How to rent rooms and studio apartments with no hassle: co-living spaces

Maybe you don’t want to spend weeks on flat hunting and tedious checks. Or maybe you want to have a look around before you tie yourself to one particular neighbourhood on a long term contract. In that case, co-living spaces may be the right option for you.

Co-living properties in London offer a communal living arrangement where each tenant has a private living space, but most other amenities are shared – including t kitchens, lounges, and co-working spaces. Some co-living properties offer complete studio apartments, too (but they tend to be tiny). Certain co-living spaces feature gyms, swimming pools and other recreational facilities, along with various activities like yoga classes and workshops. 

Pros & cons of co-living properties:

Pros:

• Affordability: Co-living often includes utilities, internet, and sometimes even cleaning services in the rent, making it a cost-effective option.
• Community and Socialising: If you’re new to the city, co-living spaces provide opportunities to meet people and start forming your social circle.
• Convenience: Many co-living spaces come fully furnished and may offer amenities like gyms, coworking spaces, and communal kitchens, reducing the hassle of setting up a home.
• Flexibility: Shorter lease terms compared to traditional rentals offer greater flexibility for those who are mobile or uncertain about their long-term plans.
• Less paperwork: Co-living spaces do not require such tedious reference check and competitive bidding as renting from agencies and landlords, which may be an easier option to consider as your first rental in London.
• Location: The majority of London co-living properties offer affordable rooms in the most popular areas, where renting privately may cost you much more.

Cons:

• Limited Privacy: Shared common areas mean less personal space and privacy.
• Noise and Disturbances: Despite standard shared living rules, you can’t always expect your roommates to keep quiet. Occasional noise and disturbances aren’t so rare in co-living spaces.
• Control Over Environment: Residents have less control over their living conditions, including decor, amenities, and sometimes even room selection
• Guest Restrictions: There may be restrictions on having guests, which can limit your social life or potential family visits.
• Space Limitations: Co-living spaces are rarely suitable for families. If you have a lot of belongings to store, you might find it hard to fit them into your room, too.
• Turnover Rate: Your roommates are likely to change frequently, which means you can never be really sure who you’re sharing space with, how much you can trust them, and how compatible your lifestyles are.