Co-living: a greener, healthier urban experience

Co-living and wellbeing

Co-living is more than an eco-friendly alternative—it’s a response to urban loneliness and mental health struggles. In a time marked by disconnection, co-living spaces are designed to foster community, trust, and emotional wellbeing.

Studies show that 70% of co-living residents feel less isolated, and 82% report

meaningful social connections within just one  month

Regular fitness facilities and classes; communal dinners; and workshops focusing on healthy lifestyle aspects are the norm, and they create a rhythm of social interaction, while private rooms and flexible communal rules protect personal space.

The power of cooking and eating together

Preparing meals as a group encourages communication, cooperation, and trust, qualities that are essential for harmonious co-living. On a practical level, cooking as a group in a co-living setup can make life a lot easier. Splitting the cost of ingredients and bulk-buying staples can help reduce expenses. Coordinating shared meals also cuts down on food waste and time spent cooking individually.



From a health perspective, group cooking often encourages more balanced and home-cooked meals. When people cook together, they tend to be more mindful of ingredients and portion sizes, and they’re more likely to prepare meals with fresh produce rather than relying on processed food.

From Ownership to Access

The traditional housing model focus on ownership and doesn’t offer a solution to the high prices of urban property. Co-living shifts the focus from property to access and experience, offering flexible leases, furnished homes, and community-driven living at a fraction of London’s typical rental costs. It's an increasingly affordable, scalable solution for cities struggling with housing shortages and social fragmentation.

Without intentional affordability measures, co-living may become a lifestyle niche for the privileged, rather than a scalable solution to the broader housing crisis

However, co-living can also risk accentuating social differences. Many co-living spaces, particularly in major cities like London, are operated by private companies and priced at a premium, making them more accessible to younger, mobile professionals with stable incomes. As a consequence, this can exclude lower-income individuals, older adults, or those from marginalised backgrounds, reinforcing existing inequalities in housing access.

How to choose the right co-living space?

Choosing the right co-living space is about more than cost. It’s about alignment with your values. What does the community care about? Are sustainability and wellbeing part of the ethos? Operators that integrate these values into their design, policies, and culture offer more than a place to stay. They offer an opportunity for personal growth and collective thriving.

Co-living in London doesn’t just address the housing crisis. It reimagines urban living to be more connected, resilient, and fulfilling. And as we look toward a more sustainable future, that shift might be just what our cities -and ourselves- need most.