Coliving Research Reports from around the World

In recent years, coliving has emerged as a transformative housing model, addressing the evolving needs of urban dwellers worldwide. By offering flexible, community-centric living arrangements, coliving spaces cater to diverse demographics, including young professionals, digital nomads, and individuals seeking affordable yet socially engaging environments. This surge in popularity has spurred extensive research across various regions, aiming to understand the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of coliving. This blog delves into notable coliving research reports from around the globe, providing a comprehensive overview of the sector’s current landscape and future prospects.

Here is a curated list of research reports and publications on coliving, providing insights into various aspects of coliving: 

• The Coliving Incubator Report by Artof.Co offers comprehensive insights into emerging coliving startups and concepts worldwide. It delves into their innovative approaches, market strategies, and investment opportunities within the coliving real estate and operational sectors. The report also highlights the achievements of the first cohort of the Coliving Incubator program, showcasing diverse projects that address challenges ranging from affordability to community connectivity in urban living spaces. Get the report.

Europe

• “Significant Opportunity Materialises for Coliving in Europe” by ULI and JLL: This best practice guide provides recommendations for the European coliving sector, addressing housing challenges and offering tailored living solutions. It also aims to raise awareness of the benefits and opportunities coliving offers. View the guide

India

• “Co-Living: Rent a Lifestyle” by Knight Frank: A comprehensive analysis of the potential for rental housing in India, focusing on the co-living sector and its growth prospects. Access the report
• “The Future of Co-Living in India” by Colliers: This whitepaper discusses the organized coliving sector in India, its expansion into tier II cities, and the expected recovery driven by reopening offices and educational institutions. Read the whitepaper
• The JLL report titled “Co-Living: Reshaping Rental Housing in India” provides an in-depth analysis of the burgeoning co-living sector in the country. It highlights the significant growth potential and the factors driving this trend. Access the report.
  

United Kingdom

• “The Co-Living Report 2024” by Knight Frank: This report examines the growth, trends, and opportunities in the UK coliving market, highlighting a 65% increase in coliving delivery in 2023. Access the report
• The “Rental Series: Co-Living” report by Conductor, published in January 2024, provides an in-depth analysis of the UK’s co-living market, highlighting its rapid expansion and evolving renter preferences. Access the report.
• The Savills report “Spotlight: UK Co-living - Q2 2023” provides an in-depth analysis of the UK’s co-living sector, highlighting its rapid growth and increasing appeal among investors and residents. Read the report.
• In collaboration with VervLife, the largest co-living operator in the UK managing over 1,600 studios, Harris Associates has produced a comprehensive report on the co-living sector. This report explores the concept of coliving in the UK, its evolution, and future opportunities. It examines factors driving demand, resident experiences, design considerations, operational dynamics, and investment prospects within this burgeoning sector. Access the report.
• The research, written by the BPF’s Co-Living Working Group, aims to improve understanding of Co-Living and consolidate the offer as an important, emerging asset class and a vital piece in the puzzle to solve the UK housing crisis. Download the report.
• The Greater London Authority (GLA) has published the “Large-scale Purpose-built Shared Living London Plan Guidance” (LPG) to support the implementation of Policy H16 from the London Plan 2021. This guidance addresses the development of large-scale purpose-built shared living (LSPBSL) accommodations, commonly known as co-living spaces. Get the details.

United States of America

• “Coliving During COVID-19” by Cushman & Wakefield: This report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the coliving sector, including rent trends and occupancy rates. View the report
• The Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC) of New York’s guide, “Making Shared Housing Work,” offers a comprehensive framework for developing and managing shared housing as a sustainable, high-quality option for single adults. Access the report.
• The “Co-Living Case Study” by Virginia Tech’s Urban Affairs and Planning Program, published in May 2020, provides an in-depth analysis of co-living as an innovative housing model. The study examines various aspects of co-living, including its definitions, benefits, challenges, and policy considerations. Access the report.
• In “Brave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing,” Diana Lind explores innovative housing models that address contemporary challenges such as affordability, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. A significant focus of the book is on coliving—a modern approach to shared living that fosters communal experiences and efficient use of resources. Lind examines how coliving arrangements can mitigate the isolation often associated with traditional single-family homes and provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for diverse populations. By highlighting real-world examples and policy recommendations, she illustrates how co-living contributes to creating more connected and resilient communities. Get the book.

Other Coliving Research Reports

• The RSA’s report, “Co-living and the Common Good,” explores how co-living can address contemporary housing challenges by fostering community and social capital. Published on March 22, 2018, this collection of essays delves into alternative housing models, particularly in urban settings, to meet diverse needs. Download the report.
• To better understand coliving residents’ perspectives on life, residential satisfaction, and needs concerning communal spaces and services in the context of coliving, WCM has conducted a global survey. Entitled Life in Coliving Space, the results assemble responses from 5 member countries, probing the varied lifestyles of this global subject group. Check out the report.
• “Coliving, Cohousing & Sustainability Research” by Conscious Coliving: This research explores the sustainable aspects of coliving and cohousing, including environmental impacts and community benefits. Explore the research
• The Social Hub’s Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s initiatives and achievements in sustainability, community engagement, and resilience during a challenging period. Get the report.
• The Co-Liv Community Building Report offers valuable insights into the challenges and solutions associated with fostering communities within coliving spaces. By interviewing community managers and operators globally, the report identifies key obstacles in community building and presents strategies to overcome them. It serves as a resource for understanding the dynamics of community creation in coliving environments, providing practical solutions and insights from leading operators. Get the report.
• The “Sustainable Coliving Blueprint” by Artof.Co is a comprehensive guide detailing ten sustainable housing approaches tailored for coliving spaces. It covers aspects such as water management, recycling, building materials, and biophilic architecture, offering insights into creating environmentally friendly and resource-efficient coliving environments. The blueprint also explores the latest technologies, best practices, and innovations in sustainable housing, serving as a valuable resource for developers and operators aiming to enhance the sustainability of their coliving offerings. Download the blueprint.
  

The coliving sector’s rapid evolution reflects a broader shift towards flexible, community-oriented living solutions that align with contemporary urban lifestyles. The research reports highlighted in this blog underscore the sector’s adaptability and resilience, offering valuable insights into regional trends, challenges, and opportunities. As coliving continues to gain traction globally, ongoing research will be instrumental in shaping its development, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of residents while addressing broader societal challenges such as housing affordability and social isolation. Stakeholders, including developers, policymakers, and residents, can leverage these insights to foster coliving environments that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the dynamic nature of urban living.