The global coliving sector is booming – offering affordable, community-driven living solutions in cities worldwide. In fact, the global co-living market is projected to grow around 16% annually, roughly doubling from ~$7–9 billion in the mid-2020s to over $16 billion by 2030 . With this rapid expansion, a new breed of specialists has emerged to guide stakeholders through the complexities of developing and operating coliving spaces. Dedicated coliving consultants – once a novel idea – are now in high demand in 2025 . These experts help bring coliving projects from concept to reality, offering invaluable insights at every step .
Who should care? Whether you’re a real estate developer planning a co-living property, an existing coliving operator aiming to improve your community experience, an investor evaluating opportunities, an urban planner exploring housing solutions, or a startup founder eyeing the “living as a service” model – this article is for you. We’ll break down why working with coliving consultants can be a game-changer, the pros and cons of hiring them, and highlight some of the top coliving consulting experts worldwide (and their strong suits). The goal is to help you make an informed choice in navigating the shared living industry.
Why Coliving Consultants Are in Demand
Coliving might seem straightforward – rent out rooms, provide shared amenities, build a community – but in practice it’s a complex operation. As one seasoned consultant notes, many newcomers assume that just because they’ve stayed in coliving spaces, they “have seen how it works” – but running a coliving space is far more challenging than it appears . From designing sociable yet private environments to managing diverse tenants and ensuring profitability, successful coliving spaces require multifaceted expertise.
This is where coliving consultants come in. In 2025, the industry has seen a surge of specialized consultants focused solely on shared living projects . These professionals often have years (even decades) of combined experience in hospitality, real estate, community building, and design. For example, one global coliving consultancy collective boasts over 50 years of collective experience, having worked on 150+ projects across 20+ countries . They’ve witnessed the evolution of coliving over the last decade and bring hard-earned lessons learned from many different projects and markets.
In short, as coliving moves from a niche trend to a mainstream real estate model, developers and operators are turning to experts who know the playbook. Coliving consultants help avoid costly mistakes, tailor concepts to target markets, and fast-track the learning curve for newcomers. As the Everything Coliving platform describes, these consultants are the “go-to people” that can help you refine your space concept, build out your idea, and advise on smooth operations . The result is a higher chance of creating a thriving, profitable coliving community that stands out in this increasingly competitive sector.
Benefits of Working with Coliving Consultants
Hiring a coliving consultant or consulting firm can offer numerous advantages. Below we outline some key benefits:
- Deep Industry Expertise: Coliving consultants are specialists who have often seen dozens of projects succeed (or fail). They bring proven frameworks and insider knowledge of what works. Their collective experience – some have interviewed 200+ coliving projects worldwide to distill best practices – means you get a knowledge base far beyond what a single team could amass on its own. This expertise spans community-building tactics, design innovations, business models, and more.
- Accelerated Planning & Innovation: By tapping into expert guidance, you can save time and avoid reinventing the wheel. Consultants can quickly validate if your concept is feasible and suggest improvements. They’ll provide creative ideas for differentiating your space (from unique amenities to programming) drawn from global trends and case studies. Ultimately, this speeds up project development and can spark innovative features that give your coliving space a competitive edge.
- Holistic Strategy (End-to-End Support): Most coliving consultants offer support across the entire lifecycle of a project – from initial market research and concept development to design, marketing, and operational setup. For instance, a good consultant can help conduct feasibility studies and demographic analysis for your location, craft your brand and community concept, advise on architectural layouts, and create a plan for staffing and management . This holistic approach ensures all pieces of the puzzle align with your business goals. (If you only need help in one area, many consultants also offer à la carte services or one-off advisory sessions.)
- Community and User Experience Focus: A defining element of coliving is fostering a sense of community among residents. Consultants with coliving expertise know how to design operations and events that cultivate engagement and belonging. They can help devise community experience (CX) strategies – from resident events and digital platforms to house rules and conflict resolution – so that your space delivers on the “built-in community” promise. As one consultant’s philosophy states, it’s easy to sell the idea of community, but delivering it consistently is an art . Coliving experts guide you in creating an authentic community vibe that improves retention and word-of-mouth referrals.
