Monthly masterminds, weekly updates, and networking with coliving operators worldwide.
Market size: $380M | Growth: 19.2% CAGR
Australia's coliving market is emerging as a significant growth opportunity, driven by the country's severe housing affordability crisis, strong population growth (fueled by record net migration), and chronic undersupply of housing in Sydney and Melbourne. The National Housing Accord's target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029 has elevated innovative housing models, including coliving, into mainstream policy discussions.
Sydney and Melbourne dominate the Australian coliving landscape, accounting for approximately 75% of national supply. Both cities face acute affordability challenges, with median house prices among the highest globally and rental vacancy rates at historic lows. Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are emerging as secondary markets, benefiting from interstate migration and growing tech sectors.
The Australian coliving market is distinct from more mature markets in several ways: it serves a broader age range (not just young professionals), it is heavily influenced by the country's boarding house regulatory legacy, and it benefits from a large international student population. The market is still largely dominated by conversion-based models, but purpose-built coliving development is accelerating, particularly in NSW where the SEPP Housing framework provides a clear planning pathway.
| City | Avg Rent | Supply | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | AUD 1,500-AUD 2,400 | ~3,500 beds | 20% |
| Melbourne | AUD 1,200-AUD 2,000 | ~2,200 beds | 22% |
| Brisbane | AUD 1,000-AUD 1,600 | ~800 beds | 28% |
| Perth | AUD 1,000-AUD 1,500 | ~400 beds | 30% |
| Adelaide | AUD 900-AUD 1,400 | ~300 beds | 25% |
The Australian coliving market is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2030, with growth accelerating as purpose-built supply comes online and institutional investors enter the market. Sydney will remain the largest market, but Brisbane and Perth will see the fastest growth rates driven by interstate migration and relative affordability.
The National Housing Accord and state-level housing supply targets create a favorable political environment for coliving, which will be increasingly recognized as a legitimate and valuable housing typology. Operators who leverage the NSW SEPP Housing framework and explore Build-to-Rent synergies will be best positioned for growth.
Get expert guidance on market entry, regulations, and finding the right opportunities.
