Cohousing and coliving are popular forms of housing in Flanders. Both concepts are similar to each other. What are the differences between cohousing and coliving? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? You can read it here!
Contents
- What is cohousing?
- Advantages of cohousing
- Disadvantages of cohousing
- What is coliving?
- Advantages of cohousing
- Disadvantages of cohousing
- What are the differences between Cohousing and Coliving?
- What are the similarities between Cohousing and Coliving?
1. What is cohousing?
In cohousing, you have a separate living unit with its own living space, kitchen and dining area. There is a minimum amount of common sharing where you often only have a shared garden, patio or garage. You have relative privacy from your neighbors, but b arbecue or aperitif together with your neighbors in the common garden.
1.1. Voordelen van cohousing
- Residents often form close-knit communities with strong social ties.
- You share common spaces and resources, which saves costs.
- Cohousing projects often focus on eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyles.
1.2. Nadelen van cohousing
- You have to make collective decisions. This is potentially time-consuming and complex.
- Although residents have their own homes, sharing common areas can come at the expense of privacy.
- Residents must be willing to actively participate in the community and its management. This takes time and effort.
2. What is coliving?
Coliving is a modern housing concept where individuals or small groups share a home, often in an urban setting. Residents usually have their own bedrooms, but share other living spaces such as kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Coliving spaces are often managed by an outside organization and focus on convenience and flexibility.
2.1. Voordelen van coliving
- Residents develop close ties with fellow residents. Thus, they feel less lonely and strengthen their social network.
- By sharing common areas, rent and living costs can be lower.
- Coliving arrangements often offer shorter leases and fewer obligations. These leases are often more flexible than those of cohousing.
- You meet new people and build social networks. This is especially attractive to expats, young professionals and students.
2.2. Nadelen van cohousing
- Sharing living spaces can lead to a lack of privacy.
- Residents have less say in facility management.
- Residents can come and go o.w.v. the flexible rental options. Group dynamics are not as stable.
3. What are the differences between Cohousing and Coliving?
- Management and organization:
- Cohousing: Residents often manage and organize everything themselves.
- Coliving: An outside organization is often responsible for maintenance and facilities.
- Community Structure:
- Cohousing: Focuses on long-term communities with strong social ties.
- Coliving: Focuses on temporary occupancy and rapid changes of occupants.
- Location and residents:
- Cohousing: Often in suburbs or rural areas with a focus on families and long-term occupancy.
- Coliving: Mostly in urban settings, targeting young professionals, students and expats.
4. What are the similarities between Cohousing and Coliving?
- Both concepts promote a sense of community and shared amenities.
- By sharing spaces and resources, residents can save costs.
- Both forms of housing can be environmentally friendly through more efficient use of resources and energy.
- Both concepts provide opportunities for social interaction and networking.
Sources: Apartment, Copandi, De Rick Realty, Oximo, Flanders & Zimmo
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Luyckx, S. (2024, Nov. 1). Cohousing vs. Coliving: What are the differences? Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/cohousing-vs-coliving/
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