Sameer Singh CEO, Woke Life

The year 2020 has definitely thrown a curve ball in everyone’s lives—from failed aims and career goals to travel plans, the beginning of this new decade has certainly surprised each one of us. The financial markets and economy worldwide have never witnessed a global downturn like the current one we are facing. The pandemic has indefinitely put our lives on hold and there is no doubt it will definitely change the way we live and work in the future. Most corporates have realised the value and feasibility of the work from home WFH option and it’s evident from current trends that going back to the way things were pre-coronavirus is neither viable or necessary.

The timing is right for the directional change in our residential set up towards Co-living. This kind of living benefits all individuals looking for functional living spaces. Whether you are a young corporate who has just moved to a metropolitan city starting out in your first job or if you are freelancer who doesn’t want to be encumbered by the hassles of housekeeping Co-living is the answer for you. Whether you are a digital nomad who does not wish to put down her roots of a student moving to a city for higher education who would rather not spend time looking for roommates to share a flat with the community living option works in your favour. The stage is very different today. The young generation who will be starting their careers and the millennials who are going to have to work extra hard are fortunately forward thinking. They are totally in sync with today’s modern environment. They do not want to settle down in a particular city. Research shows that the average time that they stay in a job is approximately three years and they are open to moving cities if an exciting job opportunity comes knocking. India is the third largest start up hub and has a burgeoning workforce. Given this scenario long-term rentals are a hindrance and Co-living is a perfect solution that offers the perfect blend of privacy and social and community living.

What are the most common criterions we look for when apartment hunting?
A modern living space that is located ideally close to your place of work to reduce the hassle of long commutes. In order to rent a space we have to go through brokers, deal with pesky landlords, and what’s more, the hassles of shifting residences are high—moving furniture, set up of WiFi, cable TV ,etc. Co-living whisks these worries away with an imaginary swish of a wand. Finding a space is as easy as downloading an app. There are no brokers and landlords involved. The modern spaces are conveniently located and come equipped all the modern conveniences—furniture, high speed WiFi, housekeeping, great food, and a safe and secure environment. The biggest draw is the flexibility as rentals do not require long term, high investment deposits and offer flexibility in rates and the lock in period. You can literally land in a city with your bags and move in immediately. The spaces are hygienic, incredibly secure, offer privacy , autonomy of entry and exit, have e-concierge to solve your problems and are even tech enabled with apps like Swiggy, Uber, Bookmyshow, etc.

The future is community living where you have all the amenities and privacy you require as well as a space to socialize and network and socialize with like minded individuals when you wish. The environment is conducive to growth, the spark of new ideas and innovations and all the comforts of modern existence in a single space.