Exploring Coliving: Variations and Their Benefits

As cities grow and evolve, housing needs are changing too. The traditional concepts of housing, like standalone homes and apartment complexes, are being reimagined to cater to the diverse needs of an increasingly urban and mobile population. A trend defining this transformation is coliving—a shared living model that fosters a sense of community while optimizing resources. Though the term Coliving has been around for a number of years now, it still leads to confusion, with some understanding it to just mean apartment blocks with an emphasis on shared facilities, and others to wrongly consider it high-end HMOs.

This article is defining the variations of the Coliving model, of which Distributed Coliving, Block Coliving, and Cluster Coliving stand out, each providing unique benefits that redefine urban living.

Distributed Coliving is a model that harnesses the potential of existing housing stock by transforming homes into shared living spaces. This approach is cost-effective, avoids high construction costs, and is scalable to meet fluctuating demand. Unlike standard Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which traditionally focus more on affordability at the risk of compromising harmony among housemates, Distributed Coliving places a significant emphasis on the lifestyle and relationships within the house. Residents not only share facilities but also experiences and connections, fostering a deeper sense of community. The recurrent daily interactions in these small setups contribute to stronger bonds. This model has found favour among many property developers, as it can attract a higher-income tenant, or tenants who place more value on the home and thus treat it with more respect. However, this model can pose challenges when it comes to facility management, with each property needing to be managed independently.

On a larger scale, we find Block Coliving. This model involves constructing new buildings or refurbishing larger vacant ones into coliving blocks. With shared facilities, it proves to be a cheaper option compared to conventional apartments which require each unit to have its own amenities. Although residents have separate units within the block, the shared spaces offer opportunities for interaction, fostering a sense of community typically absent in standard apartment complexes. However, it should be noted that the communal aspect might not be as pronounced as in Distributed Coliving, appealing to those who prefer a balance of privacy, location, and price. The centralization of all units in one location simplifies facility management and provides economies of scale.

Merging elements of the two is the growing Cluster Coliving model. This approach mirrors the distributed model but situates multiple coliving properties in close proximity, fostering a larger community. This model offers the best of both worlds, combining the intimate relationships developed in Distributed Coliving with easier facility management akin to Block Coliving. The potential to build friendships across properties in close vicinity encourages residents to remain part of the community, adding longevity to the relationships formed. Whilst still naissant, a number of property management companies are recognising the benefits of this model, adding "community managers" alongside property managers.

In an era where social connections are being recognized for their role in enhancing longevity and success, the importance of community in coliving is underscored. The importance has been academically confirmed in studies such as The Harvard Student of Adult Development, an 80-year longitudinal study found that close relationships and community engagement are vital for long-term health and happiness.

Coliving facilitates the nurturing of these relationships, creating an environment that fosters not only practicality but also social wellbeing. This makes coliving more than a living arrangement—it is a lifestyle choice, providing a balanced and enriching urban living experience.

The landscape of urban living continues to shift and adapt, and within this, coliving models are proving to be a compelling alternative to traditional living arrangements. Distributed, block, or cluster-based, each coliving model offers unique benefits and the freedom to choose a living situation that resonates with individual needs, values, and lifestyle.