Coliving or shared housing is gaining even more popularity

When we hear shared housing, many of us think of our student years spent in dormitories or in a shared apartment. The main motive was saving money for the monthly rent and the desire to meet new people. Abroad, and recently also here, there is a boom in shared living, so-called coliving, which is far from just for students. This form of living still proves to be a great choice for those who like flexibility and want to react flexibly to unpredictable events.

Where did coliving come from?

Like coworking spaces, coliving came to the Czech Republic from abroad, where it enjoys great popularity. For example, in world capitals such as San Francisco, New York, London, Amsterdam or Copenhagen, more and more millennials are choosing community type of housing. We therefore believe that, just like our WorkLounge branches, coliving will be widely used and will gain a number of supporters with us. According to the latest CBRE survey, we can expect a growing interest in community housing in our country as well.

"Coliving is still in its infancy in the Czech Republic, but that is precisely why it represents an attractive opportunity for potential investors. Its expected arrival can be compared to the recent boom in coworking centers.” says Jakub Stanislav, Director in CBRE's investment department. Among the first pioneers in Prague is our WorkLounge Living project.

Who is coliving for?

Coliving takes the definition of shared living to a higher level and is therefore no longer understood only as housing for students. Although with the increasing share of singles in society, the younger age group of 25-39 years is represented the most, you can also meet seniors here. Coliving is primarily for people who like to get to know each other, are open to shared services and spaces, but at the same time want their privacy. These apartments can become transitional housing for expats who don't know anyone in a new city, for employees and freelancers who need a place to work and know they won't be staying in the city for long.

However, there are also those who are not comfortable with traditional rent or who do not want to be bound by mortgage payments. High rental prices in the centers of large cities, which many young entrepreneurs and employees at the beginning of their careers cannot afford, lead to the search for apartments on the outskirts of the city. Lubomír Šilhavý, founder of coworking centers and the WorkLounge Living project, adds:

"At WorkLounge, we meet people every day who, after work, travel to the outskirts of Prague, where they rent a studio apartment in a housing estate. In the evening, they are isolated, far from friends from work and the bustle of the big city, as they say. We wanted to offer them an alternative."

How does coliving work?

Coliving is a community living concept where young professionals move in with like-minded people, share utility costs and benefit from flexible rental terms.

WorkLounge Living offers equipped studio apartments of approximately 25 m² with a private kitchen and bathroom, which provide sufficient privacy. The lounge serves free coffee and drinks throughout the day for work, social gatherings and planned activities. In addition to common areas and common events that will be organized for tenants, there is also a small fitness and wellness area with a hot tub and sauna.

It is precisely the above-standard equipment and representative environment that make coliving different from student accommodation as most of us know it. In addition to the facilities, community housing also stands out due to its location, which is usually close to the center. We have chosen a place for our studies in new Žižkov in a restored building with a reception desk, which is also available to tenants. As part of the extra services, everyone can also order regular cleaning of the studio, laundry or the purchase of breakfast.

We all have different housing needs, which is why we come with several price packages as part of the rental. When choosing a complete package of services, the tenant also gets membership in coworking, the so-called Hot Desk, which allows 24/7 access to any free desk in the shared lounge areas in the Karlín branch.

Would you like to see our coliving space?