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Why is shared living the smart choice for city life
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Living alone in Brussels has long been seen as the natural next step into adulthood. A private apartment, a separate lease, your own routine. But over the last decade, the city has changed — and so have the expectations of those who live in it.
Rising rental prices, smaller apartments, international mobility and new ways of working have pushed many residents to rethink what living well actually means. In this context, coliving in Brussels is no longer a trend — it is a logical evolution of urban housing.
At Neybor, coliving is approached as a design-led, human-scale answer to the realities of city life: shared where it makes sense, private where it matters, and always rooted in the neighborhoods that shape Brussels.

**What is coliving in Brussels?
**

Coliving is a housing model where residents rent a private, furnished bedroom within a larger house, while sharing common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, dining area and sometimes outdoor spaces.

What distinguishes professional coliving from a simple flatshare is structure:

  • All-inclusive rent (utilities, internet, maintenance)
  • Fully furnished and equipped homes
  • Clear house rules and professional management
  • Focus on long-term comfort rather than short stays

In Brussels, coliving has developed primarily in renovated townhouses, offering generous volumes, natural light and architectural character — qualities increasingly rare in standard rental apartments.

**Why coliving makes sense in Brussels today
**

Brussels has experienced continuous pressure on its rental market. Young professionals and internationals often face:

  • Limited supply of quality apartments
  • High upfront costs
  • Long-term lease commitments

Coliving offers a more flexible and predictable alternative, especially for people arriving from abroad or relocating within the city.

Living alone does not always mean living independently — it often means living isolated. Coliving reintroduces a form of everyday social life without imposing it. Shared meals happen naturally. Conversations start in the kitchen. But privacy remains respected.
With hybrid work and flexible schedules becoming the norm, people spend more time at home — which makes the quality of living space essential. Coliving houses are designed to support this shift, offering calm shared areas and well-thought-out private rooms.

**Best neighborhoods for coliving in Brussels
**

Ixelles
Dynamic, international and culturally rich, Ixelles is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for coliving. Its proximity to Flagey, the Ixelles Ponds and major transport links makes it ideal for active urban life.

Saint-Gilles
Known for its artistic energy and architectural diversity, Saint-Gilles attracts creatives and young professionals. The neighborhood’s townhouses are particularly suited to shared living.

**Etterbeek
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Close to the European institutions and Parc du Cinquantenaire, Etterbeek offers a quieter rhythm while remaining highly connected.

**Schaerbeek
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More residential and increasingly popular, Schaerbeek combines space, greenery and architectural depth — ideal for sustainable coliving development.

Neybor carefully selects houses in neighborhoods where daily life feels balanced, walkable and rooted in local life.

**How Neybor approaches coliving
**

At Neybor, coliving is not about density — it is about quality of experience.

Our houses are designed with:

  • Integrated carpentry and storage
  • Clear spatial hierarchy
  • Calm, neutral interiors
  • Durable materials

Community is encouraged through architecture and flow, not through forced programming. The house does the work.

Is coliving right for you?

Coliving is particularly suited for:

  • Young professionals working full-time
  • Expats settling in Brussels
  • People seeking connection without compromise
  • Residents who value design and simplicity

If you are looking for a smarter, calmer way to live in Brussels, coliving with Neybor offers an intentional alternative to traditional renting.

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# **Good practices for happy coliving in Brussels** When shared living feels like home. A short read before you move in. Brussels has a rhythm of its own. People arrive with suitcases, accents, and lives in motion. Some stay for a few months, others longer than expected. Coliving in Brussels isn’t just about renting a room. It’s about finding your place — in a house, in a city, in a community that forms quietly, day after day. A shared home works when no one tries too hard, and everyone cares just enough. Here are eight everyday habits that turn shared living into something easy, warm, and lasting.

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