Co-living: building community and flexibility in Switzerland’s housing market

In Switzerland, the real estate market has been undergoing a profound transformation in recent years. Faced with housing shortages, steadily rising rents, and the evolving expectations of residents, a powerful trend has emerged: co-living. Already well established in several European capitals, this concept is now redefining the way we live.

Co-living is not just about sharing a roof. It represents a genuine lifestyle designed to combine modern comfort with collective experience. Residences are structured around private spaces that guarantee individual privacy, alongside common areas that encourage interaction: welcoming kitchens, bright living rooms, coworking zones, and sometimes even gardens and fitness facilities. This hybrid model offers the best of both worlds—the tranquility of a personal home and the richness of community life.

This model attracts a diverse audience. Young professionals see it as a flexible and affordable solution, well-suited to careers that are often mobile and international. Entrepreneurs and freelancers value the shared workspaces that foster creativity and networking. Seniors, meanwhile, view co-living as a precious opportunity to rebuild social ties while maintaining their independence. In this sense, co-living emerges as a response to a universal need: accessible housing that also nurtures human connection.

Beyond its practical aspects, this trend reflects a deeper evolution in our relationship with housing. Co-living embodies a search for meaning and sustainability. By pooling spaces and resources, it not only reduces costs but also helps limit environmental impact. It promotes a more thoughtful way of living, where what can be shared is shared—without compromising comfort.

Although still in its early stages in Switzerland, co-living is expanding rapidly. In a context of intense pressure on the housing market, it stands as a credible and sustainable alternative to traditional solutions. Investors, developers, and municipalities are increasingly taking interest, recognizing that this model addresses economic, social, and environmental challenges simultaneously.

Co-living should therefore not be seen as a passing fad, but as one of the most promising paths for shaping the real estate of tomorrow. By reinventing the art of living together, it paves the way for housing that is more human, more accessible, and more in tune with the times.