This panel focused on market trends, investment opportunities and avenues for growth in the vibrant coliving sector in the UK.

A deep exploration of the UK Coliving market was made by analysing proven growth strategies unique to Britain. Diversification, sustainability, accessibility and collaborations  formed the centre of the conversation surrounding coliving in the UK.

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What was covered in this session?

• The session elucidated the strategic methodologies employed by flourishing coliving brands in the UK to achieve scalable growth. 
• Attendees gained profound insights into manoeuvring coliving brands, adapting and refining offerings to meet the multifaceted demands of the UK market.
• The panel further scrutinised the paramount role of sustainable practices in scaling coliving brands within the UK market. This involved a comprehensive exploration of how environmental responsibility and social impact act as foundational elements contributing to enduring success in the UK region.

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The panel discussion on UK market updates, opportunities, and investments featured insights from three industry experts: Ricardo Tessaro, CEO at Gravity Co; George Ahye, Head of Co-living at urbanbubble; and Charlie Gayner, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at ARK Coliving. The discussion shed light on various aspects of the UK coliving market, including market trends, investor interest, growth opportunities, affordability, and challenges.

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Market Trends and Investor Interest

Ricardo Tessaro, CEO at Gravity Co, discussed the evolution of his company from a pure operator to an asset management company in the coliving sector. He highlighted the increasing interest from both real estate and other investors, attributing this interest to the stability of coliving assets, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. As interest rates are expected to decrease in the future, more residential developers are considering coliving as an alternative, which may lead to a growing pipeline in the sector.

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George Ahye, Head of Co-living at Urbanbubble, shared his experiences with the performance of coliving properties in London. He emphasised the positive demand and consistent occupancy levels in their coliving buildings, suggesting a growing understanding of the sector's potential among investors. He also highlighted the challenges associated with managing short-term stays in coliving properties, as they require more staff and a different approach compared to traditional build-to-rent models.

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Charlie Gayner touched upon the investor landscape and the challenges faced by investors in understanding the coliving sector. He noted that Asian investors tend to grasp the concept more readily, while other investors, particularly those not fitting the "young professional" demographic, may still struggle to fully embrace the idea. Additionally, Charlie pointed out that the collective's past difficulties had left a residue of apprehension in the market, contributing to investor caution.

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Growth Opportunities and Affordability

Ricardo Tessaro highlighted his company's growth strategy, which includes partnerships with developers in various countries, such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, to expand their coliving portfolio. He emphasised the demand for coliving among young professionals looking for flexible accommodation solutions in the three to nine-month segment. He also stressed that coliving can provide a more affordable alternative in this segment, given the lack of tailored housing options for this demographic.

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George Ahye discussed the potential for coliving in various cities across the UK, suggesting that coliving can cater to the same market as build-to-rent, offering high-quality rental options. He pointed out that the flexibility of coliving, with shorter minimum stay requirements and all-inclusive bills, sets it apart from traditional build-to-rent models. He acknowledged the challenge of offering all-inclusive bills but believed that research is needed to understand the impact of removing this feature.

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Charlie Gayner shared his perspective on growth opportunities, indicating that his company is actively aggregating land opportunities and developing coliving projects. He mentioned the focus on finding repositioning opportunities, particularly in the hotel sector, as well as considering office conversions and consented sites. Charlie also highlighted the importance of technology in managing different types of coliving properties, as short-term and long-term stays require different property management solutions.

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Investment Trends and Challenges in the Coliving Market

The panellists discussed the evolving investment trends in the coliving market. They noted that while interest rates have been a significant factor affecting investor interest, the sector has gained traction due to the stability and attractiveness it offers, especially during times of economic uncertainty. The pandemic and the cost of living crisis have brought to light the resilience of coliving as an asset class. Developers, especially those in the residential built-to-sell sector, are reevaluating their lending strategies, considering coliving as a viable alternative. This trend is expected to contribute to a growing pipeline in the coliving sector in the next 12 to 18 months, particularly as interest rates are anticipated to decrease. 

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The panellists also pinpointed the importance of location and transport links in coliving investments. They noted that investors typically expect returns of around 16-18% IRR, although cap rates can be challenging to determine, especially for properties like C1 hotels that include a short-term element. In terms of property sizes, the target for coliving assets is often 150 beds or more. However, smaller assets are also considered, but the focus is on providing the right experience for a growing demographic of young professionals who seek flexibility and affordability in the rental market.

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Operational Insights and Coliving Affordability

The panellists shared their operational insights into managing coliving properties. They highlighted that coliving is operationally intensive, particularly when compared to traditional build-to-rent. The need for frequent turnovers due to short-term stays and the high volume of events and services offered in coliving properties can be challenging. To address these challenges, operators must invest in technology, such as AI, to streamline processes, manage maintenance tickets, and improve efficiency while reducing operating costs.

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The discussion also touched on the affordability of coliving. The panellists stressed that coliving can be an affordable housing solution, particularly for lower to middle earners and young professionals who seek flexibility in their living arrangements. The sector provides a middle ground between traditional rentals and high-end build-to-rent properties, offering a more affordable option that includes all-inclusive bills and a sense of community. The affordability of coliving is further underlined by the fact that many residents are looking for accommodation in the three to nine-month segment, a market that is undersupplied with suitable options.

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Future Growth Opportunities 

The panellists shared their perspectives on the future growth opportunities and challenges in the coliving market. They mentioned that there is an increasing focus on land aggregation and development in coliving, with the aim of providing a mix of uses, including coliving, PBSA, and BTR. Investors are looking for opportunities in different cities across the UK, focusing on areas with a demand for high-quality, new residential rental developments. The growth potential of coliving extends to various cities where build-to-rent is thriving.

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While the panellists are optimistic about the future of coliving, they acknowledge the need for clearer data and performance metrics in the sector. Lack of transactional data and the challenge of getting investors comfortable with the concept remain obstacles. Additionally, regulatory changes, such as the Renters' Reform Bill, are expected to impact coliving operations and may require adjustments to business models. Despite these challenges, the panellists expressed confidence in the continued growth and maturation of the coliving sector.

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Overall, the panel discussion shed light on the evolving landscape of coliving, with insights on investment trends, operational challenges, affordability, and future growth opportunities, providing a comprehensive overview of the market's current state and its potential for expansion.


Reflecting on the success of the first 2 editions, Coliving Conference 2025 is now in full swing. The 2-day conference is set to bring another year of industry-leading discussions, featuring expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation.