Inside House of co

In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, the way people live and work is rapidly changing. Young professionals no longer need to anchor themselves to one city. Instead, they are seeking flexibility in rent, convenience and community. Coliving—a modern approach to urban living in Antwerp—is becoming the preferred choice for those who want more than just a place to sleep. 

Antwerp, home to Rubens and Van Dyck, is becoming a popular destination for young professionals seeking a place to live. The city combines coworking spaces, creative hubs, and social venues, making it easy for residents to balance work and community life. House of Co, one of the leading coliving providers, has been at the forefront of this movement, offering flexible and fully equipped spaces tailored to the needs of modern workers.

Global Mobility Trends

Modern work is no longer tied to a single location. Advances in digital technology and flexible work arrangements have enabled people to work from virtually anywhere. This shift has given rise to the growing phenomenon of digital nomads—individuals who prioritize lifestyle over traditional stability. For these people, coliving is an ideal solution. House of сo provides ready-to-move-in apartments with all amenities included, allowing residents to focus on career growth and personal experiences rather than arrangements.

Why Antwerp?

Antwerp is more than just a pretty European city—it’s a hub of innovation and opportunity. With a rich history, a dynamic economy, and over 850 startups supported by a network of investors, it offers a place for both professional growth and personal inspiration. Its central location makes European travel easy, while its infrastructure supports both traditional businesses and emerging projects. House of Co’s strategically located coliving spaces make it easy to enjoy the city’s culture and opportunities.

Coliving in Antwerp: Flexible Housing for Young Professionals

Coliving goes beyond classical housing. We provide flexible rental terms tailored to the modern professional in Antwerp, making life simpler and more comfortable to plan your life. For those constantly on the move, coliving saves both time and energy—resources that can be invested in career development, creative pursuits, or personal growth. With a minimum rental period of just three months, our residents are not tied to one location for the long term — but if they enjoy their stay, we’re happy to have them with us for longer

Friends, Not Just Neighbors

The strongest appeal of House of co lies in its community. Currently, we have over 60 people from 43 countries staying with us. Relocating to a new place often brings loneliness, but coliving offers instant connections. Through shared kitchens, coworking areas, and regular social events, residents connect with each other in ways that build friendships, spark collaborations, and sometimes even lead to romance. Our residents are not just neighbors—they are part of a network of ambitious, like-minded individuals. 

Real Stories: Experiencing Coliving in Antwerp

Lex, 38, a freelance programmer from Ukraine, moved here for its creative energy.

“Living in Antwerp comes with many advantages. Job opportunities, museums, events, parks, and a vibrant urban environment with beautiful riverfronts and cycling paths — these are just a few of the many attractions Belgium’s largest city in Flanders has to offer.”

Gulliem, 27, designer from Spain, emphasizes professional connections. 

“I moved to Antwerp for an Erasmus program. It was supposed to be only for three months, but now I'm planning a longer stay. I find Antwerp a perfect place for professionals looking to work abroad: it has a diverse and international community, where everyone can easily communicate in English, and plenty of job opportunities for newcomers entering the workforce.”

Mehrzad, 29, an accountant from Iran, values personal growth.

“When I moved to Antwerp, I was surprised by how quickly the city felt familiar. It has an energy that blends history with modern creativity, and it’s a place where you naturally connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds. What stands out to me most is the way Antwerp makes it possible to grow professionally while still enjoying a very comfortable and inspiring lifestyle.”

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When we first stepped into the building on Oudesteenweg, we saw more than 600m² of walls and rooms, a calm home base for people starting a new chapter in the city. After a careful renovation, the house opened in September 2025 as a collection of twelve spacious studios, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette, so every resident has real privacy and independence, not just a bed in a corner.

[The Old Brick living room picture cover]

Around those private studios, we designed shared living spaces that make everyday life softer and more social: a fully equipped bright and spacious kitchen where Sunday pancakes somehow taste better, a coworking space where people work during the day, a cosy lounge, cinema and a garden for quiet coffee breaks. Cleaning, utilities, Wi-Fi and all the practical things are taken care of so residents can focus on work, study and actually enjoying Antwerp.