- Operational Efficiency & Technology: Experienced consultants can set you up with the right tools and processes from day one. This might include recommending property management software, access control systems, or community apps tailored for coliving . They also advise on efficient layouts (for ease of cleaning, security, etc.) and staffing models. By implementing best practices in operations and tech, you’ll likely reduce your operating costs and headaches long-term. In short, consultants help professionalize your coliving business, so you run it like a well-oiled machine rather than learning by trial and error.
- Market Credibility & Investor Confidence: Bringing a known coliving consultant on board can lend credibility to your project. Investors, development partners, or even city officials may take your venture more seriously if it’s backed by someone with a strong track record in shared living. The consultant’s feasibility analyses and business models can also validate your concept’s viability to stakeholders. Essentially, their involvement signals that your project is grounded in industry knowledge and realistic assumptions – which can be reassuring to those writing the checks.
Of course, every project is different. The specific benefits you gain will depend on your internal team’s strengths and what gaps the consultant is filling. But across the board, the right consultant aims to de-risk the process of launching or scaling a coliving space, and to maximize your chances of success in terms of occupancy, resident satisfaction, and profitability.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While there are many positives, it’s important to weigh the cons or challenges of hiring a coliving consultant as well:
- Additional Cost: Consultants (especially top-tier experts) are not cheap. Their fees can be a significant upfront expense, whether it’s a one-time strategic workshop or a longer-term engagement. For a startup coliving venture on a tight budget, these costs might strain your finances. Always consider the ROI – ideally the efficiencies and improvements they bring will outweigh the fees, but you need to budget for this investment.
- Variable Quality and Fit: Since coliving consulting is a relatively new field, expertise can vary widely. There’s no universal certification for “coliving consultant,” so it’s important to vet their background. Some consultants come from hospitality, some from real estate, others from community management. Not every consultant will be right for your specific project or vision. A potential downside is if you hire someone without the right experience or whose approach doesn’t align with your goals – this could lead to misguided advice. It’s wise to interview multiple consultants and ask for references or case studies before committing.
- Loss of Unique Vision (if over-relying): Your coliving project likely has a unique value proposition or vibe you want to create. Bringing in outside experts means introducing external ideas – which is usually good, but you should guard against any one-size-fits-all solutions. Consultants might be biased toward models that worked elsewhere, which might not perfectly translate to your concept or local market. Ensure that any strategy is customized, not cookie-cutter. Maintain your core vision and use consultants to enhance it, not override it.
- Internal Dependency: If you lean heavily on consultants, there’s a chance your own team might not develop the skills and knowledge to run the business independently. For example, if a consultant handles all the community events planning for your launch, make sure your community manager learns from that process. It’s important to absorb knowledge from the consultant so you’re not permanently dependent on outside help. A good consultant should be somewhat like a coach – empowering your team to eventually handle things solo.
- Scheduling and Availability: Top coliving consultants often juggle multiple projects globally. They might not be on call 24/7 for you. If your project timeline shifts or you need urgent input, a busy consultant might not always be immediately available. Clear communication and setting expectations up front is key. Consider this when planning critical milestones; you may need to schedule workshops or site visits well in advance to fit their calendar.
In summary, doing your due diligence is crucial. Many of these drawbacks can be mitigated by choosing the right consultant and structuring the collaboration wisely. For many operators and developers, the pros outweigh the cons – but it’s still a decision that should be made with eyes wide open.
What Do Coliving Consultants Help With?
Coliving consulting is typically multidisciplinary. These experts can advise on virtually every aspect of creating and running a co-living space. Here are some key areas where coliving consultants provide guidance:
- Market Research & Feasibility: Determining if a coliving project makes sense in a given location is step one. Consultants perform market feasibility studies – analyzing local demand, rental pricing, competitor spaces, and target demographics . They’ll help answer: Is there a gap in the market for your concept? What should your price points be? This data-driven approach ensures you launch in the right place with the right offering.
