Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
New Zealand’s Real Estate Transformed by Co-Living Spaces
In New Zealand, real estate is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the rise of co-living spaces, an innovative concept that redefines how people live together.
Facing an acute housing crisis and a constantly growing urban population, these shared spaces are becoming an attractive solution for many residents seeking to balance cost, community, and comfort.
While promoting a modern community approach, co-living spaces offer the possibility to live in desirable neighborhoods without the financial drawbacks often associated with renting or buying a traditional residence.
Good to Know:
Co-living spaces combine private areas (bedrooms) with common spaces (kitchen, living room), often including shared services like cleaning or community events.
The Benefits of Co-Living for Young People in New Zealand
The socialization and professional networking opportunities offered by co-living are particularly attractive for young people in New Zealand. Common spaces, such as shared kitchens, living rooms, or coworking areas, are designed to encourage informal encounters and facilitate lasting social connections. This housing model attracts a diverse community: young professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and digital nomads interact daily. This diversity promotes open-mindedness and expands residents’ professional networks through enriching multicultural exchanges.
List of Social Opportunities in Co-Living:
- Common spaces promoting daily interactions
- Collective workshops, shared meals, and regular themed events
- Presence of an international and varied community
- Opportunity to expand professional networks within the housing itself
Financial Accessibility
Financial accessibility constitutes another major advantage of co-living compared to traditional housing. In New Zealand, empirical studies show there’s a rental “discount”: a substantial decrease (up to 17.3%) is observed between living alone or with a first roommate; subsequently, progressively adding roommates only leads to a marginal increase in total rent compared to the division of fixed costs. Co-living often includes all essential services (high-speed internet, cleaning, maintenance) in a single price, simplifying monthly budget management for young workers or students.
Financial Comparison
| Criterion | Co-living | Traditional Housing |
| Rent + utilities | Included in flat rate | Added separately |
| Internet & maintenance | Included | Additional |
| Access to shared spaces | Yes | Rarely |
| Contract flexibility | High | Low |
This pooling significantly reduces individual financial burden while offering a more comfortable setting than some conventional rentals.
Mental Well-being
Mental well-being greatly benefits from this cohesive community dynamic centered around common interests. Breaking with the frequent isolation experienced by young urbanites or recent expatriates, co-living creates a supportive environment where mutual aid and conviviality are valued. Testimonials frequently highlight:
- A reduction in feelings of loneliness
- Easy access to daily listening (peer support)
- General improvement in mood through sharing positive experiences
Recent Adoption Statistics:
- The global co-living market reached $15 billion USD in 2024 with an estimated average annual growth of +7.5%
- The Asia-Pacific region already represents 40% of available global spots.
In New Zealand as elsewhere in the urbanized Western world where the housing crisis hits hard among those under thirty, adoption rates are exploding within this population seeking residential flexibility AND enriching social life.
Positive Feedback Collected from Residents:
“I was able to quickly build my friend network AND find my first professional contacts upon arrival”
“It’s reassuring when starting out alone in a big city – there’s always someone to share successes and difficulties with”
In summary: co-living concretely addresses the growing economic, social, and psychological needs of young New Zealanders engaged in higher education or their first professional experience.
Good to Know:
In New Zealand, co-living is increasingly attracting young people with 20% annual growth according to recent studies, offering an affordable solution to counter high traditional housing costs. In comparison, shared housing expenses can be 30% lower than those of a conventional apartment, thus easing the financial burden on students and young professionals. Moreover, co-living spaces promote rich socialization, facilitating exchanges and professional networking, opening doors to new career opportunities. These collaborative environments also support mental well-being by creating tight-knit communities where residents share common interests, thereby reducing the sense of isolation often felt by young people in big cities. Positive testimonials abound, highlighting improved social skills and increased overall well-being thanks to these hubs of social interaction.
Premium shared housing in New Zealand clearly distinguishes itself from traditional shared housing through its comfort level, amenities, and residential experience offered.
