The 3rd edition of the Coliving Conference was a resounding success, bringing together close to 200 in-person attendees from over 30 countries across 6 continents. Held in sunny Barcelona, Spain, on October 15th-17th, this was our first edition outside the Netherlands. Against the backdrop of a city that is reimagining its urban fabric, attendees experienced a rich mix of eye-opening site tours, celebrated award-winning projects at the Coliving Awards, learned from insightful panel sessions, and had dynamic opportunities to network with their fellow coliving professionals, as well as experiencing some #seriousfun over lunch and padel. Over 3 days, this truly international event consolidated the global coliving industry at the largest annual conference dedicated to accelerating the future of shared living.
Through this blog, we’ll let you relive the highlights of Coliving Conference 2025, reflecting on the key events and moments that made this edition truly special. Whether you managed to join us in Barcelona for 1, 2, or 3 days, or followed along online, join us as we take you on a journey through the latest edition of this unforgettable conference!
Day 1: Coliving in Action
The first day of Coliving Conference 2025 kicked off with immersive site tours, with attendees having the opportunity to explore three of Barcelona’s iconic coliving spaces. These behind-the-scenes tours gave our attendees a better understanding of Barcelona’s rapidly growing coliving scene. From perspectives on community management to a firsthand look at how design, technology, and sustainability commingle to create purpose-driven spaces and cater to diverse, vibrant communities, attendees got an exclusive peek into some of the defining features of Barcelona’s coliving scene.
The featured site tours included:
- La Fabrica &Co - postgraduate coliving residence situated in Barcelona’s Poblenou neighbourhood, within the 22@ innovation district.
- Aticco Living Marina - a coliving building in the centre of Barcelona, less than 200 meters away from the iconic Sagrada Familia
- The Social Hub Barcelona - a unique hybrid hospitality model centrally located in the heart of Barcelona’s vibrant Poblenou district
Whether catering specifically to postgraduates or employing a hybrid hospitality model, the three locations showcased how bold ideas are being translated into real coliving spaces. Beyond just serving as inspiration, the site tours became a space for connection - networking, exchanging ideas, and catching up on the latest industry developments in an interactive, hands-on setting that embodies the collaborative spirit of the Coliving Conference.
Coliving Awards 2025: An Evening of Celebrating Coliving Excellence
As the sun set on Day 1, attendees came together to celebrate the 5th edition of the Coliving Awards - an evening dedicated to recognising the groundbreaking initiatives and forward-thinking pioneers shaping the future of shared living. Taking place at Aticco Bogatell - a venue in Barcelona’s lively Poblenou district - and with Elana Shyong hosting the ceremony for the first time, winners were honoured for their contributions to the coliving sector. Once again, Coliving Awards 2025 rewarded innovation, and elevated visibility for best practice and emerging talent - raising standards for the industry, and reinforcing coliving not just as a lifestyle, but as a professionalised asset class. This year, to end the ceremony, we also honoured our Co-Founder, Aitana de Jong, for her vision and dedication that have been instrumental in shaping and leading the Coliving Awards. Over the past five editions, her commitment has ensured the ceremony’s growth into one of the industry’s most respected recognition platforms.
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Day 2: Conversations that shape the future of shared living
Day 2 of the conference encompassed learning from insightful panels, networking with fellow coliving professionals, and seeing in real time how a shared vision can bring a global industry together. This full day of inspiration was set against panoramic views of the Sagrada Familia all the way to the Mediterranean sea at the 19th Hole, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the buzzing city of this year's conference.
The day started strong with a Welcome Speech by our Managing Director, Bart Sasim, which set the tone for the sessions ahead. Each panel topic was meticulously chosen to touch upon the major drivers and disruptors in the coliving space, offering practical knowledge to those attending.
With 12 panel sessions across two dedicated stages - Thought Leadership and Market Insights - and 49 speakers, the conference provided a platform for fresh perspectives and deep industry expertise. Designed to equip attendees with actionable insights, the panels featuring industry experts from around the world covered pertinent topics affecting the coliving industry, emerging trends, innovations, and the ever-evolving international landscape of shared living.
The Thought Leadership Stage panel sessions covered broader topics across coliving and were discussed by thought leaders in their respective fields. For example, attendees could understand how to balance sophisticated design, community management, and attentive service with cost-efficient operational models in “Affordable Luxury: Redefining Value in Coliving Amidst Economic Pressures”. Similarly, since sustainability is becoming an essential benchmark, attendees could understand how to seamlessly integrate these principles into their developments in “Sustainable by Design: Rethinking Coliving Development for an ESG Future”.
An Overview of the Thought Leadership Stage:
Affordable Luxury: Redefining Value in Coliving Amidst Economic Pressures - Amidst rising costs, learn how coliving brands deliver affordable luxury via design, service innovation & flexible pricing strategies.
Creating Working & Living Hubs for Hybrid Lifestyles - Examining flexible, integrated hubs that empower remote workers, corporate professionals and entrepreneurs in today’s hybrid lifestyle.
Accelerating Coliving with Technology: A Strategic Approach - How is technology reshaping coliving from investment to operations, creating fully integrated and future-proofed coliving ecosystems.
Urban (R)Evolution: Navigating the Future of Multifunctional Spaces sponsored by res:harmonics - As urban spaces evolve, this session explores the changing landscape of Coliving, PBSA, Hybrid Hospitality, Flex Living and BTR models.