- Concept Development & Branding: A successful coliving space needs a clear concept and brand identity to stand out. Consultants assist in refining your unique value proposition – whether it’s eco-conscious living, digital nomad community, artist co-living, etc. They ensure you have a compelling story and design the brand elements (name, logo, messaging) to attract your target audience . This also includes advising on the mix of private vs. shared spaces, amenity selection, and how to create an overall experience that appeals to your niche.
- Design & Space Planning: The physical design of a coliving space is critical to its success. Coliving consultants often work with architects or interior designers who understand shared living dynamics. They’ll help plan layouts that maximize space utilization while encouraging social interaction and respecting privacy . This might involve deciding on the ratio of bedrooms to bathrooms, how big common kitchens and lounges should be, incorporating coworking areas, etc. Good consultants bring examples of design best practices from other co-living projects (for example, how to design kitchens that can handle many roommates, or creating cozy nooks that facilitate spontaneous chats).
- Community Building & User Experience: One of the biggest value-adds of coliving experts is helping you craft the community experience (CX). This includes developing programs for resident events, setting up community guidelines, and creating a culture that fits your audience (young professionals, students, artists, etc.). Consultants can train your community managers in engagement techniques and even map out the customer journey – from how you onboard new residents, to how you handle conflicts or departures . The goal is to foster a genuine community where people feel they belong. A strong community drives resident satisfaction and retention (happy members are likely to stay longer and recommend friends).
- Operations & Staffing: Operating a coliving space combines elements of hospitality (like a hotel), property management (like apartments), and community management (like a social club). Consultants help set up efficient operations: everything from booking systems and billing processes, to housekeeping schedules and maintenance plans. They can advise on optimal staffing – e.g. how many community managers per X residents, what tasks to outsource, and how to train staff in the ethos of co-living. Additionally, they often have playbooks for creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and crisis management plans. By implementing these, you ensure a smooth day-to-day operation that can scale. (For example, consultants might provide templates for handling roommate disagreements, cleaning rotations, or emergency protocols.) Bringing this operational know-how can significantly shorten your learning curve .
- Technology Integration: Modern coliving spaces are tech-enabled. Consultants often guide which tech platforms to use for various needs. This could include property management systems for rent and utilities, community apps or forums for residents, smart home technologies (smart locks, IoT devices for energy savings), and even integration with social media or marketing CRM tools. Knowing the right tools (and avoiding expensive but unnecessary tech) can save money and improve the resident experience . Consultants might, for example, recommend a digital key solution that allows seamless move-ins, or an app where residents can RSVP to events and report issues, fostering engagement.
- Marketing & Leasing Strategy: Filling your coliving space with members is obviously crucial. Coliving consultants often assist with marketing plans specific to co-living. This can involve pre-launch marketing (generating buzz through social media, local PR, partnerships with universities or companies), as well as ongoing lead generation through platforms like coliving listing sites. They help define your sales funnel – from inquiries to tours to signed lease – and optimize it. Many emphasize human-centered marketing, highlighting community stories or resident testimonials to attract like-minded people. If you’re launching a new space, consultants can even help organize open house events or promotional offers to ensure you hit the ground running with occupancy . Given that many co-livings operate on short leases, having a solid marketing strategy is an ongoing need, not a one-time thing.
- Financial Modeling & Investment: Last but not least, coliving consultants can lend a hand on the finance side. They can assist with business plan creation, modeling different revenue scenarios (e.g. varying occupancy rates or membership tiers), and setting pricing that balances affordability with sustainability. Some consultants have real estate finance backgrounds and can help structure deals or partnerships. Others might guide you in pitching to investors or even connect you with potential funding sources. For instance, certain experts focus specifically on business models and funding strategies , ensuring that your concept not only appeals to residents but also meets the return requirements for investors or lenders. This financial rigor is key to turning a cool idea into a viable business.
In essence, a great coliving consultant is like a one-stop shop of knowledge for shared living ventures. You can engage them for broad end-to-end guidance or targeted advice in any of the above domains. Next, let’s look at some of the leading consultants and firms in this space and what they’re known for.
