Your complete head-to-toe roadmap for building a successful coliving investment portfolio. From finding your first property to scaling into a profitable operation.
Follow our proven step-by-step system that has helped hundreds of investors build successful coliving portfolios
Foundation
Acquisition
Setup
Operations
Optimization
Scaling
Ready to begin your coliving investment journey?
Start Chapter 1: Understanding ColivingMaster the fundamentals of the coliving industry, market dynamics, and investment opportunities before you invest your first dollar.
Coliving is a modern housing solution where multiple residents share living spaces while maintaining private bedrooms. It combines the affordability of shared housing with the community benefits of intentional living.
Unlike traditional roommate situations, coliving properties are professionally managed, fully furnished, and designed to foster community interaction while respecting personal space.
Understanding the market size, growth trends, and opportunity landscape in coliving real estate.
Rising home prices and rents make shared living financially attractive to young professionals.
Remote work and social isolation drive demand for built-in community experiences.
Digital nomads and flexible workers need short-term, furnished housing solutions.
Major cities prioritize efficient housing solutions to accommodate population growth.
Younger generations prefer experiences and convenience over homeownership.
Higher cap rates and cash flow potential attract real estate investors to the sector.
Different approaches to coliving investment, each with unique benefits, challenges, and return profiles.
Single-family home conversion
Ground-up development or major renovation
Resident-owned community model
High-end amenities and services
Essential insights to remember as you move forward in your coliving journey
The coliving market is experiencing rapid growth with strong fundamentals driving demand from younger demographics.
Coliving properties can generate 30%+ higher revenue per square foot compared to traditional rentals.
Coliving requires more intensive management than traditional rentals but offers proportionally higher returns.
Choose from various coliving investment approaches based on your experience, capital, and market conditions.
Ready for the next step?
Continue to Chapter 2: Market AnalysisLearn how to research markets, identify profitable opportunities, and understand the key metrics that drive coliving success.
Identify prime locations with strong demand for coliving spaces
Understand your target audience and their housing needs
Master the key metrics that determine profitability
Monthly rental income divided by number of beds
Typical range in major markets
Percentage of beds occupied over time
Target for profitable operations
Revenue minus operating expenses
Margin for well-managed properties
Annual NOI divided by property value
Varies by location and risk
Room rates, fees, and pricing models
What they offer and service quality
Proximity to transport, work, entertainment
Complete market research for your target areas
Identify your ideal resident demographics
Create projections using key metrics
Master the process of finding, evaluating, and acquiring the right properties for your coliving business.
4-8 residents, shared common areas
Multiple units, individual leases
Purpose-built coliving spaces
Office/warehouse to residential
LoopNet, Crexi, MLS, Zillow
Commercial and residential brokers
Off-market opportunities
Investment property specialists
10 beds × $1,500 average rent
Conservative vacancy allowance
Monthly NOI
Cap Rate
DSCR
NOI Margin
Set up alerts and build your network
Create spreadsheets for property evaluation
Get pre-approved and ready to act
Transform your property into an attractive, functional coliving space that residents love to call home.
Design spaces that encourage interaction
Blend community with personal space
Invest in durable, attractive finishes
Smart features for modern living
Full/Queen size with premium comfort
Closet, dresser, under-bed storage
Desk, chair, good lighting
Quality locks, blackout curtains
Use neutral colors and add personality through removable elements like pillows and art
Large fridge, dual ovens, dishwasher
Multiple prep areas for simultaneous use
Seats 8-12 people comfortably
Labeled shelves and personal spaces
Multiple seating zones and styles
Large TV, streaming, gaming setup
Moveable furniture for events
Rugs and soft furnishings
Large table with multiple workstations
Phone booths or separate study area
Ethernet ports and strong WiFi
Monitor mounts, cable management
Ideal ratio: 1 full bathroom per 2-3 bedrooms
Gigabit fiber with mesh network
Cameras, smart locks, alarm system
Programmable thermostats, zone control
Smart TVs, streaming services
Home gym or equipment room
Patio, garden, BBQ area
Dedicated spots for residents
Energy-efficient appliances, recycling
Per Bedroom
Kitchen Renovation
Per Bathroom
Common Areas
Layout rooms and common areas for optimal flow
Get quotes and select contractors
Manage timeline and quality control
Attract and screen the right residents to build a thriving coliving community that residents love.
Reach digital natives effectively
Build community before move-in
Leverage happy residents
Connect with employers, schools
Zillow, Apartments.com, Craigslist
70% of renters start here
SpareRoom, Roomi, Coliving.com
Targeted audience, higher conversion
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Build community and showcase lifestyle
Target local searches and keywords
Higher cost but immediate results
3x monthly rent minimum
650+ credit score preferred
Stable employment record
Previous landlords and employers
30-minute conversation
Assess community compatibility
Discuss house rules and culture
Address concerns and clarify terms
Meet potential housemates
In-person or virtual visit
Consider short-term stays
Both parties must agree
Rent + utilities + internet + amenities
Based on room size, amenities, location
Adjust based on demand, seasonality
RentSpree, Zillow Applications
TransUnion, Experian, RentPrep
Mailchimp, Constant Contact
Calendly, Showing Suite
Instant confirmation and tour scheduling
Status updates and document requests
Automated screening and lease generation
Welcome packets and community introductions
Days to Lease
Occupancy Rate
Lead Conversion
Cost per Lease
Professional photos, videos, and descriptions
Applications, background checks, interviews
Multi-channel approach with tracking
Build efficient systems to manage your coliving properties, foster community, and scale your business successfully.
Foster connections and belonging
Keep properties in top condition
Monitor performance and optimize
Grow your portfolio efficiently
Community cooking and dining together
Networking and skill-sharing sessions
Group workouts and wellness programs
Game nights, movie screenings, social events
Satisfaction Surveys
Support Response
Retention Target
AppFolio, Buildium, RentSpree
ACH, credit cards, bank transfers
$50 after 5-day grace period
Real-time reporting and alerts
Digital requests and tracking
Scheduled inspections and repairs
Pre-screened contractors and suppliers
24/7 emergency contact system
QuickBooks, FreshBooks integration
Income, expenses, occupancy
Depreciation and deduction tracking
ROI, NOI, occupancy metrics
Multiple markets, local partnerships
Different property types and sizes
Manage for other investors
License brand and systems
Remote monitoring and control systems
Predictive maintenance and optimization
Remote viewing and leasing capabilities
Resident communication and services
Occupancy
NOI Margin
Retention
Days Lease
Review Score
Annual ROI
Implement management and tracking tools
Hire and train management staff
Track KPIs and improve operations
You now have the complete roadmap to build and manage a successful coliving business. Remember, success comes from consistent execution and continuous improvement.
Stay updated on market trends and new strategies
Connect with other coliving operators and investors
Start with your first property and build from there