Coliving is becoming popular across Europe as a fresh take on urban housing catered to modern professionals and travelers. This community-focused living arrangement offers furnished apartments or houses with shared communal spaces such as fully-equipped kitchens, entertainment rooms, coworking areas, sports spaces, and more. The emphasis is on creating a social environment alongside flexible and affordable housing. This article dives into the diverse profiles of individuals attracted to coliving, exploring their age, career paths, and usual length of stay. Our goal is to provide valuable insights to those interested in exploring this unique way of living.
Brief Background on Coliving
Coliving, an offshoot of the shared economy, is a contemporary housing arrangement where individuals or small groups share living spaces while enjoying communal facilities. This innovative concept fosters a sense of community, promotes cost efficiency, and offers the flexibility demanded by today’s dynamic lifestyles. With the rise of remote work, urbanization, and a growing desire for meaningful social connections, coliving has become a compelling alternative to traditional housing options.
Five Tenant Types Well-Suited For The Coliving Lifestyle
Whether you’re a young professional launching your career in a new city or an entrepreneur carving out your niche, the coliving lifestyle offers a dynamic and supportive environment tailored to your unique journey. Explore how five distinct tenant types find themselves thriving in coliving spaces, where connections flourish and living becomes a truly enriching experience.
1. Young Professionals
A significant number of people who opt for coliving as their living arrangement are typically young professionals, with a median age of 29. These people are often seeking more than just a place to sleep as they start their careers in new cities. A major attraction for them is the chance to network, expanding both their personal and professional circles. Coliving offers an ideal solution by providing comfortable living spaces and a built-in community.
Coliving spaces often arrange various community events, ranging from wine nights to yoga classes to weekend trips. The frequency and type of events may differ depending on the coliving community’s location. By participating in these social activities, residents can strengthen their bonds and broaden their social networks. Typically, young professionals stay in coliving spaces for 1 to 2 years before transitioning to other housing.
Popular European coliving hotspots like Berlin, Krakow, and Tallinn attract young professionals in creative fields like tech, media, and design. Central locations near public transit and city centers make commuting seamless.
Pros and Cons of Being Young Professionals
PROS:
Networking opportunities
Community events and activities 2-3x per week (depending on location)
No long-term lease commitment – average stay is 8-24 months
CONS:
Less privacy with communal living
Smaller living spaces compared to regular apartments
Shared common spaces like kitchens and lounges
Tips for Young Professionals
Seek locations close to your office and city centers
Attend weekly community events to meet like-minded residents
Look for additional amenities like gyms, terraces, and speedy WiFi
2. Post-Grads and Graduate Students
Moving from university to a career can be overwhelming, particularly when finding housing. Coliving is often a preferred option for post-graduates and graduate students due to its affordability and sense of community. With the financial pressures of education, coliving offers an appealing alternative that doesn’t sacrifice social interaction. Typically, these individuals stay in coliving spaces for 6 to 12 months, which aligns with the duration of their academic programs. Living in a coliving space encourages residents to form natural connections due to shared routines. Additionally, many coliving spaces offer designated quiet study areas and coworking spaces tailored to student needs.
University hubs like Brooklyn and Philadelphia have locations near campus and classes. The furnished pods or apartments require little setup and offer budget-friendly rates attractive to students.
Pros and Cons of Being Post-Grads and Graduate Students
PROS:
Furnished apartments with flexible 3-12 month leases
Affordable compared to regular apartments
Built-in study buddies and student community
CONS:
Communal living isn’t for everyone
Spaces tend to be smaller around 10-20 square meters
Shared bathrooms and kitchens
Tips for Post-Grads and Graduate Students
Ask about dedicated study areas/coworking spaces when touring
Connect with other students for peer motivation and study groups
Look for month-to-month leases aligned with school terms
3. Solo Travelers
For those embarking on extended solo travels across Europe, coliving provides a comfortable home base to anchor the adventure. Travelers can reside in each city they visit for a few weeks or months while enjoying the benefits of the community.