[The Old Brick cinema] [The Old Brick lounge]

The community at The Old Brick is mostly made up of international expats and young professionals who value comfort, good design and meaningful connection. It is the kind of house where you can come home from the station, drop your bag in your own studio and then decide whether you want to join a chat in the kitchen, answer a few last emails at the shared workspace or simply close your door and recharge. That balance between “my place” and “our home” is exactly what House of co stands for.

If you are looking for a place that feels more than home, The Old Brick might be your spot, a warm, thoughtfully designed coliving community just a short walk from Antwerp Central.

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Real estate forecasts for the Belgian market remain discouraging. According to ING Bank, housing prices are expected to rise by 3% in 2025 and another 4% in 2026. This means that buying your own apartment is becoming increasingly out of reach for a broad audience — especially for young people and mobile professionals.

As a result, more people are exploring alternative housing solutions, with coliving emerging as a popular option alongside traditional renting. But the question is which one should we choose between coliving vs traditional renting?

Let’s break down the key aspects of coliving and traditional renting, based solely on the facts.

Price and Affordability

Coliving

Coliving often uses an “all-inclusive” system where utilities, cleaning, internet, and sometimes even community events are included in the price. This eliminates unexpected expenses and can be more cost-effective, especially in cities with high rental rates. At House of co, we follow this approach, covering all essentials in one monthly payment. For instance, instead of juggling five different bills, you know exactly what you’ll spend each month, which makes budgeting much easier.

Renting

These costs can vary widely from month to month, making it harder to predict your total housing budget. In Belgium, for example, energy bills can spike during the winter for heating and in summer for cooling, adding hundreds of euros to your monthly expenses. For tenants on a fixed income or students with limited budgets, this unpredictability can be a challenge.

Sustainability

Coliving

Modern challenges require modern solutions. Shared spaces, energy-efficient appliances, and resource sharing not only save money but also allow for a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By reducing individual consumption and making better use of shared resources, coliving can significantly lower the environmental impact of daily life.

Renting

However, when people live alone—as is often the case with traditional renting—the opposite tends to happen. According to a 2020 study by MDPI Energies, single occupants consume nearly twice as much energy and produce more carbon emissions per person compared to those living in larger households. This makes shared living an effective way to reduce one’s ecological footprint and make everyday life more efficient.

Flexibility

Coliving

Coliving is all about flexibility. You can usually choose a stay from just one month without dealing with bureaucracy: no long-term contracts, no hassle with early termination. This is especially important for expats, students, freelancers, and digital nomads whose lives tend to change frequently.

Renting

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Traditional renting typically involves long-term commitments — often a minimum of 6 or 12 months. Breaking a lease early can be difficult and may result in penalties. In addition, the process of securing a rental — from deposits to credit checks — is often time-consuming.

Infrastructure 

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Coliving

Modern coliving spaces offer a wide range of amenities, including:

• Fully furnished rooms
• Coworking areas
• Kitchens with quality appliances
• Laundry facilities
• Terraces
• Gym

Renting

With traditional renting, the property is often either unfurnished or only partially furnished. This means additional costs for setting up the space — especially if the stay is temporary. Also, traditional rentals usually don’t include extra facilities like coworking areas or communal lounges.

Community

Coliving 

Renting is not just about housing — it’s an experience. The word "coliving" itself carries the idea of community. At House of Co, those under one roof are not just tenants but like-minded people and friends. We create conditions that make it easier to socialize, meet new people, and feel part of something bigger. Here, people don’t just rent a place — they find a community.

Renting

In traditional renting, social connections depend entirely on the tenant’s own efforts. Neighbors may keep to themselves, and there are usually no built-in opportunities to meet others. This can make it harder to form friendships or feel connected, especially in a new city or country. Unlike coliving, there’s no structured framework to encourage interaction, so building a sense of community often takes more time and initiative.

