COVID-19 pandemic VS HK　Coliving

Earlier this year, the COVID-19 pandemic looked like it might be the death knell for startups in the “co-living,” or shared housing, sector. Urban dwellers were fleeing crowded cities like San Francisco and New York–causing rents to plummet–as the widespread shift to remote work opened up the chance to earn a living from anywhere. The idea that renters would still want to live in arranged roommate situations seemed questionable at best

But co-living startups have continued to raise significant venture investment this year despite the pandemic, and some real estate experts even argue that the market is ripe for companies flush with cash to build or expand through a dampened rental market.

Co-living startups essentially turn roommate living into a product: They aim to offer a more affordable, social living arrangement for city dwellers by renting out spaces with private bedrooms but shared common spaces like kitchens and sometimes bathrooms. The companies often match roommates and furnish apartments, as well as provide cleaning services and community events.