Leading Coliving Consultants and Firms Worldwide
Over the past few years, a number of coliving consulting experts have built strong reputations globally. Below are some of the top consultants/firms (in no particular order), along with their specialties and achievements:
- Everything Coliving (Global) – Founded by Mayank Pokharna, Everything Coliving provides an array of services to help entrepreneurs launch and scale coliving businesses. They offer marketing support, custom software development, and advisory programs. Mayank’s team has empowered many new operators via mentorship and even runs the industry’s largest newsletter and mastermind series. Notably, Everything Coliving has advised 100+ coliving companies in the last decade , giving them a broad perspective on market trends. Strong suit: Growth strategies (marketing, tech integration) and a vast global network of coliving founders.
- Conscious Coliving (UK) – A London-based consulting collective known for their thought leadership on sustainable and community-centric coliving. They authored the influential Conscious Coliving Manifesto outlining values and best practices for the industry . The team (co-founded by Matt Lesniak and Dr. Penny Clark) offers services from concept and feasibility analysis to operational guidance, always with an eye on social value and ESG (environmental, social, governance) impact. Strong suit: Embedding social, environmental, and well-being principles into coliving projects, and robust research on community outcomes.
- Gui Perdrix / Art of Co (Global) – Gui Perdrix is the author of The Art of Coliving and President of Co-Liv (the global coliving association). Through his consultancy Art of Co, he works with coliving operators and developers worldwide on elevating resident experience and operational excellence. Gui gained his expertise by extensively researching the industry – he interviewed over 200 coliving projects for his book – and has since helped upscale coliving brands refine their processes. Strong suit: Community building and user experience design, backed by worldwide insights and data. Gui is also highly active in industry knowledge-sharing, hosting events and publishing reports.
- Leah Ziliak (USA) – Branded as “The Coliving Consultant,” Leah Ziliak specializes in Community Experience (CX) and hospitality for coliving spaces. With 15+ years in hospitality/events before pivoting to coliving, she started her coliving consultancy in 2019 and has since become “one of the world’s leading experts” in the sector . Leah focuses on helping operators attract and retain members by improving community engagement, programming, and even social media presence. She often provides training (masterclasses, workshops) on creating memorable coliving experiences that drive retention and referrals. Strong suit: Guest experience, community engagement strategies, and branding from a hospitality perspective.
- Space & Pepper (Germany) – Based in Berlin, Space & Pepper was founded by Hana Ahriz and Franziska Heuschkel. They began with community facilitation and quickly grew into a coliving consultancy. The team assists with market research, interior design, space culture, and event programming for coliving projects . They have been active in Europe’s coliving scene, even partnering with local hubs (like Factory Berlin) to run coliving pop-ups and experiments. Strong suit: Interior design and community programming – crafting physical and social environments that encourage interaction (their events in Berlin’s coliving community are well-known).
- Happy Working Lab (Spain) – Barcelona-based Happy Working Lab bills itself as Europe’s first coworking and coliving consulting agency, with 8+ years of experience in flexible work/living sectors . Having started in the coworking boom, they now advise on coliving concepts from the ground up. HWL helps with everything from initial concept creation to operational setup, leveraging their long track record in Europe. Strong suit: Concept development and operations in the European context – they understand the regulatory and cultural nuances of co-living in EU markets and have a strong background in blending coworking amenities into coliving projects.
(The above are just a few leading names – the coliving consulting field is growing quickly. Other notable mentions include regional specialists and networks via Co-Liv’s platform, which connects to experts in design, placemaking, finance, and more. But the list above provides a good starting point for recognized expertise in various domains.)
Tips for Choosing the Right Coliving Consultant
If you’re considering working with a coliving consultant, here are some tips to ensure you find the best fit for your needs:
- Clarify Your Needs and Goals: First, outline what you most need help with. Is it figuring out your business model and doing a feasibility study? Designing the interior and amenities? Building a community culture? Fundraising? Different consultants have different fortes, so knowing your priorities will narrow your search. For example, if you primarily need help with financial planning and business strategy, you might seek someone with real estate finance expertise . If your main focus is on design and architecture, look for consultants affiliated with design studios or who have a portfolio of spaces they’ve designed.
