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5 advantages of co-living spaces for Filipino urbanites

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August 15, 2023

co-living

Navigating the complexities of life in metropolitan areas such as Manila, Cebu, or Davao has long been a source of frustration for many Filipino workers and professionals. High housing costs, long commutes, and the frantic pace of urban life can take a toll on anyone’s quality of life. For many, the prospect of securing a comfortable home near the workplace seems like a luxury rather than the norm. And given the steady increase in urban populations and housing prices, this traditional approach to living is proving less viable for many city-dwelling Pinoys. Fortunately, co-living presents a viable alternative.

Co-living, a modern adaptation of the communal living model, is quickly becoming a popular housing solution in many parts of the world, including the Philippines. Under a co-living setup, residents typically have their own private spaces—namely bedrooms and bathrooms—while sharing other living areas. This arrangement effectively blends shared and private spaces in a way that promotes cost-efficiency, convenience, and community bonding. Given the challenges of urban life in the Philippines, this innovative model presents a compelling case for Pinoy professionals seeking an alternative to the norm.

At present, Aboitiz InfraCapital’s economic estates are setting the standard for comfortable and environmentally sustainable co-living spaces in the country. Its flagship LIMA Estate, in particular, has recently broken ground for a 600-bed co-living facility known as The Pods at LIMA. This facility is designed for employees of companies headquartered in LIMA estate and contains comfortably furnished common areas, a transport hub, and roof-mounted solar panels for sustainably sourced energy. 

This feature aims to elaborate on a number of reasons why Filipino urbanites industrial park dwellers in search of quality housing should consider co-living spaces such as The Pods at LIMA. Here are five of the most compelling:

Affordability

From the outset, co-living spaces offer a refreshing contrast to the high costs associated with traditional housing options in city centers. The cost of rent in urban areas, coupled with additional expenses for utilities, furnishings, and maintenance can add up quickly. In contrast, co-living spaces offer an all-inclusive solution. These spaces typically provide residents with their own private living quarters along with access to shared utilities and amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and even gyms. The bundled cost, which includes all these facilities, often comes out significantly lower than what one would pay when renting a traditional apartment or condo.

In addition to cost savings, co-living spaces can alleviate some of the financial stresses that accompany independent living. Most co-living facilities offer payment flexibility, allowing residents to pay monthly rather than requiring large upfront deposits or long-term commitments. For young professionals just starting their careers or those who need to be cautious with their budget, this makes co-living a financially sensible choice.

Convenient

Beyond affordability, co-living spaces provide a level of convenience that traditional living arrangements often lack. These facilities are usually strategically located near business hubs, public transportation facilities, and essential services. This location advantage cuts commuting time and helps residents sidestep the traffic congestion for which Philippine cities have historically been notorious.

Moreover, residents moving into co-living spaces likely won’t need to buy and set up their own furniture, as these spaces typically come fully furnished. This feature can be especially helpful for those who are new to the city or require a fast and stress-free move. Most co-living facilities also offer a variety of services such as regular cleaning and laundry, which means that residents can spend less time on chores and more time on their work or hobbies.

Environmental Sustainability

hands holding bowl disposing trash

Co-living promotes more environmentally friendly ways of life by design. The communal use of resources in co-living spaces, from shared kitchens to collective entertainment areas, means residents produce less waste and use less energy. These efficiency gains become readily apparent when comparing the co-living model to traditional housing setups, where each unit may have separate appliances and facilities.

Many co-living operators in the Philippines are also deeply committed to sustainable practices. More and more co-living spaces in the country now pursue green initiatives, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar power, recycling programs, and even rainwater harvesting systems. For environmentally conscious professionals seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, such facilities thus present an ideal housing choice.

Flexibility

Certain professionals’ lifestyles and careers may require them to seek flexible living arrangements, and co-living spaces excel particularly in this arena. For one, they often offer contracts that are more adaptable than traditional leases. Instead of being locked into a year-long lease or more, residents can usually choose from a variety of options, from weekly to monthly contracts. This gives them the freedom to move out or switch rooms with ease in the event that their needs change.

Furthermore, co-living operators may also maintain multiple locations within a city or across different cities. For professionals who need to relocate for work, having the option to switch to a different co-living space within the same network can make the transition smoother. This high degree of flexibility is a big draw for individuals with dynamic lifestyles, such as freelancers and digital nomads.

Community

group of people giving five

Besides the many practical advantages it offers, co-living also offers residents a convenient way to socialize and connect meaningfully with others. Modern cities are frequently dense and alienating places, making it easy for anyone to feel alone even when surrounded by people. Co-living spaces, however, are intentionally designed to encourage interaction and foster a sense of community among residents.

Many co-living spaces host regular social events and activities, such as communal dinners and skill-sharing workshops, encouraging residents to meet and get to know one another. And even outside of these structured activities, shared kitchens, lounges, and other communal spaces also provide organic daily opportunities for spontaneous conversations.

On the whole, co-living presents a compelling alternative to traditional housing that addresses many of the domestic challenges Filipino professionals face today. It’s an innovative, practical, and community-oriented solution, paving the way for a more sustainable and enjoyable urban lifestyle.

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