One of the reasons the UK has a housing shortage is there can be huge gaps in the type of properties we build. This includes a lack of homes for later living, a shortfall of family size homes, and affordable properties for people who want to live on their own. It’s important to address this and think about delivering the kind of properties people actually want. One way to do this is creating more co-living developments to cater for a huge demographic. Let’s have a closer look at it here, then you can rely on us if you need help with residential architecture in London.
Maturation
To answer the title of this article, the co-living market is definitely maturing. It’s notable that this year is the tenth anniversary of one of the first developments in the UK (The Collective on Old Oak Lane in West London). Since then, it’s grown and grown. There are now thousands of units in developments in various parts of the UK. Additionally, there’s more in the pipeline. What we’re seeing is similar to how the build to rent market matured.
It’s also interesting that investors are on-board with co-living developments. According to a report by Investec Bank (Future Living 4 from November 2025), it is the third strongest segment according to investors. It is only behind later living and PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation). It’s likely there will be more investments in these kinds of projects in the next few years.
Why is it popular?
We’re really interested in all forms of residential architecture in London, from different types of houses to apartments and more. Co-living developments can be really impressive, offering lovely designs and great spaces.
One of the main reasons co-living developments are growing in popularity is they fill a significant gap in the market. Many people initially move out to attend university. As a result, they generally spend at least a year in PBSA buildings. After this they may remain in a similar type of accommodation or rent with university friends. After graduation though, some face having to move back in with parents because of issues like affordability. Cost effective co-living units in great locations are a very attractive alternative. They also appeal to older people too.
In a basic sense, co-living is a more mature version of PBSA. It has the same core principle, with residents sharing kitchens, lounges, and other amenities. This appeals to many people, especially those who want to live alone without suffering isolation. It can create great communities with diverse demographics. Speak to us about residential architecture in London.
Great designs go a very long way to making co-living properties a fantastic place to live. They also have an impact on prices; there is an opportunity to target different prices points by considering the materials, finishes, and other factors. A common tactic is to design units as a cluster with private bedrooms (generally with en-suites) and shared space. Then there tends to be additional spaces open to residents, such as workspace, hobby rooms, gyms, gardens, and more.
It’s also a sign the co-living segment is maturing that the idea is spreading. As we said, the first development was in West London. There are now buildings in numerous major cities, including Birmingham and Manchester. In fact, they are a viable option wherever there are universities, major job markets, and areas where private rental prices are unaffordable.
Discuss residential architecture in London with us
If you’re looking to design your dream high end home or other types of housing, you can rely on us. We’re a top team, with a real passion for homes. We have our own dedicated brand for it, Coffey Residential. So, get in touch today.