- Evaluate Experience and Track Record: Look into the consultant’s background in coliving specifically. How many projects have they worked on? Do they have client testimonials or case studies? Given that coliving is a newer field, consider adjacent experience too (e.g., years in coworking, hospitality, or property development can also be relevant). The key is a proven ability to deliver results in shared living contexts. For instance, a consultancy that has been active for 8+ years in flexible living (like one European agency) clearly has seen various cycles and challenges . Don’t hesitate to ask for references or to speak with past clients about their experience.
- Ensure Values and Vision Alignment: Coliving projects often have a philosophical element – maybe you’re passionate about sustainability, or providing affordable housing, or fostering entrepreneurship through communal living. A consultant should share or at least respect those core values. During initial discussions, gauge whether they “get” your vision. If you’re building a socially impactful co-housing project, a consultant like Conscious Coliving (with an ESG focus) might resonate. If you’re targeting digital nomads, an expert who has lived that lifestyle would likely connect with your goals. Alignment in vision will make for a smoother collaboration and better outcomes.
- Check Geographic Knowledge: While many coliving principles are universal, local market knowledge can be crucial. Regulations, cultural preferences, and market dynamics vary by region. If your project is in, say, Asia or the Middle East, you might benefit from consultants who have done work there or at least understand those markets. Some consultants work remotely across continents, which can work if they do thorough research, but others might have on-the-ground insight in specific cities. Decide how important local expertise is for you. In some cases, you might even use a global consultant for high-level guidance and pair them with a local partner for city-specific input.
- Understand Their Services and Flexibility: Coliving consultants may offer different engagement models. Some do hourly “pick my brain” sessions or short-term packages, while others offer long-term partnerships where they’ll virtually be part of your team for months . Determine what format suits you. If you just need a sanity check on your business plan or a brainstorming workshop, a one-off session could suffice. But if you’re new to real estate/hospitality, a longer engagement (e.g. a 3-6 month consulting package) might add a lot of value as you launch. Also clarify what deliverables you’ll get – written reports, financial models, design concepts, training sessions, etc. – and ensure that matches your expectations.
- Budget and ROI Consideration: Be upfront about your budget for consulting and discuss it with potential consultants to see what they can offer within that range. Some consultants may be willing to tailor their scope to fit your budget, or offer installment payments. It’s also worth noting that a few consultants (especially those passionate about the coliving movement) might consider creative compensation – for example, partial equity, success fees, or even barter arrangements. One coliving consultant mentioned being open to a partial non-monetary exchange (like a stay at the space once it opens) to help cash-strapped startups . While not everyone will do that, it highlights that terms can be flexible. In any case, weigh the cost of consulting against the potential value added – a good consultant should help you avoid expensive mistakes and drive higher occupancy/revenue, which is a strong return on investment.
By taking the above steps, you’ll increase the likelihood of a fruitful partnership with your coliving consultant. Remember, the consultant-client relationship is two-way: be transparent with your goals and constraints, and a good consultant will tailor their advice to empower you and your project’s unique journey.
Conclusion
Coliving has evolved from a niche trend into a global movement reshaping urban housing. As the industry matures, so does the recognition that specialized knowledge is invaluable for success. Working with a coliving consultant can provide a roadmap through uncharted territory – offering expertise in design, community-building, operations, and more – all tailored to the nuances of shared living.
That said, the decision to hire a consultant should be an informed one. We’ve explored how these experts can accelerate your project, inject innovation, and prevent pitfalls (the pros), while also considering costs and ensuring the right fit (the cons). For many real estate developers, operators, and investors, partnering with a coliving consultant or firm is like adding an experienced guide to your team – one who has climbed this mountain before and can lead you to the summit more efficiently.
In a successful collaboration, you still remain the visionary, and the consultant is the strategist helping to bring that vision to life. The end result should be a well-conceived coliving space that delights its residents, creates a genuine community, and achieves sustainable financial results.
As you embark on or continue your coliving venture, leverage all the resources available – from industry reports and networks, to the coliving experts who live and breathe this field. With the right knowledge and guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to create a thriving coliving community that stands the test of time in this rapidly growing sector.