Important Differences Between Co-Living And Shared Housing

Space and amenities

Co-living residents will each have his or her own private room of varying sizes, built around shared communal areas that may include indoor or outdoor living areas (e.g. bathroom, laundry area, balcony, kitchen, living room, etc.).

You can think of co-living as modular homes that give you the option to pay for only what you really need or want. Prefer a small space? Consider a smaller no-frills room like the Pocket that’s perfect for one who is looking for short-term stays. Require a larger space with your own kitchen? Not a problem, go for the Studio or 1-bedroom apartment that comes with a kitchen and big enough for two.

In contrast, shared houses are your typical homes that were built to provide accommodation for families. Similar to the co-living concept, each resident would have their own private rooms while bathrooms and kitchen are shared throughout the house. However, most bedrooms are the size of a study with only one ‘master’ bedroom available; that may or may not include an ensuite.

Rental

Unbeknownst to some, many co-living companies offer rental fees that include furnishings and basic utilities like Wi-Fi, water, electricity, maintenance, weekly room cleaning, etc. This means, you won’t have to worry about monthly utility bills, setting up of a Wi-Fi mesh or fixing the water heater when it breaks down. Simply call the hotline or log a case, and a professional will be sent your way to fix the issue as soon as possible.

For shared housing, monthly utilities (e.g. water, gas, Wi-Fi, etc.), additional fixtures or furniture, replacement of appliances and maintenance are excluded from the rental price, and have to be paid for by residents. This means, should any appliance break down, the onus falls on you and your roommates to figure out which company to go to and split the cost.

Location

Location, location, location. As one of the most important factors when choosing a home, this could mean an additional 30 minutes of shut eye before a work day or morning commute.

Shared houses tend to be located in suburban parts of a city while most co-living apartments are found in the heart of the city, trendy neighbourhoods or business districts.

Demographic

Although not always the case, demographics of those who reside at co-living spaces and shared housing differ. At co-living spaces, most residents are working professionals, digital nomads or long-stay travellers. At shared homes, it is common to share the unit with local residents of all ages and professional backgrounds.