Flexible Living & Mixed-Tenure Models

As Europe grapples with a severe cost-of-living crisis and intense pressure on local housing markets from short-term holiday lets, a new approach to residential mobility is emerging. Flexible living and mixed-tenure models bridge the gap between transient hotel stays and rigid twelve-month tenancies, catering to citizens navigating life transitions such as university studies, professional secondments, or changing care needs. By blending temporary, mid-term, and long-term housing within single projects or wider networks, these models offer a sustainable alternative to extractive short-term rental platforms. Crucially, this includes cooperative-to-cooperative exchanges, supported by emerging digital infrastructures that allow members to move seamlessly between partnered housing communities across the continent, fostering a shared European identity while protecting local housing stock.

Below, you will find a curated selection of resources exploring this shift, from trend reports on European serviced apartments to deep dives into how vacant properties and affordability challenges are reshaping our built environment. The page highlights pioneering organisations such as Fairbnb.coop, co-liv, and vonwegenleer, alongside architectural innovators like cutwork and established cooperatives including Bau- und Heimstättenverein Stuttgart eG. You can also explore practical applications through mixed-use projects like Die Hauswirtschaft and K9, and discover upcoming industry gatherings such as the Coliving Conference 2026 and the Urban Living Festival 2026. Browse the materials to understand how collaborative mapping, digital platforms, and social innovation are paving the way for a more adaptable and equitable housing landscape.