Reports, White Papers & Other Resources

Savills' report on the UK coliving sector highlights rapid growth, with 9,000 operational units and 5,500 under construction in 2024, marking an 87% rise since 2023 and a threefold increase since 2019. Targeting 20-40-year-olds, coliving attracts young professionals and international residents through flexible, community-focused living. London remains dominant, but cities like Manchester and Birmingham are expanding. Rising rents (43% in three years) and PRS contraction drive demand, while institutional investment from firms like Cain International and Blackrock strengthens the sector. Despite construction challenges, declining inflation is expected to facilitate further development.

The SHHA 5th Anniversary Report (March 2025) explores critical trends in senior housing and healthcare real estate. SHHA has expanded from 9 to over 40 members across Europe and the US, addressing challenges such as rising construction costs, workforce shortages, and affordability. With senior housing now a €250 billion asset class, opportunities lie in ESG investments, AI-driven care, and coliving. The report underscores a 30% rise in demand for integrated retirement communities and calls for public-private collaboration to drive sustainable solutions.

The article from REFIRE highlights how the micro-living sector in Germany is thriving, with occupancy rates at 95% and rents averaging €584 per month, having risen by 8% since spring 2024. Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich are key hotspots, with Berlin alone boasting over 3,000 units under construction. Despite challenges such as high construction costs, the sector offers attractive yields, 50-100 basis points higher than traditional residential properties. Institutional investors are keenly involved, drawn by stable cash flows and operational efficiency.

The ULI Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2025 report highlights cautious optimism for the coliving sector amidst economic uncertainties. While potential interest rate cuts provide hope, challenges like geopolitical risks and structural changes persist. Operational real estate, including coliving, offers opportunities for hands-on investors integrating businesses with assets. Coliving, resilient due to urbanization, demographic shifts, and demand for flexible living, is seen alongside student housing and serviced apartments as a key growth area. However, affordability issues and potential overvaluation remain concerns, necessitating proactive stakeholder strategies to align growth with societal needs.

Savillis' European Living & Hotels Investor Sentiment Survey, reveals increased investor allocation to Living & Hotels, targeting €64bn over three years. Multifamily and PBSA are favoured (€16.5bn & €12.1bn, respectively), with Lifestyle Hotels leading hotel investment. Whilst Multifamily and PBSA continue to be the segments with greatest interest, investor appetite for coliving has increasing from 39% in 2023, to 50% in 2024.

The Pew Charitable Trusts article highlights coliving as a viable solution for converting vacant offices into affordable housing. This approach reduces construction costs by 25-35% compared to traditional conversions, making it more economically feasible. Coliving spaces offer smaller private units with shared facilities, providing affordable rents for low-income individuals. By revitalising downtown areas and increasing housing supply, this model addresses both the housing shortage and rising office vacancies. Despite regulatory challenges, coliving conversions are gaining support as a practical strategy to tackle urban housing crises.

The Flexible Co-Living Housing Feasibility Study for Denver explores converting vacant office spaces into affordable coliving housing to address rising rents, homelessness, and underutilized office stock. With a median rent of $1,771 (July 2024) and a homelessness rate of 21.2 per 10,000 people, Denver faces significant housing challenges. Downtown office vacancy is at 30%, creating adaptive reuse opportunities. Supported by zoning incentives and programs like the Upper Downtown Adaptive Reuse Pilot, coliving could boost housing supply and revitalize urban spaces, aligning with Denver's regulatory and political efforts to address affordability.

The Flexible Co-living Housing Feasibility Study for Minneapolis explores converting vacant office spaces into affordable coliving housing to address rising rents, homelessness, and underutilized office stock. With a 23% downtown vacancy rate and 50% of renters cost-burdened, coliving aims to cut housing costs, boost supply for lower-income renters, and revitalize urban spaces. Supported by inclusionary zoning and flexible building codes, this approach aligns with efforts to enhance affordability and reuse vacant offices effectively.

The Flexible Co-Living Housing Feasibility Study explores how flexible coliving models can address housing affordability in Seattle by utilising vacant office spaces. Key findings include a 22% increase in national median rent since 2020, with Seattle's median rent reaching $2,031/month. Over 16,000 people are homeless in King County. The study highlights the potential of converting office spaces to affordable coliving units, supported by regulatory amendments and financial incentives, making it a promising solution for Seattle's housing crisis.

The Flexible Co-Living Housing Feasibility Study examines the potential for flexible coliving models to address housing affordability and utilise vacant office spaces. Key findings include a 22% increase in median rent since January 2020, with over 650,000 homeless people in 2023. Office vacancy rates are expected to reach 20% by 2024. The study proposes converting vacant offices into coliving spaces to reduce costs and increase supply. A case study in Denver shows promising local support and low regulatory barriers for such conversions.

Student Living Spain Fact Sheet explores how Spain's housing market is buoyant, driven by rising international students (up 27.7% in 2021/2022) and an 11% growth in the university-age demographic over five years. Q1 2024 saw €59m invested, focused on Barcelona. PBSA provision remains limited at 6%, with 13 students per bed despite an 8.5% capacity increase in 2022-2023. Mental well-being is high, with an average MHI-5 score of 61. Access to gyms, communal spaces, and study areas positively impacts student well-being.

The Emerging Trends in Coliving 2024 report highlights the sector's growth, driven by all-inclusive pricing and shared amenities that attract diverse tenants, including 46% overseas residents. With an average tenant age of 28, coliving faces undersupply, especially in London, where only 5,000 beds are operational. Offering rental yields of 4.0-4.75% and increasing tenant retention, the sector is evolving with larger, community-focused spaces appealing to students and professionals. Regional expansions outside London, such as Exeter and Guildford, signal growth potential. Coliving addresses urban affordability challenges while reshaping housing markets.