These nomads seek to immerse themselves in local cultures while forging connections with fellow travelers and locals alike. The typical duration of stay for solo travelers in a coliving space ranges from a few days or weeks, allowing them to explore multiple destinations while maintaining a sense of belonging.
Many spaces offer additional amenities like weekly events, cooking classes, tours, and activities. For solo travelers looking for a cultural immersion beyond hotels, coliving provides the ideal launch pad without the isolation of a traditional apartment.
Popular coliving hubs for travelers include Prague, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Malta, and more. Centrally located spaces near transport and attractions simplify exploring. Some cater specifically to backpackers and travelers with dedicated excursion programming.
Pros and Cons of Being a Solo Traveler
PROS:
Built-in community – make travel buddies easily
Exposure to the local culture through frequent events
Flexibility to come and go, often with min 1-week stays
CONS:
Less control over roommate matches
Tight shared bathrooms and kitchens
Not completely private spaces
Tips for Solo Travelers
Look for locations near public transport and city centers
Join organized activities and outings to meet fellow travelers
Scope for digital nomad-friendly amenities like strong WiFi
4. Corporate Transferees
As globalization shapes the business landscape, corporate transferees are often uprooted for short-term work assignments. The need for flexible, furnished housing that offers comfort and community has led many to coliving arrangements.
When it comes to corporate transferees staying in coliving spaces, the length of their stay can vary depending on their individual circumstances. This can include factors such as the duration of their work assignment or relocation. Some transferees may only need to stay for a short period, while others may prefer a longer-term arrangement. The great thing about coliving is that it offers flexibility, allowing residents to adjust their stay as needed. Unlike traditional year-long apartment leases, coliving leases can be as short as one month. Additionally, certain coliving spaces offer amenities such as private offices, meeting rooms, printing, and networking events to cater to the needs of business professionals.
Cities like London, Barcelona, New York and Singapore attract corporate transferees from leading multinational firms. Coliving locations situated near business districts allow convenient commuting.
Pros and Cons of Being a Corporate Transferee
PROS:
No long-term lease commitment – average stay is 3-6 months
Community connections with other professionals
Business amenities like private offices and meeting rooms
CONS:
Communal living with shared kitchens and lounges
Potentially less private space than an entire apartment
Tips for Corporate Transferees
Ask about private work areas for calls and focused work
Attend community events to network and meet new people
Look for locations near your office to simplify commuting
5. Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Living in a coliving space offers entrepreneurs in the early stages of business launch with networking opportunities and support. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are also running their businesses or working remotely, the community provides a platform for brainstorming and accountability. The flexible period of stay ranging from 3 to 12 months caters to the ever-changing demands of their ventures, allowing them to adjust their living arrangements accordingly.
Besides networking, many coliving spaces provide office rooms, conference areas, workshops, and investor access. These amenities provide the infrastructure for those without a separate office space to grow a business.
Major European startup hubs like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Paris attract entrepreneurs with vibrant coliving communities. Convenient coworking spaces allow founders to separate work and personal life.
Pros and Cons of Being an Entrepreneur or Freelancer
PROS:
Coworking space and office amenities
Skill-shares and workshops 2x per month on average
Networking with fellow entrepreneurs
CONS:
Potential distractions from residents
Shared rather than private space
Communal food and supplies
Tips for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Seek dedicated office space if possible
Attend entrepreneurial workshops and networking
Look for locations near accelerators or incubators
Experience the Coliving Lifestyle: A Home Where Communities Flourish
Coliving has captured the attention of a diverse range of individuals, each drawn to the vibrant tapestry of shared spaces, community engagement, and modern living. From young professionals seeking community and networking to solo travelers in pursuit of adventure, coliving caters to a diverse range of needs. The affordability, flexibility, and sense of belonging offered by coliving make it an increasingly popular choice for those navigating life’s transitions. As you consider your own lifestyle preferences and priorities, the coliving model beckons as a promising avenue for redefining the way we live, work, and connect in a rapidly changing world.
