Co-living: A New Way to Live, Not Just a Place to Stay 🏡✨
Over the past few years, many of us have changed how we work—embracing remote roles, flexible hours, and collaborative spaces. And now, there’s a fresh approach to how we live too. Welcome to the world of Co-living—a modern housing solution that blends community, convenience, and flexibility.
So what exactly is co-living?
The London Plan defines co-living as large-scale, purpose-built shared living developments, typically with at least 50 units. Unlike traditional flat shares, co-living developments include added perks such as communal lounges, coworking spaces, gyms, laundry rooms and even cinemas. They also offer minimum tenancy terms of three months, creating the perfect balance between flexibility and stability.
But co-living is not just for students or twenty-somethings finding their feet. While the average co-living resident is 28, around 20% of residents are over 35. As the sector evolves, we’re seeing opportunities for age-specific schemes, designed to suit different lifestyles—whether you’re a digital nomad, a mid-career professional, or someone starting anew.
🏢 Examples of co-living spaces can be found in vibrant cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Take The Collective in Canary Wharf, for example—it offers fully furnished studios, on-site bars, shared kitchens, and even wellness programs. Residents can work from beautifully designed lounges, take part in yoga classes, and build a sense of community without sacrificing personal space.
🌿 And closer to home, in Halton, there’s a unique and inspiring example of community living— the Lancaster Co-housing Development, beautifully located on the banks of the River Lune. While not co-living in the traditional rental sense, this development is all about ownership and shared values. Many of the residents have been there since the homes were built. Together, they’ve created a true eco way of life, centred around sustainability, community and cooperation. It’s a lifestyle choice, where neighbours genuinely know—and support—each other. It’s quite unlike anything else in the Lancaster area.
One of the biggest draws of co-living?
🌷Convenience. Your rent typically covers everything—from utilities to Wi-Fi, gym access, cleaning, and more. No more chasing housemates for the electricity bill!
🌟 Community is another major highlight. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, co-living offers people a chance to connect. Residents often say the social atmosphere and shared experiences are what truly make co-living stand out.
And it’s not just a short-term fix. A massive 70% of co-living residents intend to stay for a year or more—proof that this is a long-term housing solution, not just a temporary stopgap.
At a time when traditional housing is becoming more expensive and less accessible, co-living helps ease the pressure by offering affordable, practical and well-designed spaces. It also plays an important role in meeting the UK’s growing housing demand, with every co-living unit making a real difference.
As more people seek out new ways to live and connect, co-living is stepping up as a smart, social, and sustainable choice. Could it be the future of urban living?
Would you try co-living? Or do you know someone who already has? We would love to know. A friend of mine tried it in Madrid. She loved it, just so you know!
Thanks for reading this weeks Market Insights! If we can help you with anything property related, just get in touch!
Michelle x
