Precariousness and difficulty of access to housing or new residential modality?

María Bassols, Real Estate law associate at RocaJunyent, has written this article published in the newspaper Cinco Días in which she explores the concept of coliving, highlighting that, although it is becoming more and more well-known, it still generates doubts about its meaning, regulation and effects on society. Bassols clarifies that coliving is not the same as renting a room, nor is it similar to student or executive residences. It is a form of accommodation that may or may not be regular, with specific characteristics that distinguish it.

There are both proponents and opponents of coliving. Critics see the concept as an answer to the problem of access to housing, especially for the most vulnerable young people, as it normalises the idea of not being able to afford a full house. However, advocates see it as an opportunity for change in the housing market, allowing the creation of modern residential spaces, combining private areas with common areas for socialising, which could improve the quality of life in cities.

From a legal point of view, in Spain there is no specific regulation on co-living, although in Catalonia there is a reference to ‘accommodation with complementary common spaces’. In this sense, Bassols suggests that coliving could address the problem of small housing sizes in cities by allowing residents to share common spaces that increase their quality of life.

Finally, Bassols stresses that coliving should not only focus on providing housing, but also on offering quality of life, sustainability and services that encourage coexistence and the fight against social problems such as loneliness. The future of coliving will depend on how it is regulated and implemented to respond to the housing needs of cities.

Access to the full article (available in Spanish)