Manchester is the undisputed "Capital of the North," a city that pulses with industrial heritage, world-class football, and a legendary music scene. For young professionals and creatives, it offers a distinct energy - gritty, ambitious, and far friendlier than London. However, the rental market in the city center (M1, M2, M3) has become fiercely competitive, with queues for viewings and bidding wars becoming the new normal.
Coliving operators in Manchester have stepped in to solve this friction. They offer "Build-to-Rent" (BTR) towers and managed shared living spaces that remove the hassle of utilities, internet, and finding flatmates. These spaces are often located in the coolest districts like Ancoats, the Northern Quarter, and New Islington, placing you right next to the best coffee shops and bars.
While you can still find traditional HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) in suburbs like Fallowfield, the "Coliving Premium" in the city center buys you luxury amenities - think on-site gyms, coworking lounges, and cinema rooms - all included in one monthly bill. The list below covers the top operators you need to know.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Manchester Coliving Companies (Quick Reference)
- Union Coliving: A purpose-built coliving tower near St. John's offering flexible tenancies and a "rent by the room" model.
- Oppidan Life: A dedicated coliving operator in the Northern Quarter focusing on social living with all-inclusive bills.
- UNA Coliving: (Una Living) A property management brand offering high-quality rental apartments with a focus on service.
- Square Gardens: A massive new co-living and student hybrid development in the First Street area with extensive amenities.
- Affinity Living: A premium BTR brand with riverside towers, famous for being the most pet-friendly operator in the city.
- Kampus: A lush "garden neighborhood" in the city center, transforming a historic campus into a vibrant rental community.
- Node Living: A boutique global coliving brand with a curated, design-led property in Manchester's Piccadilly.
- Uhaus: A luxury rental offering in prime Manchester locations, focusing on high-spec apartments and concierge services.
- City Coliving: (Managed by Downing/Beech) A tenant-centric coliving brand offering eco-friendly, all-inclusive studios.
- Thorpe and Coliving: (Thorpe & Co) A specialist in high-end shared student and graduate housing, primarily in Salford.
- Livinc: A flexible living platform that aggregates serviced apartments and coliving stays for easy corporate booking.
- Canvas Student: A modern accommodation provider on River Street offering a mix of student studios and social spaces.
- COHO: A network and platform for finding better-managed HMOs and house shares across Greater Manchester.
- Milhub: A community-driven operator partnering with landlords to create safe, high-quality shared homes for professionals.
- Numa: (Formerly Native) A tech-led hospitality brand at Ducie Street Warehouse offering stylish, flexible aparthotel stays.
- The Castings: A new lifestyle-led rental community in Piccadilly East with gym, terrace, and resident events.
Union Coliving
Union is designed specifically for sharers, offering 2, 3, and 4-bedroom apartments where you rent your private room individually. This "co-living" model removes the risk of a flatmate leaving and leaving you with the rent, making it ideal for singles moving to the city.
Location: Located at St John’s, Manchester, a new district close to the Factory International and the Spinningfields business hub.
Website: https://liveunion.com
Pricing: Rooms start from £975 per month; this includes all utility bills, Wi-Fi, and council tax, simplifying your monthly outgoings.
Deposit: Zero Deposit options are available to help lower upfront costs, or a standard deposit can be arranged.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms start from 6 months, allowing for mid-to-long term stability without locking you in for years.
Amenities: Residents enjoy a co-working space, lounge, and gym, plus regular cleaning of shared apartment areas is included.
Oppidan Life
Oppidan Life is one of Manchester's only "pure" coliving operators, focusing entirely on the social aspect of shared living. Their spaces in the Northern Quarter are designed to feel like a home rather than a hotel, with a strong emphasis on community events.
Location: Situated in the Northern Quarter (M4), placing you in the heart of the city's best creative scene, bars, and street art.
Website: https://www.oppidan-life.com
Pricing: Mid-Range (~£275 per week) which is fully inclusive of rent, utilities, and tax, offering great value for the central location.
Deposit: Standard deposit applies, typically equivalent to one month's rent to secure the room and tenancy.
Rental Terms: Flexible stays from 6 weeks, making it perfect for short-term contractors or those testing the city before committing.
