Every once in a while, new trends appear in the world of housing. If you’re exploring real estate options, you might have stumbled upon the term “coliving.” People have been living together since the beginning of time, so why is this term continuously popping up?

In this article, you will learn what coliving is, its types, and the benefits you stand to gain that make it the most popular option in recent months.

What Is Coliving?

Coliving is a real estate term that has recently been popularized because of the rise of affordable housing options being offered nowadays. In a coliving situation, a house is shared by five or more adult roommates. The living space can take one of many forms, from a renovated single-family home to a floor in a high-rise building.

When you sign up to be a part of a coliving space, you can work with a short-term, long-term, or flexible lease. Usually, it also comes with added benefits such as professional working areas, utilities, turnkey amenities, and professional cleaning services.

What Are the Types of Coliving?

Communal living can range from individuals deciding to live together, employees of the same organization housed by company owners, and people building intentional communities. 

Here are the common types of coliving:

1. Co-housing

Cohousing communities are multi-generational families living in single-family homes located around a common house. In the shared space, these groups of people can organize events and spend time together. 

2. Co-ops

In cooperative housing, members work in shifts where they clean, cook, and do other errands to manage the household together. Usually, these homes are run in a democratic approach, so they vote on household decisions together.

3. Communes

Communes are intentional communities in rural areas. Most of the time, communes are closed off to the outside world because they are self-sustaining. Additionally, they are usually bound by their political and spiritual beliefs.

4. Informal Shared Housing

Informal coliving arrangements involve a group of people who decide to list a home together. Most of the time, they get to know each other through mutual acquaintances or websites like Craigslist.

What Are the Benefits of Coliving?

Why is coliving becoming more popular? Mainly, it’s because of these three benefits:

1. Affordability

The most compelling reason to try coliving arrangements is that it is affordable. Instead of managing a home’s expenses on your own, you can choose the cheaper alternative in renting with other people. In a shared housing situation, you share the costs of maintaining a home, furniture, and utilities.

2. Convenience

When you live alone, you have the responsibility of processing your needs for your home. You can’t escape the headache of forms and technicalities. For instance, you have to negotiate furnishings, set up utilities, and hire cleaners. When you make coliving arrangements, you won’t have to worry about these things anymore.

3. Community

Finally, coliving offers a chance to meet new people and connect with them. You can expand your horizons and build connections with people who share similar interests with you.

Final Thoughts

Coliving is a great choice if you are looking for a more manageable living option that won’t break the bank. If affordability, convenience, and community matter to you, you should consider coliving for your next living setup.

If you are looking for affordable shared housing arrangements in Stanislaus County, Merced, San Joaquin, or Sacramento, CA, you should check out Stayhaven Homes. We offer affordable and all-inclusive housing options for people looking for safe and comfortable homes. Learn more about our process by booking a call today.