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RISE OF THE 'FLEX'
Commercial Design
|April 2025
Flex living is redefining traditional real estate by prioritizing adaptability, sustainability, and technology-driven convenience, offering a seamless and future-proof alternative to rigid housing models.
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Traditional housing models are undergoing a profound transformation. The rigid definitions of co-living, senior housing, and corporate residences are giving way to a more fluid and adaptable lifestyle. Modern residents prioritize convenience, flexibility, and a living arrangement that evolves with their dynamic needs. This shift has led to the rise of 'flex living'—a revolutionary approach that blends adaptability with sustainability, technology, and community-driven experiences.
A Changing Real Estate Landscape
The demand for flex living is driven by demographic shifts, evolving workforce dynamics, and escalating urban housing costs. The 2008 financial crisis set the stage for change, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a global shift in lifestyle preferences. According to MBO Partners, the number of digital nomads in the U.S. surged from 11 million in 2020 to 16.9 million in 2022, reflecting an increasing desire for mobility and flexible housing options.
In Europe, single-family rentals have increased by 10% over the past decade, with a 50% rise in rental occupancy among those aged 30 to 45. Investment in flex living is also gaining momentum—Knight Frank's European Living Investor report notes that 78% of investors are expanding their flex living portfolios, amounting to a projected $22.3 billion in value.
This story is from the April 2025 edition of Commercial Design.
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