‘Coliving’, ‘flexliving’ and ‘cohousing’: housing alternatives for Ibiza

The housing problem in Ibiza and other places in the national and international territory has forced to think of new collaborative ways of inhabiting a space to achieve the desired independence, in the case of many young people.

The coliving the flexliving and the cohousing offer alternatives that respond to the search for community, flexibility and sustainability. The Association of Real Estate Developers of the Balearic Islands (Proinba) assured this Friday that it is possible to build more than 15,000 housing affordable in the archipelago in a period of less than eight years, they propose these ways of living as one of their proposals in the face of the housing emergency that the islands are suffering.

These trends transform the way of living while fostering deeper connections between people living together. Over time, these styles of living are likely to become increasingly popular options.

Coliving

Coliving refers to a housing model in which several people share a space. This concept goes beyond simply sharing an apartment, it is about creating a community.

Residents usually have private rooms, but share common areas such as kitchens, living rooms and workspaces. This lifestyle is popular among young professionals and digital nomads who are looking for not only a place to live, but also a social network and opportunities for collaboration.

Although it may seem like a similar formula to living in rented rooms, in this case there is no roommate who has a signed contract with the landlord and can abuse his power by asking for more money to pay less than his share or imposing his rules. In Ibiza it is easy to meet someone with a reasonable rent who then rents out rooms for quite a lot of money.

Estudio con despacho y cama enfrente.
Studio with office and bed in front of it / Pexels Heyho

Flexliving

Flexliving focuses on the flexibility and adaptability of living spaces. This model allows tenants to change the configuration of their living space according to their needs. The idea is that a space can be transformed from an office to a bedroom or from an entertainment area to a workplace.

This approach is ideal for those stays where space is at a premium. In Ibiza many holiday apartments end up becoming year-round homes. Multifunctional furniture such as a sofa bed, desks that are stored in a closet, folding tables and chairs are ideal for this way of living with less meters.

Cohousing

Cohousing is a model that combines community living with individual autonomy. In this type of housing, a group of individuals or families come together to design and build a neighborhood that encourages social interaction.

Each apartment is private, but there are shared spaces, such as gardens, recreational areas, and communal kitchens. This approach promotes a sense of community and collaboration, allowing residents to share resources and support each other, which can be especially beneficial for families and seniors. It is a mix of housing cooperatives but with common areas.

Would they work in Ibiza?

These formulas could be feasible, as the island attracts a diverse population who value community, flexibility and a sustainable lifestyle. Many people are used to, and at the same time resigned to, sharing housing in a place where rooms are rented at full apartment prices. Gaining privacy and independence with these new housing models can be a good way out of the housing crisis on the island.

Ibiza is a popular destination for young professionals, digital nomads and creatives looking for a more communal lifestyle. Coliving could attract people who want to share spaces and experiences. In addition, the island has a large supply of properties that could be adapted to this model, with private rooms and common areas where residents can socialize and work.

Flexibility is key in a place like Ibiza, where tourist seasons can influence housing demand. Flexliving would allow residents to adapt their spaces according to their needs, whether to work, relax or receive visitors. This model could attract people looking for a dynamic and adaptable lifestyle, especially in an environment where remote working is increasingly common.

Cohousing could be an excellent option for those seeking a sense of community on the island. Families, couples and seniors could benefit from living in a collaborative environment. In addition, Ibiza has a strong focus on sustainability and wellness, which aligns perfectly with the principles of cohousing, which share resources and promote a greener lifestyle.

For the full article, please visit Diario de Ibiza website here.

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