Conclusion

In 2025, choosing between coliving and traditional renting is less about housing itself and more about lifestyle. With rising property prices and increasingly complex long-term rental conditions, coliving has become a full-fledged alternative — especially in large cities and among mobile professionals.

Coliving offers flexibility, transparency, and well-equipped infrastructure — making it an attractive option for those who value mobility, want to be part of a community, and prefer not to spend time on day-to-day household concerns. It’s a “housing-as-a-service” model, where residents receive not just a place to stay, but also comfort, support, and social connection.

On the other hand, traditional renting still holds its ground. It appeals to those who value privacy, stability, and full autonomy over their living space. For families, people with a more settled lifestyle, or those who wish to personalize their home environment, classic renting remains a solid and reliable choice.

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“I stayed with House of co for three months and I loved it! I met some amazing people and made good connections. I would definitely recommend staying with them.”

That’s what one of our residents, Mo, said after finding more than just a place to stay in Antwerp. He found new friends too. We know that reviews aren’t always enough, so let facts do the talking. Here are 8 reasons why living at House of co is a great choice.

From bed to dishwasher

Properties come fully equipped with everything you need, from a stove and washing machine to a dishwasher. And yes, we also provide all the essential cookware: plates, pans, cutlery, and more. Don’t feel like doing dishes? Just load the dishwasher, it’s all taken care of.

Many of the rooms (not just studios) include private showers and toilets. You’ll stay warm during those chilly northern nights thanks to central heating, and there’s a private wardrobe for coats and clothes.

All inclusive living

One of the biggest perks, according to residents, is the all inclusive principle. You don’t have to worry about paying utility bills. Another significant advantage is the included cleaning service, which saves time and lets you focus on more important things or simply relax.
This becomes especially valuable in densely populated cities like Antwerp, where prices are rising fast.

Access to local events hosted by the Hospitality team is also included. Follow our Instagram page to keep updated.

Friends, not just neighbors

Friends instead of neighbors, and a home that starts with people, not an address. That's the core philosophy at House of co. Most of the residents are professionals under 30 who choose our homes because they’re surrounded by like minded residents.

“Coliving is a great way to meet other successful professionals from all over the world,” says one of our residents, Elke.

We create opportunities for socializing (at least twice a month), meeting new people and feeling part of something bigger. Community members don’t just rent a space here, they find a community.

Out here, no rush

In some of our homes, mornings begin amidst the aroma of freshly ground coffee and books that have long awaited your attention. Evenings bring cozy conversations under soft blankets, fairy lights in tree branches, and starlight reflecting in windows. This isn’t just housing, it’s a lifestyle, free from the rush and stress of the big city.

Courtyards we create are always green, cozy, and genuinely peaceful. We consciously design spaces where it’s easy to slow down and tune into our own rhythm. Flowers, green corners, outdoor furniture, everything contributes to an atmosphere of calm and comfort.

In the heart of the city

Antwerp is an amazing city! And it’s much easier to explore from the right location. Most of our homes are centrally located or within walking distance of major hubs, with great public transport connections.

If you prefer quieter areas, we’ve got some homes in calm residential districts, outside the busy city center.

Grab a coffee at a local bakery, walk to Central Station in 10 minutes or dine at a bustling square with our locations, you’re always close to action.

Short stay? No problem

Unlike most landlords, House of co offers housing with a minimum rental period of just three months, no long term commitments or hidden conditions.

It’s the perfect solution for those who:

• Move frequently for projects,
• Want to try out life in a new city,
• Or simply aren’t ready to settle down.
  You can move in easily and leave when needed. No stress. No hassle with paperwork. Live where it’s convenient now without worrying about “what’s next.”

We hear you

We believe true comfort starts with care. That’s why our support team is available 24/7.
Lightbulb not working? Shower broken? We respond quickly, simply and without unnecessary formalities. No need to wait for office hours, since issues can come up at the most unexpected times.

And even if you just want to know where to find the best waffles nearby or how to get to a gallery, ask us. Our team is here not only to solve problems, but to make you feel at home.

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