What makes co-living so different? Your top questions answered

A new type of accommodation is arriving in Perth with the launch of The Switch co-living apartments.

For young Australians looking to rent a new home, there’s traditionally been few options — student accommodation, share housing or stumping up to live solo.

However, a new Perth project from The Switch is giving renters a brand-new option — one which embraces flexible leases, shared communal living spaces and a sustainable ethos.

‘Co-living’ has become a popular accommodation choice overseas. However, this will be the first times Australians get the chance to experience it. So, it’s perhaps no wonder we’ve received some questions over what co-living is and how it works.

Get the answers to some of your top questions here.

What does ‘co-living’ mean?

Co-living is an alternative living arrangement for renters. It describes living in communal rental accommodation with flexible terms, where all bills and amenities are included.

Not only do you get a room to sleep in at night, but there’s also private and communal living spaces, co-working zones, WiFi/utilities included, a gym and more — all included in the cost of your rent.

Co-living is a new accommodation model that focuses on providing the best lifestyle options to its residents.

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Craig Oliver, co-founder of The Switch, says what really sets co-living apart is its ‘lifestyle first’ approach.

“Co-living offers a new kind of living experience where you can live, learn, work and connect in a community of like-minded renters, all under the one roof,” Oliver explains. “It’s radically inclusive, aspirational and sophisticated living, all in one.”

How is co-living different to student accommodation?

Firstly, you don’t have to be a student to live in co-living accommodation.

While students will find co-living idyllic, it’s also a solution for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs or those who simply need furnished accommodation that is flexible and centrally located.

“Co-living does not segregate you on age, profession or even if you’re studying,” Oliver confirms. “It is a new type of living open to all, who are seeking a personalised living experience, in the heart of Perth’s CBD with a strong focus on community and meeting like-minded people.”

The Switch allows you to be as private or communal as you like, offering studios and shared apartments to live in.

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Oliver says it’s perfect for a younger generation of students, entrepreneurs and professionals who are looking for something a bit more to where they live.

“It offers a vibrant community lifestyle, as well as an abundance of opportunities that help young people connect and build the best version of themselves,” he says.

Do I have to share a bedroom?

No. Residents have their own bedroom, while communal spaces are shared.

There are different types of apartments available, from studios to multi-bedroom shared units.

Firstly, you can apply as a group or individual for a shared apartment with two, four or five bedrooms. Here you will share your kitchen, bathroom and living spaces with your other roomies — similar to a traditional share house.

There is also a similar shared living option with four bedrooms, but each with their own ensuite (perfect if you don’t want to share a bathroom with anyone else).

Finally, there are studio apartments complete with a private kitchenette and ensuite.

A studio apartment in The Switch Perth.

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What are the costs? Is it cheaper than renting a house?

Prices at The Switch start from $265 per week for a shared apartment. This goes up to $310 for a studio or $349 for shared living with an ensuite.

Anne Flaherty, economist at realestate.com.au, considers The Switch a good deal for Perth renters, particularly as the inner city market is becoming increasingly competitive.

“In Perth, the vacancy level is actually the lowest it has been since 2012 — it’s just 1.6% in the Perth 6000 postcode,” she begins. “Plus, there has been 10% growth year-on-year in rents with the median rent now $450.

“If we look at The Switch, which is in inner city Perth and starts at $265 per week, it’s a far more affordable option for renters in an environment where rents are well above that and look set to continue to rise this year.”

Oliver says while the initial costs of renting a share house may be cheaper, the convenience, top-notch location and all-inclusive nature of co-living means it could work out to be cheaper for young renters. Plus, The Switch is also running a limited time $500 cash bonus to sweeten the deal for new residents.

“It’s the fact you can come into a location right in the heart of the CBD and you don’t have to procure furniture, you don’t have to worry about bills, you don’t have to worry about an internet provider, that’s all taken care and you can just live,” he says.

What are some of the included amenities?

The real perk of co-living is that there are so many added extras included in the cost.

All bills are included, including free WiFi throughout the premises. There is also air conditioning and heating included, plus cool tech features like a door that is lockable via your smartphone.

Plus, at The Switch, all furniture and appliances are supplied.

A communal kitchen area in The Switch Perth.

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There’s also a whole lot of additional facilities, including:

• Kitchens (including an ‘honesty kitchen’ where some basic snacks will be stocked;
• Laundry;
• Co-working spaces;
• A theatre;
• A staffed gym (with personal training available);
• Pop-up retail;
• Bamboo bikes, and
• A sky lounge

Are you locked in to a long-term lease?

One major perk of The Switch is that you can have fairly flexible lease options. You’re not strictly locked in to a lease of six months or a year, as with regular rental agreements. You can tailor your rental period to your needs, opting for an arrangement lasting mere weeks or for more than a year.

At The Switch in Central Perth, there is also currently an offer that allows new residents to take a holiday of up to six weeks and not be on the hook for your rent. That means you get six weeks free and still get to keep your room.

Is The Switch co-living just in Perth?

The Switch Central Perth is launching on 14 March, 2023. However, there are other locations in the works for Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne.

All images supplied by The Switch.