Amenities: Includes unlimited coffee, Netflix, and social events, along with weekly cleaning and fully furnished shared spaces.
UNA Coliving
UNA (Una Living) manages a portfolio of high-quality rental homes. While they operate more like a professional landlord than a "commune," their focus on tenant service and streamlined digital management places them in the modern living category.
Location: Properties are located in Central Manchester (e.g., Swan Street, M4) and other key city locations near transport links.
Website: https://www.unaliving.co.uk
Pricing: Market Rates apply, with 1-bedroom apartments typically starting from £1,000+ per month excluding bills.
Deposit: Standard 5 weeks' rent is required, which is registered with a government-backed deposit protection scheme.
Rental Terms: Standard AST (Assurred Shorthold Tenancy) of 6 to 12 months, providing security and stability for long-term tenants.
Amenities: Residents benefit from professional management via an app, secure access, and often pet-friendly policies in specific buildings.
Square Gardens
Square Gardens is a massive new development bridging the gap between student living and professional co-living. Located on First Street, it offers a huge range of amenities and a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with hundreds of residents.
Location: Located at First Street, Manchester, a major cultural hub adjacent to the HOME cinema and theatre complex.
Website: https://squaregardens.com
Pricing: Starts from £226 per week, offering a competitive all-inclusive package that covers rent, bills, and internet.
Deposit: No Deposit options are frequently promoted, reducing the initial financial burden for students and young graduates.
Rental Terms: Flexible and Academic terms (often 51 weeks) cater to both university students and young city professionals.
Amenities: Features a gym, wellness centre, and co-working hub, set within extensive landscaped gardens and social lounges.
Affinity Living
Affinity Living is arguably the most "lifestyle-led" operator in Manchester. They are famous for their "pet-friendly" policy (no pet rent) and active social calendar. Their towers (Riverside, Riverview) are landmarks on the Salford/Manchester border.
Location: Riverside and Riverview are located on the Salford/Manchester border, just a 3-minute walk from Spinningfields and Salford Central.
Website: https://affinityliving.com
Pricing: Premium pricing, with 1-bedroom apartments generally ranging from £1,000 to £1,300+ per month.
Deposit: Standard deposit applies, though they are known for fair and transparent terms regarding pet ownership.
Rental Terms: Flexible lease lengths are available, accommodating both short-term corporate needs and long-term residents.
Amenities: Includes a resident lounge, gym, and coworking space, supported by a very active social calendar of events.
Kampus
Kampus is more than a building; it's a neighborhood. Built around a central garden and historic canal-side warehouses, it is the coolest rental community in the city. It attracts a creative crowd and hosts pop-up food vendors and markets in its courtyard.
Location: Located at Aytoun Street (M1), directly opposite Canal Street and just minutes from Piccadilly Station.
Website: https://www.kampus-mcr.co.uk
Pricing: Premium rates, with 1-bedroom apartments typically starting from £1,305 per month and 2-beds from £1,650.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required to secure these high-demand, high-spec apartments.
Rental Terms: Long-term leases are preferred to foster a stable community, though some flexibility exists for specific units.
Amenities: Features a lush secret garden, cinema, and gym, plus an on-site collection of independent bakeries and bars.
Node Living
Node is a boutique global brand that offers "curated living." Their Manchester presence is smaller and highly sought after, offering beautifully designed, ready-to-move-in apartments with a strong community ethos.
Location: Located in the Piccadilly / Northern Quarter area, offering a discreet yet central base for creative professionals.
Website: https://node-living.com
Pricing: Premium/Boutique pricing reflects the designer interiors and highly curated nature of the community experience.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required, handled professionally to secure the high-end furnishings provided.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms are available, aimed at globally mobile professionals who need a hassle-free base.
Amenities: Designer furniture and community curation are key, with organized dinners and events to help residents connect.
Uhaus
Uhaus offers a premium rental experience in the heart of the city. They focus on high-specification apartments and concierge-style service. It is aimed at professionals who prioritize comfort, security, and a high-end finish.
Location: Situated on Princess Street (M1), a prime central location offering easy access to the universities and the Village.
