The Future of Co-Living Spaces and Shared Accommodation in Zimbabwe

Why this housing model is emerging, who it serves, and what it means for the urban rental market

Urban living in Zimbabwe is evolving. With rising rental costs in cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Gweru, traditional housing options are being reimagined through co-living spaces and shared accommodation a model that blends private rooms with communal living areas and shared amenities.

Globally, the co-living market is growing rapidly, with projections estimating it could reach USD 16 billion by 2030. While Zimbabwe’s co-living sector is still emerging, local rental trends indicate increasing interest among urban young professionals and students.

What Is Co-Living and Why It Matters in Zimbabwe

Co-living refers to residential arrangements where individuals have private sleeping quarters but share common spaces such as kitchens, lounges, workspaces, and social zones. This model combines affordability, community, and flexibility in ways traditional rentals often do not.

In Zimbabwe’s urban centres, where rental affordability remains a challenge and young professionals are increasingly mobile, co-living offers a viable alternative to single-unit rentals and informal shared houses. According to a 2025 survey of Harare renters, over 38% of tenants under 35 expressed interest in shared accommodation with modern amenities.

Driving Forces Behind Co-Living’s Growth

1. Rising Urban Rental Demand and Youth Preferences

Cities like Harare are expanding rapidly, and rental demand is increasing. Urbanisation and migration trends have led to high rents in popular suburbs: for example, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Borrowdale is around USD 1,200, while in Chitungwiza it averages USD 350. Co-living addresses this gap by offering cost-effective housing with social and professional networking benefits.

2. Affordability and Flexibility

Sharing common areas and utilities reduces individual costs significantly. Data from Zimbabwean rental surveys suggest that co-living arrangements can cut housing costs by up to 30% compared to conventional rentals in similar suburbs. Flexible lease terms ranging from weekly to monthly also appeal to transient workers, remote professionals, and students.

3. Community and Lifestyle Appeal

Co-living spaces encourage social interaction, networking, and cultural exchange. A recent survey in Bulawayo showed that 42% of young urban professionals valued community spaces as a top factor when choosing accommodation.

Who Is Co-Living For?

1. Young Professionals and Graduates

Many Zimbabwean youth entering the workforce find standard rents in prime urban suburbs unaffordable. Co-living offers a balance between privacy and community, with shared amenities reducing utility and maintenance costs.

2. Students and Recent Graduates

With universities concentrated in Harare and Bulawayo, students are seeking housing close to campuses. Co-living offers furnished options with flexible lease durations suitable for academic schedules.

3. Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

Zimbabwe’s growing remote work opportunities, particularly in tech and creative sectors, make co-living attractive as a work-friendly housing solution, complete with shared workspaces, high-speed internet, and social connectivity.

The Future Market Outlook

Globally, the co-living market is projected to grow steadily, driven by urbanisation and affordability challenges. In Zimbabwe, young adults aged 18–35 represent over 40% of urban renters, indicating strong potential for co-living growth. Early adopters in Harare and Bulawayo are already seeing high occupancy rates in shared apartments, suggesting sustained interest.

Challenges and Considerations for Zimbabwe

1. Cultural Norms and Privacy Preferences

Shared living challenges traditional housing expectations. Many Zimbabwean tenants, especially those from family-oriented backgrounds, prioritize privacy and personal space, requiring co-living providers to balance comfort with communal living.

2. Infrastructure and Management Demands

Co-living depends on well-managed facilities with reliable water, electricity, and internet. Poor infrastructure or mismanaged shared amenities can reduce tenant satisfaction.

3. Regulatory Environment

As co-living expands, municipal policies in cities like Harare and Bulawayo may evolve to set standards for safety, waste management, and building codes that operators must follow.

Implications for Investors and Developers

Co-living presents a new asset class in Zimbabwe’s rental market. By incorporating coworking zones, communal lounges, and flexible lease models, developers can attract younger tenants and maintain high occupancy rates. Mixed-use developments that blend residential, work, and leisure spaces can generate diversified rental income streams.

Conclusion: Co-Living Is More Than Shared Housing

The future of co-living in Zimbabwe is promising. Rising urbanisation, affordability challenges, and a growing population of young professionals and students are driving demand. Co-living offers a modern, community-centered alternative to traditional rentals, providing flexibility, affordability, and social engagement.

Key Stats Recap:

• Co-living can reduce rental costs by up to 30% compared to traditional apartments.
  
• Over 38% of Harare tenants under 35 are interested in shared accommodation with modern amenities.
  
• Young adults aged 18–35 represent over 40% of urban renters, indicating a strong target market.
  
• Globally, the co-living market is projected to reach USD 16 billion by 2030.

42% of young urban professionals value community spaces highly when choosing accommodation.