Relocating for work no longer necessarily means signing a traditional rental agreement. For those moving to a new city, joining a temporary project or looking for a flexible solution before their permanent move, coliving is a highly practical alternative .
This format has emerged as a way to combine privacy , services and community living . In fact, a JLL report forecasts that the flex living stock in Spain will grow from 19,089 to 38,716 beds over the next three years, with Madrid becoming the market’s main hub.
In this article, we explain what coliving for workers is , its main benefits, what to consider before choosing this type of accommodation, and in which situations it can be the right solution for both employees and companies. We will also show you real examples of coliving spaces for workers and what they look like inside.
What is coliving? Coliving is a residential model that combines a private living space with shared areas and services . The room may include a private or shared bathroom, while communal spaces can include kitchens, lounges, laundry facilities, gyms or coworking areas.
The main difference compared with a traditional shared apartment lies in the level of service provided . The operator typically manages the entire building, including its maintenance and part of the services offered , such as internet, utilities and cleaning. Some spaces even organise community activities to encourage interaction among residents.
However, not all coliving spaces are the same . Some are designed for young professionals and digital nomads, while others focus on senior networking, or on creating a more peaceful and wellbeing-oriented environment. For this reason, it is important to assess each option carefully rather than simply relying on the “coliving” label when making a decision.
Benefits of coliving for workers The appeal of professional coliving lies (quite literally) in the fact that the accommodation, services and community are designed around the specific needs of a work-related stay .
1. Networking and community
Arriving in a new city means starting from scratch. Sharing common areas with people in similar situations makes it easier to build a social and professional network .
Some operators also organise events and activities , similar to coworking spaces such as WeWork. As a result, community becomes an integral part of the experience.
2. Coworking and dedicated workspaces
Following on from the previous point, many colivings include coworking areas , meeting rooms and spaces designed for remote working . For relocated professionals , having both accommodation and a dedicated workspace in the same place helps simplify their daily routine.
3. Flexible stays
Coliving for workers allows for greater flexibility in terms of stay duration compared with traditional rentals, making it particularly suitable for temporary accommodation needs .
This is especially useful when a project timeline may change or when a company needs to accommodate talent for just a few weeks or months without having to manage a conventional rental agreement, along with the associated utilities and deposits.
4. Cost savings and convenience
At first glance, the cost of coliving for workers may appear higher than a standard apartment rental. However, comparing options based solely on the monthly rent does not provide the full picture. It is also important to consider the included costs and services provided .
A single fee covering accommodation, utilities, internet and cleaning can simplify total cost management and reduce administrative tasks.
5. Attracting and retaining talent
Coliving can be particularly appealing for companies welcoming younger talent, who often value opportunities to socialise , as well as international professionals looking to connect with other expats and build their own local community.
Before choosing a coliving for workers The search process should not focus solely on checking the price or viewing photos. The accommodation should align with the company’s travel policy and the needs of the relocated professional.
Location : How long will it take the employee to reach their workplace? Are there supermarkets, gyms and other essential services nearby?Included services : What does the monthly fee cover? For example, Apartool’s coliving solutions include WiFi, utilities, weekly cleaning and support throughout the stay.Community profile : Does the relocated professional prioritise networking opportunities or a quieter environment? In the first case, what type of professionals are staying at the coliving?Minimum stay and conditions : Is there a minimum stay requirement? Are deposits or security payments required? What is the cancellation policy?Expense policy : Which coliving services are covered by the company, and which expenses will be considered personal costs?When coliving makes sense for professionals Coliving for professionals can be a suitable solution in a variety of situations:
Relocations When an individual relocates to another city or country, coliving can work as temporary accommodation while they search for a permanent home . This allows employees to experience the destination first-hand before making a decision about their long-term accommodation.
Temporary projects When several professionals are involved in a time-limited project, accommodating them in a shared living environment can simplify logistics and encourage interaction between colleagues.
Attracting young talent Companies with distributed teams or remote-first policies that aim to attract younger professionals and digital nomads can strengthen their employee value proposition by offering coliving solutions.
Examples of coliving spaces for workers The Apartool corporate accommodation portfolio includes coliving options designed for professionals who need a flexible stay and a space that allows them to both live and work comfortably. Below, we highlight some examples.
Coliving spaces for workers in Madrid Puerta del Ángel This coliving space is located in an area that has become increasingly attractive for residential living in Madrid in recent years, thanks to its proximity to the city centre, cultural activity and access to large green areas such as Madrid Río and Casa de Campo.
The building offers more than 200 m² of communal areas designed to combine shared living, leisure and relaxation. Facilities include a games room with table football, table tennis and a chill-out area, a laundry area , and a terrace with views equipped with barbecue facilities, ideal for enjoying the outdoors and sunny days. It also provides an events and activities programme designed to encourage interaction between residents.
The rooms feature a double bed , a four-door wardrobe with overhead storage space for luggage, a desk with chair and desk lamp, shelving , and an adjustable electric radiator. All rooms include fortnightly cleaning with bed linen changes.
Las Tablas The second option is located in one of the main residential and business hubs in northern Madrid. The neighbourhood is part of the Fuencarral-El Pardo district and benefits from excellent connections by metro, light rail and several bus routes. Its location is particularly convenient for professionals working in the northern areas of the capital , where many major corporate headquarters are based.