Website: https://uhaus.com
Pricing: Luxury pricing, with 2-bedroom apartments often starting from £1,975 per month for high-spec units.
Deposit: Standard 5 weeks' rent is required to cover the premium fixtures and fittings of the apartment.
Rental Terms: 12-month tenancies are preferred, targeting stable professionals looking for a high-quality long-term home.
Amenities: Residents enjoy concierge services, a gym, and rooftop terraces, ensuring a secure and luxurious living environment.
City Coliving
City Coliving (operated by Downing/Beech Holdings) is a tenant-centric brand offering eco-friendly studios. They renovate older buildings into highly efficient, modern living spaces. Their "all-inclusive" bill package is very popular with residents wanting zero admin.
Location: Properties are located on Princess Street and First Street (M1), placing residents in the thick of the city action.
Website: https://downing_students.com
Pricing: Mid-Range, with studios often starting around £1,000 per month fully inclusive of bills and internet.
Deposit: Standard deposit applies, ensuring the security of the modern, eco-friendly unit.
Rental Terms: 6 to 12-month contracts are standard, offering flexibility for students and young professionals.
Amenities: All bills included (often including council tax), plus biometric access and super-fast fiber internet.
Thorpe and Coliving
Thorpe & Co Living specializes in high-quality HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), primarily for students and graduates. They operate mainly in the Salford area, offering a step up from the typical "student dig" with better design and management.
Location: Concentrated in Salford (M5/M6), offering close proximity to Salford University and quick transport links to Manchester city center.
Website: https://www.thorpeandcoliving.co.uk
Pricing: Affordable, with rooms typically ranging from £600 - £800 per month, inclusive of essential bills.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required to secure the room within the shared house.
Rental Terms: Academic Year or Fixed Term contracts are standard, aligning with the needs of students and recent graduates.
Amenities: Rooms come fully furnished with bills included, and regular cleaning of communal areas is often part of the package.
Livinc
Livinc is a flexible living platform that aggregates serviced apartments and coliving stays. It is perfect for business travelers or companies relocating staff to Manchester. They partner with operators to offer "work-ready" apartments with no long lease commitments.
Location: City-wide listings cover major business districts and residential hubs across Manchester.
Website: https://www.livinc.com
Pricing: Variable rates (approx. £145/night for short stays), tailored for corporate budgets and varying by length of stay.
Deposit: Booking hold or security deposit varies by the specific property partner but is generally handled digitally.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms from 1 month+ allow for easy extensions without the commitment of a traditional AST.
Amenities: Apartments are fully serviced and work-ready, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi and housekeeping services.
Ideal Flatmate
Ideal Flatmate isn't a building but a platform that uses an algorithm to match you with compatible people. In Manchester, where "buddying up" to rent a luxury 2-bed flat is common, this tool is essential for finding a stranger you actually get along with.
Location: N/A (Platform) covering all of Greater Manchester and surrounding suburbs.
Website: https://www.idealflatmate.co.uk
Pricing: Free to search, with premium options available for enhanced visibility and messaging features.
Deposit: N/A, as deposits are arranged directly with the landlord or agent of the property you find.
Rental Terms: N/A, terms depend entirely on the specific rental agreement you enter into with your flatmates.
Amenities: Compatibility Matching algorithm helps filter potential flatmates based on lifestyle habits like cleanliness and social preferences.
Canvas Student
Canvas offers modern student living on River Street. While primarily for students, the quality of the "studio" product and the social amenities make it a form of co-living for the academic demographic. It offers a safe, managed environment.
Location: Located at River Street (M15), offering excellent proximity to Manchester Metropolitan University and the city center.
Website: https://canvas-student.com
Pricing: Student Premium rates start from approximately £219 per week for a standard room or studio.
Deposit: A booking fee or deposit is required to secure the room for the upcoming academic year.
Rental Terms: 51-week contracts are standard, covering the full academic year and summer period.
Amenities: Facilities include a gym, study spaces, and 24/7 security, plus a resident events calendar to foster community.
COHO
COHO is a platform and network designed to improve the house-share experience. It lists rooms in managed HMOs where the landlord uses COHO software to manage the property. This generally ensures a higher standard of organization and communication.
