Co-living (also spelled coliving) is a residential community model in which multiple unrelated people share living space and common facilities, typically managed by a single operator. It combines aspects of shared housing, cohousing and coworking, offering residents private bedrooms along with shared kitchens, lounges, and amenities. [1]
The concept has gained prominence in response to affordable housing shortages and lifestyle shifts in major cities worldwide. [2] [3] Operators typically offer furnished rooms, utilities, and social programming under flexible lease terms. The model aims to foster community, convenience, and affordability for groups such as students, young professionals, and digital nomads. [4]
Studies suggest co-living can promote more sustainable urban lifestyles through resource sharing and reduced per-person consumption of energy, water, and space. [5]
Early examples of communal housing date back to the 1930s, such as London’s Isokon Building (1933–1934) by Wells Coates, which provided shared kitchens, lounges, and services for residents. [6] Similar projects, including Kensal House (1937) by Maxwell Fry and Elizabeth Denby, reflected the modernist movement’s interest in collective living. In the early 21st century, renewed versions of this idea emerged in Silicon Valley, London, and Singapore, spurred by rising urban rents and changing work cultures. [7]
By the 2020s, co-living became a recognized real estate segment worldwide, supported by investment funds and housing startups. [8]
Cities such as Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok have seen rapid growth of co-living projects designed for mobile professionals and international students. [9] Singapore has become one of Asia’s most developed co-living markets, with brands such as Hmlet and The Assembly Place operating under regulatory frameworks encouraging flexible rentals. [10]
In the United States, co-living emerged in major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles as a response to housing shortages and the growth of the gig economy. [11] Companies such as Common, Ollie, and Bungalow popularized the model in the late 2010s, later adapting it for hybrid live-work environments following the COVID-19 pandemic. [12] In Canada and Mexico, similar models have emerged to serve remote workers and digital nomads, particularly in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Mexico City. [13]
In Europe, co-living expanded in the 2020s across London, Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona, driven by changing work patterns and the need for affordable urban accommodation. [14] Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain have seen institutional investment in the sector. [15] In Spain, projects in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia—developed by operators including Enso Coliving, Aticco Living, Node Coliving, and Haaus Coliving—illustrate the country’s growing urban co-living movement aimed at international professionals. [16] [17] According to Coliving Insights, more than 110,000 co-living beds are operational in Europe as of 2025, with supply expected to double before 2030. [18]
While co-living can improve affordability and community engagement, critics argue that it may accelerate gentrification or reduce access to traditional long-term rentals. [19] Cities such as Barcelona and Berlin have introduced regulations defining minimum unit sizes and tenancy protections to prevent speculative use. [20] Proponents contend that with proper regulation, co-living can help cities repurpose underused buildings and provide flexible accommodation for transient workers, students, and newcomers. [21]