down how to tackle each one — what kind of vocabulary is useful, what sort of ideas to bring in, and how to add that little bit of personal insight that makes your speaking sound real and reflective.

Let’s start with the classic question: “Do you think it’s better to rent or to buy a place to live in?” This one is all about comparing. Instead of just picking one and sticking to it, try to show that you can see both sides. Joseph did this well — he acknowledged the flexibility of renting, especially for young adults, and then talked about how buying offers long-term benefits like stability and investment. You want to use words like ‘financially stable’, ‘upfront costs’, and ‘equity’. Phrases like ‘in the long term’ or ‘depending on someone’s career stage’ help you sound nuanced. And don’t be afraid to insert something personal. For example, you might say, ‘Personally, at this stage of my life, renting makes more sense, but one day, I’d love to own a place of my own.’ That kind of personal reflection not only rounds out your answer but also makes it memorable.

The second question Joseph tackled was, “How easy is it to find a place to live in your country?” This one tests your awareness of real-life situations — geography, economics, and maybe even social pressure. What Joseph did well was comparing urban and rural areas. That’s a great strategy. You can mention how competitive the housing market is in major cities, how rental prices have gone up, or how people have to rely on apps and agents to even find a viewing. Use vocabulary like ‘housing shortage’, ‘affordability’, and ‘high demand’. Think of how you’d describe it to a friend who’s just moved to your country — what would you warn them about? That approach helps keep your answer concrete and relatable.

The third question had a more cultural and emotional edge: “Do you agree that there is a right age for young adults to stop living with their parents?” This is where you want to step back from just saying yes or no and think about the bigger picture. Joseph brought up cultural differences and financial realities, and that’s key. There is no universal answer, and showing that awareness is exactly what IELTS examiners are looking for. You can bring in terms like ‘financial independence’, ‘social expectations’, or ‘economic pressures’. Maybe you’ve experienced this yourself — perhaps you moved out young and found it liberating, or maybe you’re still at home and saving money. It’s totally fine to include that. A sentence like, ‘In my culture, it’s not unusual for people to stay at home until their late twenties, especially if they’re contributing to the household,’ adds depth and personal grounding to your response.

When Joseph answered the question — “What options are available to young couples looking for accommodation in your country?” — he did a great job of not just listing the options but actually explaining what each one involves. That’s something I want you to remember. It’s not just about naming ‘renting’, ‘buying’, or ‘living with family’ — it’s about giving a sentence or two that reflects on each one. You might say something like, ‘Many young couples start by renting a small apartment, especially in cities where property prices are high. Others might choose shared accommodation to cut costs, and in some cases, couples even live with one set of parents while saving for a home.’ Vocabulary-wise, you’ve got terms like ‘starter home’, ‘mortgage’, ‘shared housing’, and ‘rent-to-own schemes’ — use them naturally to show you’re familiar with the topic. What makes a Part 3 answer strong is not just vocabulary, but your ability to show awareness of society and how different people make different choices based on their means.

And finally, we come to one of my favorite types of questions: “What are some of the pleasures involved in making a home for ourselves?” This question invites a more emotional, reflective response — so don’t be afraid to speak from the heart. Joseph mentioned the sense of freedom and creativity, and that’s such a relatable idea. You can talk about decorating your own space, choosing your furniture, or even something as simple as cooking for yourself in your own kitchen. Vocabulary here can be a little more expressive — think ‘sense of achievement’, ‘personal sanctuary’, ’emotional comfort’, or ‘self-expression’. It’s also a great chance to show imagery. You might say, ‘Turning an empty room into a cozy living space feels like building a part of your identity.’ That kind of line really elevates your speaking.

So, as you can tell, the topic of accommodation can go in many directions — practical, cultural, emotional — and that’s a good thing. It gives you the chance to show variety in your ideas and language. If you prepare by thinking about both personal experience and broader social issues, and if you build a bank of topic-specific vocabulary, you’ll be able to handle these questions smoothly and with confidence.

Thank you for tuning in to IELTS TIME. Until next time, keep practicing, and good luck with your test!