Co-living’s Flexible, Upscale & Eco Future

Although co-living isn’t new – we’ve been following the phenomenon since 2015 – interest from consumers and brands has intensified because of increasing housing costs. For consumers, co-living can offer a flexible (and more affordable) way to access a local network, sustainable housing and upscale shared amenities.

Space for the Whole Family

As the number of co-living spaces multiplies, shrewd companies are expanding their services to cater for a broader range of occupants. Family-focused options with intergenerational benefits could entice people looking to share caregiving responsibilities. But while this model is popular in Scandinavia, emerging brands are just starting to find success in other western markets.

Sophisticated Student Housing

Despite co-living’s similarities to student housing, new brands are designing residences hyper-tailored to university-goers’ needs. In urban areas, it’s a strategy that can help preserve housing stock for locals. Elsewhere, the model can be adapted to give students more independence and an identity outside of institution-operated halls.

Medium-Term Solutions for Not-Quite Locals

Flexible work schedules have made digital nomadism accessible to more people, as detailed in Meet the Anywhere Citizens. While co-living’s flexibility casts it as an attractive option for medium-term stays, new models aim to enmesh visitors into the community fabric with spaces for nomads and locals to mingle.