Gone are the days of poky bedsits and overcrowded shared houses. Coliving offers camaraderie and cool digs, with no strings attached.
Many coliving spaces offer dedicated co-working spaces too (Photo: Gravity Co)
Coliving has become wildly popular in the past few years, particularly in London where rent, energy costs and urban loneliness are on the rise. This community living concept offers residents fully-furnished bedrooms with access to common areas for dining and eating, some with gyms, cinemas, coworking spaces and games rooms. These houses and apartments are available for as little as one month, with bills and utilities included. In London, there are now hundreds of coliving options to choose from, ranging from cheap and cheerful houses to swanky purpose-built complexes, but which offers the most bang for your buck? We’ve cherry-picked ten of the best coliving spaces in London, based on location, price, amenities and facilities, and customer reviews.
Room in a three-bed flat in Bayswater
Conveniently located in Bayswater, West London, this friendly flatshare is a short walk from both Hyde Park and Regent’s Park. Bedrooms are larger than average, with comfy double beds, standing wardrobes and a dedicated workspace. While there isn’t a living room, the property does feature a spacious kitchen, kitted out with a washing machine and dishwasher. It’s one of the cheapest coliving spaces we’ve come across and, with electricity included in the price, you won’t get any nasty surprises in the coming months. WiFi and water are also included and pets are permitted too. From £1110 per month including bills.
Find out more at Spotahome.com
Vonder
There are now 12 Vonder locations in London, with many more across Europe (Photo: Vonder)
There’s more to Wembley than a stadium and arena. London’s westerly neighbourhood has transformed in the past few years to encompass designer outlets, a new theatre and BOXPARK, the UK’s favourite street food mall. Vonder boasts a prime position, right in the heart of the massive regeneration project. Residents can choose from a Manhatten-inspired studio, a one-bed or a three-bed apartment. The building features state-of-the-art amenities too, including co-working spaces, a gym and yoga room, private cinema, lounge and a games room. From £1,450 per month including bills.
Gravity Co
This eco-friendly coliving concept has proven so popular that there are now five outposts, in Finsbury Park, Camden Lock, Camden Town, Royal Heights and West Court and more in the pipeline. Little wonder why, with its fully-furnished rooms, stylish lounges, landscaped gardens and dizzying calendar of events. Guests can keep their well-being in tip-top shape with free yoga classes, fitness training sessions and mental health workshops, while boosting their career prospects with dedicated entrepreneur mentoring, vocation classes and sponsored networking events. “Living Membership” includes furnished rooms, flexible contracts and all utility contracts, with an option to pay more for additional cleaning and laundry, bedroom customisation and partner service packages. From £1,475 per month including bills.
Find out more at GravityColiving.com
Mason Fifth
Mason Fifth offers more than a roof over your head. Billed as “Britain’s poshest commune”, residents can enjoy supper clubs, personal trainers, smeg-equipped kitchens and luxury Hypnos mattresses and bedding. There’s a range of fully furnished studio apartments to choose from, each decked out with an ensuite with a waterfall shower, kitchenette and comfy bedroom. Communal spaces include a large light-filled living room, dining room with bar, quiet workspaces and a secluded terrace and courtyard. Residents can also enjoy “out-of-home adventures”, weekly workshops, events and meals with their newly-formed friendship circles too. From £1,800 per month.
Find out more at Mason-fifth.com
Elegant apartment with city views and a backyard
This coliving space boasts an outside space too (Photo: Coliving)
This charming apartment block is located right in the thick of the action, with the delights of Soho, Marylebone, Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park practically on its doorstep. Guests can choose from a two or three-bedroom apartment, completed to an impeccable standard. Bedrooms feature comfy queen-sie beds that can be split into twin beds if needed, underfloor heating and a cooling flat for London’s increasingly toasty summers. There’s a large kitchen kitted out with Miele appliances and living rooms boast large flat-screen TVs, double sofa beds and high-speed Wifi. There’s also a sun-filled backyard, a rarity in the capital. From £3,225 per month including bills.
Two-bedroom apartment near Regent’s Park
For those who like the idea of meeting new people, but find big groups overwhelming, this whimsical two-bedroom apartment could work perfectly. Ideally situated in Belsize Park, it’s a short stroll to the tube station and slightly longer to London’s most beloved park, Regent’s Park. The apartment features a tastefully decorated living room with a flat-screen TV, comfy sofa and large dining table that can double up as a workspace, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a sunny roof terrace overlooking the park. If you’re looking to stay for less than six months, you may be required to pay the full rental amount upfront but for longer stays the security deposit is just £500. From £3245 per month.
Find out more at Spotahome.com
Stylish complex with coworking and gym
This swish apartment complex is ideal for young professionals looking for a flexible living solution. Unlike most coliving spaces, guests rent studios rather than shared apartments, so socialising takes place in communal spaces, like the onsite gym, cafe and coworking spaces. Each apartment is kitted out with a fully fitted kitchen, luxurious ensuite bathroom, sofa and workspace. There are laundry machines onsite too. Bills and amenities, including soap, toilet paper and linen, are included in the price. The minimum stay is one month and guests can stay for as long as they want. From £2,527 per month including bills.
Three-bedroom apartment for rent in Marylebone
This spacious three-bedroom apartment is situated in one of London’s most exclusive areas, a stone’s throw from the capital’s most famous restaurants, bars and luxury fashion houses. Each bedroom features a double bed, with a wardrobe and bedside table. There’s a light-filled lounge, a separate kitchen and a small balcony too. Electricity, gas, water and Wifi costs are included in the price, though guests will need to pay a refundable deposit of half a month’s rent. Like most coliving spaces, the minimum stay is just one month and there is no upper limit. From £4,250 per month including bills.
Find out more at Spotahome.com
Spacious luminous apartment with terrace, pool and gym
This apartment boasts state-of-the-art amentities and a convenient location (Photo: Coliving)
Located in leafy Greenwich, this superb coliving space combines excellent connectivity with hilly green spaces far from the crowds. The property is well set up for socialising, with a fully-equipped gym, large swimming pool and separate chill-out lounge. Each apartment features two bedrooms (both included in the price), a large open-plan living room with wooden flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. There’s also a separate storage room with a washer and dryer. Pets are permitted for an extra fee too. Bills and amenities are included in the price. From £6,123 per month including bills.
Tranquil three-bedroom apartment for rent in Kensington
This swanky three-bedroom apartment boasts a premium postcode, just around the corner from the V&A Museum and the Natural History Museum. The open-plan living room and kitchen area is light and airy, with sleek white countertops, two plush sofas and a dainty dining table. There’s even a working fireplace to snuggle up next to as the nights draw in. Bedrooms are just as luxurious, with double or queen-size beds and crisp cotton sheets, fitted wardrobes and a vanity or desk unit. From £6,492 per month including bills.
Find out more at Spotahome.com