As experts in Barcelona temporary rentals, we at Lodging Management know that trends have history. In 1994, the most famous TV roommates of all time squeezed 10 seasons out of their exploits in a shared apartment, and from 2007 some misunderstood engineers did the same, managing even to surpass their predecessesors by an additional two seasons. What the protagonists of Friends and The Big Bang Theory taught us was that lifestyles had changed. Young urban professionals were creating social networks beyond blood relations and, in a big city, a family can be born out of a rental contract.
In recent years, the same phenomenon has a new name: Coliving. This innovative, cost-effective and sustainable lifestyle is transforming the way people live and work in cities. Coliving offers not only flexibility and convenience in the world’s top urban environments, but also fosters community, attracting professionals, expats and digital nomads who want a lifestyle aligned with the digital age and global mobility.
Coliving goes beyond renting a room in a shared apartment. Today, the industry defines it as a hybrid concept that combines private spaces with common areas designed for coexistence, productivity and wellbeing. It draws inspiration from the best of traditional housing, student housing and hotels, incorporating comprehensive services that simplify tenants’ lives. Coliving spaces range from shared kitchens and living rooms to coworking areas, gyms and entertainment rooms. In addition, fees typically cover utilities, maintenance, cleaning and other services, eliminating the worries of traditional leases. Cities such as London, Berlin and Amsterdam have become pioneers in this model, and now Barcelona is consolidating its position among the epicenters in Europe.
The rise of flexible rentals with services included has made Barcelona a coveted destination. At Lodging, we’ve seen a significant increase in the demand for this type of accommodation, especially for stays of between 3 and 24 months. We have also noted a desire for professionalism and quality accommodations, and have begun to provide our own response to this demand.
The growth of Coliving in Spain is a response to several key factors. One of the most important is, as mentioned above, the change in mentality among tenants, especially in the 20-40 age group. In the last decade, the perception of housing has evolved: more and more people see renting as a service rather than a long-term investment.
In a global world, workers move from place to place in search of job opportunities and life experiences. This, coupled with a boom in tourism, is putting a strain on accommodation prices in big cities. If living the “Barcelona experience” by enjoying a home of one’s own in the center of the city implies a very large financial outlay, but there are options for shared accommodation with similar people that enrich the experience, Coliving becomes an attractive choice. As the real estate market moves towards flexibility and new generations prioritize experience over ownership, this model will continue to evolve and gain traction.
As with coworking, Coliving is expected to become even more specialized, giving rise to spaces designed for different profiles, such as entrepreneurs, MBA students, technology professionals and digital nomads. Its growth is attracting more and more investment and backing from landlords, consolidating the sector’s stability and ensuring long-term success.
At Lodging Management, we closely monitor innovations to ensure our owners and tenants are always ahead of trends, but still receive the impeccable service they’re used to. If you want to be part of this real estate revolution, contact us and find out how to enhance the value of your property within this growing model for temporary rentals in Europe.
