Gurugram’s skyline is evolving – and so are the homes millennials and Gen Z are choosing. Co‑living spaces are popping up across the city’s business hubs, offering affordable, community-focused living with all the perks of modern urban life. But is this trend here to stay, or just a fleeting lifestyle fad?
We sat down with Harpreet Singh Ghulati, founder of Property Gallery and a trusted voice in Gurugram’s real estate world, to decode what co‑living really means for buyers, investors, and future residents.
What’s Fueling the Co‑Living Craze?
- Affordability Meets Convenience
Co‑living spaces offer furnished rooms, utilities, housekeeping, and shared amenities – all packed into affordable monthly rents. In a city where 1 BHK rents start at ₹20,000 per month, co‑living options at ₹15,000–₹18,000 become a real alternative. - Sense of Community
Shared kitchens, lounges, and regular meetups help young professionals connect – especially those relocating for work. It’s more than a place to stay; it’s a community-built-in. - Flexible Leasing
Short-term contracts (3–12 months) appeal to startups, interns, and remote workers looking for agility without the hassle of full rental agreements. - Modern Amenities
Think Netflix-enabled common rooms, coworking lounges, fitness zones, cleaning services – it’s a turnkey lifestyle for a monthly fee.
Harpreet’s Insights on Co‑Living
“Co‑living isn’t just for students or single millennials anymore. Executives, consultants, and even start‑up teams are choosing shared living for flexibility and cost savings.”
According to Harpreet, these are the elements driving its popularity:
- Location Advantage: Co‑living hubs near Cyber Hub, Golf Course Road, and Sector 81–82 provide easy access to offices, cafes, and entertainment.
- ROI Potential: Investors renting out parts of large apartments to co‑living operators can earn higher rental yield—often 10–12% annually.
- Delivery Speed: Co‑living-ready units (furnished, painted, wired) require minimal renovation—making them move-in ready.
Who’s the Ideal Co‑Living Resident?
- Young Professionals on early career track – retaining budget without sacrificing lifestyle.
- Corporate Transplants relocating for short durations.
- Digital Nomads working remotely, valuing flexibility and community.
- Investors & Parents—renting out affordable furnished units with lucrative returns via co‑living operators.
Things to Evaluate Before Signing Up
Harpreet offers this checklist:
- Verify Furnishings Quality
Make sure beds, Wi‑Fi, kitchen appliances, and laundry facilities are well-maintained. - Check Tenant Mix
Operators that rent to diverse age or professional groups may offer better community vibes than single-batch occupants. - Review Agreement Terms
Look out for hidden charges – cleaning, security deposits, extra guest fees, or penalties for early exit. - Confirm Safety Features
CCTV, fire safety, power backup, and security staff matter when you’re sharing space. - Resale or Conversion Potential
If you’re an investor, ensure the unit can later be sold or self-occupied if needed.
Market Momentum & Investment Snapshot
- 400+ co‑living units launched in Gurugram in the past 18 months, spanning Sector 48 to Sohna Road.
- Growth rate of 30% CAGR projected by analysts like PropEquity.
- Rental yields of 8–12% from co‑living formats outperform standard 5–7% house rentals.
- Co‑living aggregator brands like StanzaLiving, Colive, and SmartRE have entered the Gurugram market, catering to both male-only and mixed-gender units.
Harpreet’s Take for Investors
- Convert old 3–4 BHK units (2500–3000 sq ft) into 6–8 furnished rooms fast with functional conversion and a solid operator.
- Prioritize areas close to Metro and highways to reduce transit pain points.
- Choose seasoned co‑living operators who manage guests, security, upkeep, and turnovers.
- Forecast operational costs – utility bills, cleaning services, and staffing –to predict realistic returns.
“If done right, your co‑living unit becomes a semi-passive income generator, but you must treat it like a micro‑hotel, not an empty asset,” Harpreet advises.
Is Co‑Living a Future-Ready Trend?
The verdict? Harpreet believes co‑living is here to stay if it’s well-managed, strategically placed, and sustainably handled.
- High growth, with millions of millennials entering the workforce.
- Hybrid work means flexible housing demand is just beginning.
- Regulatory oversight (e.g., fire codes, occupancy norms) is maturing—making quality operators more reliable.
- Lifestyle alignment, where services and community matter more than ownership.
Final Takeaway
Co‑living spaces in Gurugram offer a compelling mix of affordability, community, and convenience. But success depends on sharp location choices, operator trustworthiness, and service quality. With guidance from experts like Harpreet Singh Ghulati, investors and residents alike can leverage this trend smartly.
FAQs
Q1. Are co‑living rentals more expensive than renting alone?
Not really – co‑living offers furnished convenience and community at often the same or slightly higher monthly cost, but without setup hassles.
Q2. Can families invest in co‑living units?
Absolutely – converting 3–4 BHK flats into co‑living rentals has become a recommended income-boosting strategy.
Q3. How do I ensure good occupancy?
Co‑living operators usually handle marketing and turnover. Just pick operators with strong local presence and reviews.
Q4. Are there legal downsides?
Make sure the operator has proper permits, fire NOCs, occupancy certification, and rental compliance.
Q5. How long are typical co‑living leases?
Usually 3 to 12 months longer leases help in stabilization, but shorter ones give flexibility.
