Co-Living in Malaysia: 5 Advantages And What You Need to Know
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Co-living is gaining popularity in Malaysia, driven by changing demographics, urbanisation trends, and a shifting preference towards shared living experiences. With its unique approach to shared living spaces, community building, and inclusive services, co-living is reshaping the way people experience urban living in Malaysia.
What is Co-Living?
Co-living is a modern living concept where individuals rent rooms or apartments within communal properties, sharing facilities, amenities, and activities to build a strong sense of community. This approach to housing, popularised by housing startups, offers affordable living in various settings, such as renovated homes or dormitory-style lodging.
Co-living is a popular choice in cities for students, workers, and digital nomads seeking affordable housing with a range of amenities and services that enhance their overall quality of life.
What Are the Differences Between Co-Living and Shared Living?
While both shared living and co-living involve multiple individuals living together in a communal setting, the key difference lies in the purpose, design, flexibility, and rental.
Co-living | Difference | Shared living |
Intentionally designed for groups of individuals, providing private rooms and shared amenities for socialising and recreational activities. | Purpose | Involves people sharing a regular house not specifically designed for communal living |
Purposefully designed to encourage social interaction and collaboration among residents, offering various inclusive services and facilities. | Design of the space | Tenants typically occupy a regular house without specialised amenities or communal spaces. |
Offers flexible tenancy lengths. | Flexibility of the lease | Requires signing a lease agreement of at least 12 months |
Co-living arrangements often include rental fees that cover basic utilities such as Wi-Fi, water, electricity, maintenance, and weekly room cleaning | Rental | In shared living, tenants are usually responsible for the basic utilities, furniture, appliance replacements, and maintenance, which are not included in the rental price. |
The Concept of Co-Living
Co-living spaces are carefully curated to offer residents more than just a place to sleep. These spaces typically feature shared living spaces, such as kitchens, balconies, lounges, and communal workspaces, where residents can interact, collaborate, and build meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
1. Shared Living Spaces
Co-living spaces often include shared living spaces where residents can socialise, relax, and work together. These spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for residents to engage in shared activities and events.
2. Community and Networking
One of the defining features of co-living is its emphasis on community building and networking. Co-living spaces encourage residents to connect through organised events, social gatherings, and collaborative projects, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where residents can thrive.
3. Facilities and Amenities
Co-living spaces offer a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance residents’ quality of life. From fitness centres and co-working spaces to shared kitchens and laundry facilities, co-living spaces provide residents access to premium amenities that promote convenience, comfort, and well-being.
4. Inclusive Services
In addition to shared living spaces and amenities, co-living spaces offer inclusive services such as housekeeping, maintenance, and community programming. These services simplify residents’ lives and create a hassle-free living experience where they can focus on work, socialising, and personal development.
5. Flexible Rental Models
Co-living spaces typically offer flexible rental models that cater to residents’ diverse needs and preferences. Whether it is a short-term stay or a long-term lease, co-living spaces allow residents the flexibility and freedom to choose a rental arrangement that suits their lifestyle and budget.
Co-Living Spaces in Malaysia
Below are some co-living spaces in Malaysia that we recommended. These spaces are well-maintained, offer excellent facilities, and are strategically located.
1. Komune Living & Wellness
Integrated co-living and wellness hub nestled in the heart of a 99-acre tropical, public park in Cheras. From staycations and family time, to wellness, pampering, community experiences, and even long term accommodation, discover something new for the entire family.
Monthly rental | Built-up | Amenities |
From RM1,900 | 200 sq ft | Gym, swimming pool, security, wading pool |
2. SkyBlox Co-Living, Setapak
Developed by the reputable SkyWorld Development Bhd, SkyBlox features 320 rooms with single beds, queen beds, or bunk beds. It also provides a games room, alfresco dining space, and a 2.92-acre Central Park.
Monthly rental | Built-up | Amenities |
From RM780 | 106 to 160 sq ft (single beds, queen beds, or bunk bed) | Fully furnished, fully air-conditioned, private bathroom, kitchen area, laundry area, Wi-Fi, games room, common lounge, alfresco dining space, Central Park. |
3. Lavile, Cheras
Lavile, Cheras is strategically situated next to Sunway Velocity Mall and is just a 4-minute walk to MRT Aeon Maluri. What is fantastic about this co-living space is that the air conditioning usage is metered individually, so you only pay for what you use.
Monthly rental | Built-up | Amenities |
From RM670 | 60 to 96 sq ft (single, middle, master, or balcony room) | Fully furnished, fully air-conditioned, kitchen area, Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning services. |
4. Grid 9 Hotel Co-Living, Jalan Maharajalela
This co-living space, with no deposit required, is just a 2-minute walk from Monorail Maharajalela. It has been renovated and features a private bathroom for comfort and privacy.
Monthly rental | Built-up | Amenities |
From RM850 | 100 sq ft | Fully furnished, fully air-conditioned, private bathroom, kitchen area, laundry area, Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning services. |
5. D’Sands Residence, Old Klang Road
Situated in Old Klang Road, this co-living space at D’Sands Residence offers stylish interiors and weekly cleaning services to make you feel at home.
Monthly rental | Built-up | Amenities |
From RM750 | 100 sq ft | Fully furnished, fully air-conditioned, kitchen area, laundry area, Wi-Fi, weekly cleaning services. |
Advantages of Co-Living in Malaysia
Co-living in Malaysia offers a range of advantages that appeal to modern urban dwellers seeking convenience, affordability, and community-oriented living experiences.
1. Cost-Effective Living
Co-living in Malaysia is often more cost-effective than traditional housing options. Residents can benefit from shared expenses such as rent, utilities, and maintenance, resulting in lower overall living costs.
In traditional leases, the remaining tenants have to cover the entire rent when one tenant moves out. However, in co-living, each tenant only pays for their share of the expenses, reducing the financial burden on individuals.
2. Enhanced Social Life
Building friendships as an adult can prove challenging, whether you are relocating to a new city or busy with work. Co-living aims to solve this problem by fostering a vibrant and dynamic social environment where residents can connect with like-minded individuals, participate in community events, and build lasting friendships, enhancing their overall social life and sense of belonging.
3. Flexibility in Lease Terms
If you are hesitant to commit to a long-term lease, co-living provides a flexible option. It can accommodate residents’ changing needs and lifestyles, allowing for short-term stays, month-to-month rentals, or longer-term leases, allowing residents to adapt their living arrangements as needed.
4. Access to Premium Amenities
Most co-living spaces offer a wide range of premium amenities and facilities, including high-speed internet, fitness centres, co-working spaces, recreational areas, and communal kitchens, enhancing their overall living experience and quality of life.
5. Convenience and Simplified Living
In Malaysia, co-living spaces make life easy by providing inclusive services like housekeeping, maintenance, and community events. This lets residents focus on work, socialising, and personal growth without worrying about chores.
Plus, they are often located near facilities and public transport for easy city access.
Co-living Operators in Malaysia
In Malaysia, several renowned co-living operators are recognised for their exceptional services. These operators prioritise providing comfortable living spaces, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community, making them popular choices among residents seeking hassle-free living experiences.
Here is a curated list of these reputable co-living operators:
In conclusion, deciding if co-living is right for you depends on factors like lifestyle and budget. Co-living offers community, affordability, and convenience, but weighing these benefits against your personal preferences is essential.
Co-living may be ideal if you value affordability, convenience, and social interaction. However, traditional housing options may suit you better if you prefer more privacy.
Consider your needs carefully to make the best decision for your living situation.