Residents have access to a range of services within the building itself, without needing to travel to enjoy leisure, fitness or work facilities. The shared areas include a swimming pool , a gym and meeting spaces , allowing professionals to combine a productive stay with opportunities for relaxation and physical activity.
The accommodation offers several types of studios, all designed to combine privacy, functionality and comfort. Each unit features a private bathroom with a shower and a main living area with a double bed and a fully equipped kitchen with essential appliances, such as a fridge and microwave.
The studios also include WiFi and TV , as well as modern design furnishings designed to make the most of the available space. A wardrobe completes the setup, providing additional storage capacity for both short-term and longer stays.
Coliving for workers in London The following example is located in the Finsbury Park area, in the north of London . The neighbourhood combines a strong residential character with a strategic location for getting around the capital , thanks to access to the Piccadilly and Victoria Underground lines, as well as National Rail services and a major bus interchange.
The building features six fully equipped communal kitchens , a coworking area and an open-plan lounge , as well as a spacious garden . Residents also have access to meeting areas , laundry facilities, a lift and 24/7 support. In addition, the building is accessible .
Inside, the accommodation offers several one-bedroom apartments with double beds , designed to provide a private and comfortable space throughout the stay. Each unit includes a bathroom with a shower, work desks for added convenience, and wardrobes. All options include heating and internet access .
Coliving for workers in Paris This coliving space is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, within the Saint-Georges and Pigalle area. From this location, Metro Line 2 runs across the north of Paris and provides connections to areas such as the Arc de Triomphe and Père-Lachaise, while Line 12 offers easy access to other central districts. The Pigalle-Martyrs area is also part of one of the arrondissement’s most vibrant commercial, cultural and dining neighbourhoods , making it an attractive option for those looking to combine work and urban living .
The building brings together a wide range of services designed to make stays more comfortable. Facilities include a lift, parking, swimming pool and gym , as well as meeting areas . Residents also benefit from 24/7 support , laundry facilities , a restaurant , bar and terrace , creating an environment where everyday needs can be met without leaving the building. The property is also accessible.
In terms of accommodation, there are different options available, ranging from studios to one-bedroom units and two-bedroom apartments , allowing the space to adapt to different profiles and stay requirements. All units include heating, WiFi, washing machine and dryer, fridge, water heater, desk and wardrobe.
Coliving for workers in Santiago de Compostela This coliving space is located on Avenida de Rosalía de Castro , very close to the university’s South Campus. The area offers a wide range of local amenities, including shops, supermarkets and cafés, and is just a ten-minute walk from the train station.
The building features a canteen , terrace , leisure areas and workspaces , as well as private areas for those who need a quieter environment for focus and productivity. The communal spaces include a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen .
Services such as cleaning , laundry and ironing provide additional convenience throughout the stay. The accommodation also features a gym and a bicycle rental service , offering a practical way to explore the city and make the most of the surrounding area.
The rooms are available as double or single options . All rooms include a private bathroom with a shower , heating, a desk and WiFi, as well as toiletries and a hairdryer. This allows each resident to enjoy a private space while having access to the full range of services and shared areas available within the coliving .
Coliving for workers in Tenerife This accommodation is located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna . It is particularly suitable for researchers, academics and university employees, but also for professionals relocating to the Canary Islands who are looking for a more residential environment than a traditional tourist area, while maintaining good connections to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Tenerife North Airport .
The coliving features a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven and microwave. The lounge area includes a TV and has been designed as a shared space for relaxation and entertainment .
In addition, the property features a dedicated workspace and WiFi connection . The building also includes meeting areas and a garden , providing an outdoor space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The accommodation offers several rooms with a double bed and wardrobe . Each room also includes a private bathroom with a shower , providing everything residents need without having to leave their own space.
After reading this article and exploring the examples, we hope you now have a better understanding of the coliving model and the value it brings to both companies and relocated professionals. Now, explore all available destinations with Apartool and request your personalised quote .
Frequently asked questions about coliving for workers What is coliving for workers? It's a residential model that combines a private room with shared areas and services, such as a kitchen, living room, laundry or workspaces. Unlike a traditional shared flat, the operator manages the building and much of the included services, such as internet, utilities and cleaning.
What's the difference between coliving and a conventional shared flat? The main difference is the level of service: in coliving, the operator manages the building's upkeep and bundles services into the monthly fee, while in a traditional shared flat each tenant usually handles their own utilities and contracts separately.
What are the main advantages of coliving for relocated employees? The most notable benefits include flexible stay lengths, access to coworking and workspaces, the chance to build a professional network with other residents, and a single fee that covers accommodation, utilities and cleaning, making expense tracking easier.
When does coliving make sense for a company? It's especially useful during relocations while an employee looks for permanent housing, for temporary projects that require housing several professionals at once, and for attracting young talent or remote-first profiles who value living as part of a community.
What should I check before choosing a coliving for workers? It's worth checking the location and commute time to work, which services are included in the fee, the type of community in the building, the minimum stay and contract conditions, and which expenses the company covers versus personal costs.