Rental Series: Co-living report highlights key factors driving the UK coliving market, which has tripled since 2019. Affordability, the desire for community, and the ability to live alone are major draws. Community is most important for those aged 25-34. Cleaning, storage, and social spaces are the most desired services. A third of respondents would consider coliving.

The Greater London Authority's February 2024 provides guidelines for Large-scale purpose-built shared living (LSPBSL) developments in London. It covers planning, design, and management considerations, emphasising the need for these schemes to be located in well-connected areas and contribute to mixed, inclusive neighbourhoods. Moreover, it details design quality standards for communal spaces, affordable housing contributions, and management plans, aiming to ensure LSPBSL developments offer high-quality transitional housing that integrates well into the city.

The 2024 Coliving Market Performance and Opportunities Report highlights a 65% growth in coliving beds in the UK, reaching 7,540. Institutional investments neared £1 billion since 2020. High tenant satisfaction (92%) and significant future potential exists, with the market poised to triple supply to 20,000 units in three years, driven by urbanisation and changing preferences.

The ULI Emerging Trends retails how Europe's real estate sector is navigating inflationary waters and high interest rates, resulting in subdued transaction volumes. Though business confidence is slightly above last year's nadir, it still lags pre-2022 levels. Occupier demand is proving more resilient in logistics, housing and alternative residential assets like coliving and purpose-built student accommodation, hinting at defensive qualities. However, broader economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions and affordability concerns persist, impacting investment strategies.

The BPF Co-Living Report (October 2023) highlights coliving as a growing housing solution in the UK, blending private units (16-27 sqm) with shared amenities. It addresses the housing crisis, particularly in London, where rental demand far exceeds supply. Coliving appeals to young professionals due to affordability, community, and sustainability. With 31,000 beds in development, it requires flexible policies and local authority support to expand nationwide, offering a modern response to urban housing challenges.

Bergan, Gorman-Murray & Power analyse coliving through a historical lens, linking it to gentlemen's clubs and residential hotels. They argue shared housing has long been an infrastructure for work, mobility and socialising among young professionals. The study, conducted 2016-2022, reveals strategies like shrinking private spaces & integrating services underpin these housing types' infrastructural work. Understanding coliving's lineage reveals its role in shaping urban life.

The Co-living Report 2023 by Harris Associates and VervLife highlights the UK’s expanding coliving sector, now a distinct Purpose-Built Shared Living (PBSL) model. With 25,021 studios planned or operational, growth extends beyond London. Driven by housing shortages and changing lifestyles, coliving offers affordable, flexible, and community-focused living with shared amenities. It also supports sustainability and evolving design standards, positioning the sector for continued expansion.

Savills Co-living Spotlight 2023 highlights the rapid growth of the UK coliving sector, nearly tripling since 2019 to 25,021 beds. While London dominates with 82% of operational beds, regional markets are expanding. Investor interest is strong, with 38% already active and 51% planning to enter. Coliving attracts young professionals seeking community and amenities. High lease-up rates show strong demand, while planning rules and ESG considerations shape investment. A key case study is First Street, Manchester – Downing Living, which secured a £227m loan for 1,790 coliving and multifamily units.

The Social Hub Impact Report FY 22-23 highlights strides towards sustainability. Key initiatives include a PowerNest in Eindhoven (17% energy supply), B Corp application, and 4,105 events promoting community. Waste management improved via standardised recycling. 57M+ litres of water donated via Made Blue. A 78% reduction in Scope 1&2 GHG emissions (vs FY18-19) by 2030 is targeted.

Hospitality Insights Q3 & Q4 2022 retells how Coliving in Asia has emerged as a response to demographic shifts and the demand for affordable, flexible, and community-focused living spaces, particularly among millennials. Asia hosts 61% of the global millennial population, making it a key market for coliving. Investment opportunities exist in urban locations near transport hubs. However, challenges such as space configuration, regulations, and property conversion need addressing. Coliving models, including management agreements and potential brand franchising, offer attractive returns and broader appeal across demographics.

Co-living in London highlights key features such as all-inclusive rent, flexible tenancies, and reduced paperwork, catering to diverse renters. It offers individual studios, high-quality accommodation, and social opportunities with like-minded tenants. Design-led spaces enhance communal living. Newly completed schemes show strong demand, with quick stabilisation of occupancy, particularly among single renters, filling a previously unmet market need.

The Savills Co-living Spotlight Q2 2022 highlights the UK’s expanding coliving market, driven by strong demand, rising investment, and a growing pipeline. Offering affordable, flexible urban living, coliving targets young professionals (18-35) seeking community and convenience. London leads the sector, but regional cities like Manchester and Birmingham are gaining traction. Coliving aims to be 20% cheaper than traditional rentals, with all-inclusive amenities. Investment in H1 2022 reached £540m, with major players like Watkin Jones and Vita driving growth. With an estimated 725,000-person target market, coliving is positioned as a key solution to the UK’s housing affordability crisis.

The ULI and JLL report identifies significant opportunities for coliving in Europe, driven by housing unaffordability, a growing younger population, and rising single-person households. Coliving supports ESG objectives through shared amenities and adaptive reuse while addressing housing challenges like loneliness. Barriers include limited stock and regulatory constraints. The report calls for policy reforms, industry collaboration, and enhanced financial transparency to drive sustainable growth.