What is Coliving?
To form your own opinion between shared renting and coliving, you need to understand what this emerging trend entails. While it has been long-established in the United States, it is just starting to gain traction in France as a profitable rental investment.
This modern cohabitation model blends private life with community, attracting a generation seeking enriching social experiences and flexibility. Unlike traditional housing models, coliving emphasizes well-designed shared spaces that foster interaction while respecting individual privacy.
Definition and Characteristics
Coliving is still relatively new in France. Similar to shared renting, it involves a shared habitat but offers greater independence for residents. In a coliving house, each person enjoys a private space including a bedroom, a bathroom, and sometimes even a kitchen. Shared areas provide various entertainment options like gyms, movie rooms, lounges, coworking spaces, game rooms, libraries, music studios, and even saunas (as seen in Ecla Paris Villejuif).
Overall, a coliving residence promises individual independence while focusing on shared values and mutual support.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the main benefits of coliving is increased independence. You won’t need to share your bathroom or kitchen, preserving your privacy while still enjoying shared entertainment with other residents. Friendships can form naturally, without the pressure of sharing personal spaces.
Unlike shared renting, there’s no urgency to find roommates. You sign a lease that binds only you, for a duration that suits your needs. Moreover, searching is easier since you simply contact a coliving residence. All-inclusive pricing covers utilities, internet, and furnishings, simplifying your move.
The main drawback is similar to that of shared renting: potential challenges in community living, although extensive private spaces facilitate cohabitation.