- Spacious common areas, carefully decorated with premium materials
- Design furniture, original artwork, refined finishes for an elegant ambiance
- Integration of equipped coworking spaces (ergonomic desks, printers, meeting rooms)
- Very high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the residence
- Included services such as regular cleaning, quick maintenance, and on-demand concierge
- Access to additional amenities: partner gym memberships, on-site equipped laundry
- Regular programming of social or professional events to foster community life
| Elements | Traditional Shared Housing | Premium Shared Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Basic | Elegant design |
| Common spaces | Limited | Spacious & styled |
| Included services | Generally absent | Cleaning, concierge |
| Internet | Standard | Very high-speed |
| Coworking | No | Yes |
| Community life | Spontaneous | Animated & structured |
Specific Advantages for Young Professionals and Expatriates:
- Contract flexibility (shorter leases possible)
- Environment conducive to productivity thanks to integrated coworking spaces
- Immediate social network: ideal for quickly integrating into a new city or country
- Fewer daily hassles thanks to included services (cleaning/maintenance)
Economic and Social Factors Contributing to the Trend:
High prices in the New Zealand real estate market make accessing comfortable individual housing difficult. Traditional shared housing remains affordable but doesn’t offer the same level of equipment or conveniences sought by mobile young professionals. Urban lifestyle is moving toward greater social and professional integration within one’s living space: these shared housing options thus allow combining private life, flexible work, and community.
“I chose premium shared housing upon arriving in Auckland: I had access to a coworking space that allowed me not only to be efficient while teleworking but also to quickly meet people sharing the same interests as me” — Testimony collected early 2025 from a young French expatriate.
“The events organized every week really facilitated my adaptation in New Zealand. We have access to everything we need without leaving home” — German resident in a co-living house near downtown.
In Summary:
Premium shared housing perfectly meets the growing needs of young professionals and expatriates seeking rental flexibility, stimulating modern environment, and genuine integrated urban community. These residences offer much more than just a roof: they embody a new lifestyle adapted to the current New Zealand economic context where collective rhymes with premium quality.
Good to Know:
Premium shared housing in New Zealand is experiencing significant growth, particularly attracting young professionals and expatriates thanks to its distinctive characteristics compared to traditional shared housing. These spaces offer elegant furniture, included cleaning services, modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and coworking spaces designed for optimal comfort. In response to the growing desire for flexibility and community building, luxury shared housing is particularly attractive in a real estate market where prices are climbing, pushing urbanites toward more integrated lifestyles. High-quality shared services meet the expectations of those seeking a rich and interconnected urban living experience. As attested by Marie, for example, a French expatriate living in Auckland, this type of shared housing offers a truly attractive and economical alternative compared to the prohibitive rents of the conventional real estate market.
Shared spaces, particularly co-living spaces, have revolutionized how individuals interact in digital environments. By integrating digital technologies and communication platforms, these spaces foster connection and collaboration among residents. Here are some examples of this evolution:
Transformation of Digital Interactions
- Communication platforms: Residents use applications and online platforms to organize events, share resources, and discuss common projects.
- Internal social networks: Private networks allow occupants to connect and share their experiences, thereby strengthening the sense of community.
Impact on Community Spirit
Shared spaces encourage collaboration and sharing of experiences, which reinforces community spirit among residents. This translates into regular community events, collaborative projects, and mutual assistance.
Concrete Examples of Technologies Used
| Technology | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Community management applications | Event organization, resource sharing |
| Private social networks | Connection and experience sharing among residents |
| Virtual coworking platforms | Remote collaboration and skill sharing |
Economic and Social Advantages
Co-living spaces offer several advantages:
- Economic advantages: All-inclusive rents often include services like water, energy, and cleaning, thus reducing costs for occupants.
- Social advantages: They foster the formation of strong social bonds, create networking opportunities, and offer a supportive environment.
Response to Contemporary Needs
These spaces perfectly meet modern individuals’ needs for flexibility and mobility, while strengthening social bonds. They offer flexible leases, ranging from a few months to a year, which suits people in transition or digital nomads.
Influence of New Zealand Culture
New Zealand culture, known for its community spirit and openness to new ideas, adapts well to this trend. New Zealanders value community and environment, which is reflected in the adoption of these shared living models that promote sustainability and collaboration.
Transformation of Real Estate
Real estate in New Zealand has adapted by integrating innovative digital solutions into co-living spaces. This includes using smart technologies to manage common spaces, improve energy efficiency, and offer digital concierge services for a smoother, more connected living experience.
Good to Know:
Shared spaces in New Zealand are transforming digital connections by fostering enriched community interactions through platforms like Slack and Zoom, which facilitate collaboration among residents. These approaches not only provide an economic framework for resource sharing but also strengthen community spirit and encourage collective creativity. Initiatives such as co-living management applications help coordinate and optimize shared resources, offering essential flexibility and mobility for our times. The integration of New Zealand culture, recognized for its diversity and inclusive approach, manifests in the adoption of collaborative and respectful practices that seamlessly merge with modern, innovative digital real estate, thereby creating more adaptive and socially connected living spaces.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