Sustainable by Design: Rethinking Coliving Development for an ESG Future - Explore new development strategies that allow coliving design to integrate ESG principles, tackle embodied carbon, and unlock affordable housing.
Paving the Way; Unlocking Capital & Policy Levers for Coliving’s Next Chapter sponsored by Allsop - Understand how investment trends, liquidity evolution & adaptive regulations are forging the future development of the coliving sector.
The Market Insights Stage offered sessions that catered to professionals keen on understanding topics such as the feasibility of new markets with “Is It Time for Spain? Unlocking the Coliving Opportunity”, or gave attendees the opportunity to hear from actual coliving residents in “Beyond Community: What Today’s Coliving Residents Truly Value”.
An Overview of the Market Insight Stage:
Coliving Outside the Metropolis: Exploring the Potential Beyond Primary Urban Centres - Discover the investment, operational & lifestyle benefits beyond big cities, and explore the growing opportunity for coliving in secondary, tertiary & rural areas.
Is It Time for Spain? Unpacking the Coliving Opportunity - Is Spain ready for the coliving boom? We explore investment potential, regulatory challenges, and how it compares to mature markets.
Beyond Community: What Today’s Coliving Residents Truly Value - What do coliving residents truly prioritise today and in the future? We will explore evolving expectations of end users.
Cohabitation in the neighbourhood of tomorrow - Understanding coliving as a driver of urban regeneration: fostering mixed-use neighbourhoods, balancing density, and enhancing social infrastructure.
AI, Tech, Automations vs. Human Authenticity: Striking the Optimal Balance in Future Coliving Experiences - Explore how coliving balances AI-driven efficiencies with genuine, human-centred experiences for the future of shared living.
Coliving for Every Generation: Building Inclusive Communities Across Demographics and Lifestyles - How coliving is evolving to meet the needs of diverse groups, from seniors to creatives, offering tailored community experiences for all.
Running concurrently throughout the day, these sessions helmed by our diverse lineup of speakers provided valuable insights to those who attended. And if you didn’t manage to catch all the sessions, on-demand recordings are available to all ticketholders on Swapcard, or available to purchase via our website.
Beyond just gaining knowledge, networking was the pulse of Coliving Conference 2025. With multiple networking sessions throughout the day, attendees had the freedom to network over delicious Mediterranean tapas and drinks. Bringing together founders, investors, developers, operators, and other professionals, the conference attracted a diverse group of attendees who were passionate about creating high-quality coliving spaces, products, and services, setting the stage for international collaborations. The conference layout encouraged meaningful encounters, with structured Speed Networking sessions in the Ventures Room, and conversations in the Lounge that turned into future collaborations.
“I think this is the most global property industry event I've ever attended. Attendees were a mix of operators, developers, entrepreneurs, suppliers and advisers who came from as afar afield as Australia, Canada as well as Europe and the UK.” - Jo Winchester, Coliving Consultant
Alongside the panel discussions and networking, the Exhibitors Lounge showcased cutting-edge solutions in proptech, community management, and service providings among others with companies like appWash, Silk, Coliving Soft, and Coliving Ventures.
Our Co-Founder & Managing Director, Bart Sasim, rounded up the day with a Closing Speech to reflect on the conference, acknowledge contributions of our network of industry professionals, and end our first international edition on an inspiring note. Day 2 culminated in Closing Drinks & Bites, a moment of celebration for the unmistakably tangible collaborative spirit of the global coliving sector.
“The Coliving Conference captured the spirit of our industry perfectly. A community of entrepreneurial, passionate builders pushing shared living to the next level. People from all over the world coming together to learn, connect, and get inspired…” - Floris Lauwerier, Co-Founder & CEO at Powerhouse
“Sometimes you walk into a conference and instantly want to leave. But this time… I couldn’t leave — I actually wanted to stay longer. You could feel the perfect mix of professionalism and human warmth. People from South Korea, Australia, Canada, the UAE, the US, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, France, and many more came together this year — truly sharing ideas and leaving richer in perspectives, inspiration, and friendships.” - Gosia Czwarno, Growth-oriented COO
Day 3: A New Way to Network
We started Day 3 - a new addition to the 2-day programme of previous editions - with a Co-Lunch at Casa Moritz, a modern Catalan brewery in the heart of the city, offering the perfect relaxed atmosphere for networking over tapas and beer.
This was followed by some friendly competition on the court, with Co-Padel at Club Natació Barcelona, overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Under the Barcelona sun, our attendees had the opportunity to pick up a racquet, team up, and get to know each other while they worked up a sweat.
Looking Towards Coliving Conference 2026
Across three days, Coliving Conference 2025 delivered an inspiring combination of ideas, experiences, and human connection. The conference underscored how coliving continues to evolve - not as a niche housing model, but as a global movement driving innovation in urban living, sustainability, and quality of life. By platforming innovative projects and connecting industry players, each year we aim to elevate the quality of shared living projects, supporting the integration of shared living principles into new urban developments, and redefining how we create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive environments. .
Community is at the heart of coliving, and the same can be said of the Coliving Conference - the future of shared living is collaborative, connected, and more global than ever.
Building on the momentum of this edition, we’re excited to continue enhancing the global visibility of coliving and showcasing its transformative potential in our next edition. Stay tuned as we slowly, but surely, release information about our next edition.
Make sure to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) to be the first to hear about Coliving Conference 2026. Are you interested in becoming a speaker, sponsor, partner, or exhibitor next year? Reach out via our contact form.
