Topics
The term
1. Co-living, also known as shared housing or communal living, refers to a living arrangement in which multiple people share a living space, such as a flat or a house.
An old concept?
2. Co-living might be considered a new term for an old concept. Multiple occupiers sharing the same dwelling – albeit with a positive reframing of its characteristics focusing on community living, socialising and sharing. Sheltered housing and student accommodation would be traditional examples of this same concept.
3. In recent years with the changing demographics, cost of living and the sharing economy, the term “Co-Living” emerged as a new label popular with property developers and letting agents. 1‘The Pros And Cons Of House Sharing | Co-Living UK’ , accessed 10 January 2023
Arrangements
4. In a co-living situation, individuals may have their private bedrooms, but share common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Co-living spaces are typically designed to promote a sense of community and connection among residents, and may include shared meals, communal spaces for socialising, and shared responsibilities for maintaining the space.
5. Co-living spaces can also include additional facilities such as a games room, library, laundrette, and services such as housekeeping and community events.2Cruickshank A, ‘Co-Living: What Does It Mean for the UK Rental Market?’ , PlaceTech, 30 October 2018, accessed 10 January 2023
Development and management
6. Co-living spaces are often developed and managed by professional companies and can be either apartment-style or single houses. They tend to be more flexible than traditional rental properties.
Targetted at particular demographic categories
7. Some of the trends in co-living spaces also focus on particular demographic categories like student co-living, women-based co-living, older adults co-living, family co-living etc.
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