Coliving is no longer a trend: it is part of a structural shift in housing
· By Lara Ciordia
Coliving is no passing fad. As a recent idealista/news article highlights, this shared-living model is establishing itself as a genuine response to the challenges facing the residential market: high prices, a shortage of supply and new, more flexible and community-minded ways of living.
Rather than simply offering a room in a shared setting, coliving proposes a different way of living: private spaces combined with communal areas and integrated services, designed to foster community, sustainability and wellbeing. This approach is attracting young professionals and investors alike, the latter seeking more dynamic and efficient management models.
A paradigm shift in real estate
What makes coliving interesting is not only its format, but what it represents: an evolution of the very idea of a home. At a time when securing a rental or a mortgage has become increasingly difficult, coliving offers flexibility, accessibility and experience. For developers and property managers, it is a new opportunity to unlock the value of under-used assets — such as disused buildings or hard-to-place urban land — and bring them to life through medium- and long-stay residential models. It also helps to regenerate urban areas, revitalise neighbourhoods and create communities with a sense of purpose, something younger generations increasingly ask for.
Coliving is not here to replace traditional renting, but to complement it with a more flexible and efficient alternative. Its growth reflects a simple reality: the way we live and work has changed, and housing must adapt accordingly. With initiatives such as those led by Hive, the Spanish real estate sector is beginning to understand that value no longer lies solely in square metres, but in how they are managed, shared and lived in. Ultimately, coliving reflects a broader transformation: a structural change in the way we think about housing, community and the city.
On our podcast: in conversation with Rafa Laroche, CEO of Hive In this week's episode of the SQ Intelligence podcast, we speak with Rafa Laroche, CEO of Hive, a company specialising in coliving projects in Madrid and Málaga. Rafa explains how Hive is growing with a clear focus: flexible housing with all services included. Its proposition combines design, technology and community, offering spaces that not only meet the need for accommodation but also create complete living experiences. During the conversation, we cover key topics: How to balance privacy and community within coliving projects. What kinds of residents are drawn to this model (mobile professionals, digital nomads, international students). What owners should bear in mind if they want to take part in this type of project. Why coliving will be one of the residential typologies with the strongest prospects in the coming years. Listen to the full episode: https://youtu.be/v9cefb9AS44?si=MuIzeMEkEU5JVdhg