What are coliving spaces and why are they increasingly popular?

Becoming very popular worldwide in recent years, coliving spaces have revolutionized the rental sector. These are large buildings, usually newly renovated, that offer tenants private rooms and bathrooms, but also large kitchens and shared spaces with twenty or more people. A mix between living with roommates and having the spaces of a hotel, coliving has gained significant popularity in Northern Europe and Asia, where, in a post-Covid world, digital nomads have grown exponentially. There are many factors that have made coliving spaces a valid alternative to traditional renting, the first being flexibility in dates. In a typical rental contract, we talk about 18 months or 4 years, but in coliving, it is the client who decides when to check in and check out: you can stay for 3 months or two years. Even though renting with roommates is a similar solution, the situation doesn’t always resemble the iconic 2000s sitcoms. Coliving manages to capture this desire for community – especially shared by full-time remote workers – while offering a perfect balance between personal spaces and common areas with shared resources. However, the concept is not new; in fact, it finds its roots back in the 15th century, with the patronage of Lorenzo the Magnificent. The current market for coliving spaces is considered one of the most flourishing sectors in recent years. In 2023, it was valued at almost 8 billion dollars, and growth is expected to reach 18 billion dollars by 2031. In Italy, coliving spaces are now beginning to gain traction, but compared to other European countries, the Italian market does not seem to be as prosperous.

The idea behind coliving can be traced to various historical examples. As early as the mid-1400s, artistic residencies of Lorenzo the Magnificent brought together artists with similar interests who lived together for short periods. The sense of community was essential for these artists, who inspired each other by exchanging ideas and interests. Similarly, boarding houses of the 19th century provided housing for artists and workers who, with the process of urbanization, moved from the countryside to cities in search of work. As narrated in Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women, the boarding house where Jo March stays for six months becomes a crucial point for her personal growth, deeply influencing her decision to publish her book. When universities later opened their doors to the public, the concept behind coliving took shape in the form of university dormitories, where initially each student had their own private accommodations, sharing communal bathrooms and kitchens. Aside from the concept, the feature that all these predecessors had in common was economic convenience, offering primary needs at a minimal price. However, this characteristic has been completely lost over time.

One of the main factors for the rise of coliving in the market is the current global housing crisis, which is driving up rental prices and making it practically impossible to purchase a first home. At the same time, coliving spaces are not synonymous with economic convenience; in fact, on average, a room tends to cost around €900 per month, with expenses included. The main target of coliving in Italy is expats or university exchange students: Aparto, one of the main coliving providers in Milan, offers two locations – both at the ends of the Bocconi campus. With the new Italian opening of Cohabs, a leader in the sector already present in Europe and America, it is clear that the housing crisis is increasingly pushing the coliving option in the market. Data shows a preference among citizens for temporary contracts, a key strength of these structures. Moreover, considering that many coliving spaces also offer services such as gyms, cinema rooms, gardens, and organized events, the rent price includes extra activities that would otherwise increase monthly expenses outside of rent. But in a housing market in full crisis, where thousands of young people struggle to find accommodation due to exorbitant prices, is there really a need for a cinema room at home? Perhaps the focus should shift to accessible housing for everyone – like the boarding houses of the past.