Location: Greater Manchester wide, with listings appearing in various suburbs and city fringe locations.
Website: https://coho.life
Pricing: Variable, dependent on the specific house and room listed on the platform.
Deposit: Varies by landlord, but terms are clearly stated within the platform's listing details.
Rental Terms: Varies, but generally follows standard room rental agreements with clear digital management.
Amenities: App-based management allows for easy reporting of repairs, rent payments, and communication with housemates.
Milhub
Milhub partners with landlords to create "community-driven homes." They focus on providing high-quality, safe accommodation for professionals. Their model is about turning shared houses into stable communities.
Location: Specific locations vary across Manchester and Reading, often utilizing high-quality residential housing stock.
Website: https://www.milhub.co
Pricing: Affordable pricing designed to provide high-quality housing options for professionals and key workers.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required to secure tenancy in one of their managed properties.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms are available to suit the needs of working professionals.
Amenities: Focuses on shared communal spaces and safety, ensuring a high standard of living for all residents.
Numa
Numa (formerly Native) at Ducie Street Warehouse is a hybrid aparthotel. It offers the flexibility of a hotel with the style of a cool Northern Quarter loft. It sits above a massive social hub with a bar, cinema, and restaurant, making it incredibly social.
Location: Located at Ducie Street (Piccadilly), housed in a converted warehouse just steps from the main train station.
Website: https://numastays.com
Pricing: Short-stay rates start from ~€87 per night, with better rates available for extended monthly stays.
Deposit: A card hold is typically taken upon check-in, functioning like a standard hotel security guarantee.
Rental Terms: Daily to Monthly flexibility makes it perfect for digital nomads or business travelers needing a premium base.
Amenities: Residents access a cinema, lounge, and coffee shop downstairs, while units feature high-spec kitchenettes and smart tech.
The Castings
The Castings is a new lifestyle-led rental community in Piccadilly East. It is designed for the modern tenant, offering tech-enabled living and extensive amenities. It represents the new wave of "Build to Rent" in Manchester's regeneration areas.
Location: Located in Piccadilly East (M1), a rapidly developing district just behind Manchester Piccadilly station.
Website: https://thecastingsmcr.co.uk
Pricing: Starts from £1,180 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, reflecting the new-build quality and amenities.
Deposit: Standard deposit is required to secure the apartment.
Rental Terms: Flexible tenancies are available to suit the modern renter's lifestyle.
Amenities: Features a high-spec gym, roof terraces, and resident lounges, plus regular community events like wellness sessions.
Manchester's coliving scene has matured rapidly, transforming from simple shared houses into a sophisticated ecosystem of "Build-to-Rent" towers and community-led developments. This shift is driven by a young, professional demographic that values convenience and connection over the traditional headache of managing utility bills and indifferent landlords.
- For the Social Butterfly: If your priority is instant community and a buzzing social calendar, Kampus and Oppidan Life are the clear winners. Kampus offers a "village" vibe with its own secret garden and independent bars, while Oppidan focuses on a tighter-knit, house-share feel in the trendy Northern Quarter.
- For the Smart Sharer: Union Coliving offers the smartest financial model for singles. Their "rent by the room" structure in shared apartments protects you from the financial risk of a flatmate leaving, a common issue in private joint tenancies.
- For the Pet Lover: Affinity Living sets the gold standard for pet owners. They don't just "allow" pets; they welcome them without charging extra "pet rent," making it the most accessible premium option for dog and cat owners in the city.
- For the Student/Grad: Square Gardens and Thorpe & Co provide the perfect bridge between university halls and the adult world. They offer secure, bill-inclusive environments that allow recent graduates to focus on their careers without the stress of setting up a new home from scratch.
Insider Tip: Watch the Postcode. Living in an M1 (City Centre) postcode like Kampus or Uhaus commands the highest rent. However, just a 10-minute walk away in M5 (Salford) or M15 (Hulme), operators like Affinity Living or Square Gardens offer the same luxury amenities for significantly less. Don't be afraid to cross the River Irwell; the walk is short, but the savings are substantial.
Want to get your coliving space listed? Contact us to be featured in this guide.