Co-living is a growing trend in modern urban living, where individuals share living spaces while maintaining their own private rooms. Designed for a collaborative and community-driven lifestyle, co-living spaces offer young professionals an affordable, flexible, and social alternative to traditional renting. With fully furnished spaces and shared amenities like kitchens, lounges, and workspaces, co-living appeals to those seeking convenience, connection, and cost savings. 

Why co-living is gaining popularity 

1. Affordability in urban areas 
   As property prices continue to rise, especially in major cities, co-living offers a more affordable way for young professionals to live in desirable locations. By sharing rent and utility costs, tenants can access well-located properties without the financial strain that comes with renting a whole apartment or house. 

1. Social connection and community 
   Co-living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community, with shared common areas and regular social events. For many, this setup combats the isolation that can come with traditional living arrangements. Young professionals, in particular, value the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, both socially and professionally, in a supportive environment. 

1. Flexibility and convenience 
   Co-living offers flexibility with short-term leases, ideal for those who are not ready to commit to long-term contracts or those moving to a new city for work or study. Additionally, many co-living spaces offer fully serviced accommodation, meaning utilities, cleaning, and even some food services are included. This hassle-free experience makes it easy for tenants to move in and start living right away. 

Appeal to young professionals 
Young professionals are drawn to co-living for several reasons. The flexibility of the arrangements suits their transient lifestyle, while the affordability makes it a practical choice in cities where rent can be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the communal aspect fosters an environment where networking, collaboration, and socializing are encouraged — appealing to those looking to make both personal and professional connections. 

The advantages of co-living 

1. Cost savings 
   Sharing the costs of rent and utilities is one of the most attractive aspects of co-living. Young professionals can live in prime city locations for a fraction of the price of traditional rentals. 

1. Built-in social life 
   From shared kitchens to communal lounges, co-living spaces offer the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, which is particularly appealing to individuals who are new to a city or starting a career. 

1. Access to amenities 
   Many co-living spaces offer high-end amenities, such as gyms, co-working spaces, and event programming, which would typically be expensive or inaccessible in a private rental. This makes it an appealing choice for those who want more than just a place to sleep but also a vibrant lifestyle. 

Challenges of co-living 
While co-living has its benefits, it may not be for everyone. Some people prefer more privacy and independence, and living in close quarters with strangers can be challenging. The balance between personal space and communal living is something to consider when deciding if co-living is right for you. 

Contact us to explore co-living opportunities in your area 

In today’s property market, homebuyers and renters are becoming more discerning about what makes a space feel right. While square footage remains important, the layout of a home is now a key factor in decision-making. People are looking for more than just a space to live - they want a home that offers flexibility, flow, and functional zoning. With changing lifestyles, including hybrid working and more time spent at home, the demand for well-designed floor plans has never been higher. 

Flexibility and flow 
One of the biggest trends in property design is flexibility. As hybrid working becomes the norm, many buyers and renters are searching for homes that can easily adapt to multiple functions. Open-plan designs continue to be popular, but they’re evolving. Today’s open-plan spaces need to be more than just large and airy; they should also allow for different areas within one room. For instance, a kitchen-living area that can comfortably accommodate a home office or a quiet reading nook makes a home more functional. 

These flexible layouts are essential for making the most out of the space you have, and they cater to the growing need for multi-purpose rooms. A well-designed flow between spaces ensures the home doesn’t feel cluttered or disconnected, even if different zones are used for various activities. 

Zoning for privacy 
As more people work and study from home, privacy has become more important than ever. With shared spaces or multiple residents, having rooms that offer privacy or quiet is essential. A layout that creates natural boundaries between living areas, sleeping quarters, and workspaces helps reduce distractions and maintains a sense of personal space. 

For example, a floor plan that places bedrooms away from high-traffic areas such as the kitchen or living room is appealing to those who need a quieter environment. Spaces that are easy to separate or close off, such as sliding doors or partitions, provide the option for more privacy, when necessary, without compromising the flow of the home. 

Room to grow 
A well-thought-out floor plan should also allow for potential for growing families. This is especially relevant for buyers looking for long-term homes. A flexible layout can easily adapt to changing needs, whether that means converting a spare room into a nursery, adding a home office, or creating additional storage. 

Homes with options for future upgrades are more in demand. Buyers and renters are looking for spaces that are versatile, offering more than just what’s needed today but also the flexibility to evolve with their needs in the future. 

The right balance between open and private spaces 
While open-plan designs remain a favourite for many, the desire for privacy is also growing. Properties that balance open, communal spaces with private areas for rest and work are particularly appealing. A layout that allows for easy flow between rooms but still offers separate spaces for different activities is increasingly in demand. 

Contact us to find a property with a floor plan that suits your needs. 

From April 2025, second-home owners in England could face a council tax hike — up to double the current rate. Local councils will be able to charge a 100% premium on properties not used as a main residence. The goal? To bring more homes back into full-time use and support housing availability for local communities. 

Who it affects 
This shift impacts over 500,000 second-home owners across England. Whether your second property is a coastal cottage or a city flat, if it’s not your main home, your annual bill could rise sharply. 

What you can do 
It’s time to reassess. Could letting your second home offset the cost? Or is it time to sell or restructure your portfolio? These are the questions smart property owners are already asking. With holiday lets and buy-to-let options still viable, there are routes to stay ahead of the changes. 

Why it could be an opportunity 
More second homes on the market could ease pressure for primary buyers, especially in popular hotspots. If you’re thinking of selling or investing, local market shifts may open the door to new possibilities. 

Get in touch to review your options