December 30, 2020 - In: Rooms


If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Students place adverts seeking out the perfect room at the perfect price. Finding that perfect room that has everything plus even those little surprises is what we all hope for. Nothing wrong in that, but you do find it, buyer beware.


Make no doubt that as human beings we are always on the quest for something better, something cheaper, someone better, and so on. If we didn't, we wouldn't have evolved to where we are today. Who doesn't like a bargain or great deal?!


Portugal, land of the cheap?



Unfortunately when it comes down to getting a room, especially if you intend to do so from abroad, can get tricky. Make no doubt, you will probably spend hours and hours hunting for that ultimate space, flat, room that has everything, even more so then you have at home, and at the monthly price of a good evening out. Wow, after all, Porto, or Portugal is the poorest (or it was for a while) country of Western Europe, so yea, prices should be like hundred euros a month... An expresso still goes for 60 cents in some places, so a room, not more than a 150, right?


Not anymore. Prices for room and board have risen to new modest levels ever since the boom from foreign students hit Portugal. The demand is much higher than the offer, hence prices have risen. Nonetheless, prices in Porto are still way below Lisbon and most neighboring Euro countries. Porto is a great city, facing the Atlantic, which is home to great surf, beaches galore, a great nightlife, and most of all, highly rated university exchange programs. So all this has a cost. More demand, higher prices. Foreign visitors are still lucky when they can easily go out for lunch and spend 10-15e on a decent meal with wine.


As a landlord, I have heard sad stories about how people were scammed or fooled. The title of this article means to send a message to those seeking out the cheapest rooms. They are out there, maybe old, smelly, uncomfortable, noisy, car noise and pollution penetrating the walls. Landlords that may keep your deposit if you leave early or if he feels like it because you left earlier then expected or because you stayed 10 days into the month, so he'll keep the whole month's rent. Of if something breaks that is old, junky or just cheap quality he may keep it for replacement of a new one and the current price that is 10 years old anyway.


O barato sai caro


In Portuguese the term "O barato sai caro" is gold. Literally. So often in life, we regret for the choosing the cheapest thing that later on comes back to haunt us.


Não há Milagres


At Porto Erasmus Rooms, we won't promise to be the cheapest, nor a 5 star hotel. Maybe we are a good 3.5 stars rating with price being 4 stars. That is how we can classify ourselves. You can keep looking for that 5 star room at a 5 star price, but good luck. Another Portuguese term goes "Não há milagres", meaning there are no miracles out there, but keep looking, you might just get lucky.  We only charge in 30 day cycles. We don't need a deposit because what are you going to break, cheap IKEA junk? These furniture pieces have a short life. The only thing we will ask is a minimum 15-day notice when you plan to leave. Fair enough?


Ways to Improve Co-Living in 2026



Building Better Co-Living Communities for the Future


As housing costs continue to rise and remote work becomes more common, co-living has emerged as an attractive solution for students, young professionals, digital nomads, and even retirees. In 2026, successful co-living spaces must go beyond simply providing shared accommodation. They should create environments that promote comfort, community, sustainability, and personal well-being. This article explores key ways to improve co-living in 2026.


1. Integrate Smart Technology


Technology can significantly enhance the co-living experience. Smart home systems can improve convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Examples include:

  • Keyless entry systems for residents.
  • Smart thermostats that optimise energy consumption.
  • Mobile apps for booking shared facilities.
  • AI-powered maintenance reporting and tracking.
  • Automated lighting and climate control in common areas.

These innovations help residents manage their daily lives more efficiently while reducing operational costs.


2. Foster Strong Community Engagement


One of the main advantages of co-living is the sense of community. However, community does not develop automatically.

Operators can encourage engagement by:

  • Organising regular social events.
  • Creating hobby and interest groups.
  • Hosting networking opportunities for professionals.
  • Celebrating cultural and seasonal events.
  • Establishing community guidelines collaboratively.

Building meaningful relationships among residents can reduce loneliness and improve overall satisfaction.


3. Design Flexible Living Spaces


Modern residents have diverse lifestyles and needs. Flexible design can make co-living more appealing.

Key design features include:

  • Modular furniture.
  • Convertible work and leisure spaces.
  • Private soundproof pods for focused work.
  • Adaptable room layouts.
  • Multi-purpose communal areas.

This flexibility allows residents to personalise their experience without requiring significant renovations.


4. Prioritise Mental Health and Well-Being


Mental health has become a major concern worldwide. Co-living spaces can play an important role in supporting resident well-being.

Suggestions include:

  • Quiet relaxation zones.
  • Meditation and wellness rooms.
  • Access to mental health resources.
  • Community support programmes.
  • Natural lighting and biophilic design elements.

A healthy environment contributes to happier and more productive residents.


5. Embrace Sustainability


Environmental responsibility is expected rather than optional in 2026.

Sustainable improvements may include:

  • Solar energy systems.
  • Water-saving technologies.
  • Recycling and composting programmes.
  • Shared electric vehicles and bicycles.
  • Sustainable building materials.

These initiatives reduce environmental impact while appealing to environmentally conscious residents.


6. Improve Conflict Resolution Systems


Sharing living spaces can sometimes lead to disagreements. Effective conflict management is essential.

Best practices include:

  • Transparent house rules.
  • Clear communication channels.
  • Digital issue-reporting systems.
  • Resident mediation programmes.
  • Regular feedback surveys.

Addressing concerns early helps maintain a positive and respectful atmosphere.


7. Support Hybrid Work and Learning


With hybrid work and online education becoming increasingly common, co-living spaces should provide strong support for productivity.

Important features include:

  • High-speed internet.
  • Dedicated coworking spaces.
  • Video conferencing rooms.
  • Ergonomic furniture.
  • Reliable backup power systems.

Residents benefit from having professional-quality facilities close to home.


8. Increase Inclusivity and Accessibility


Future co-living communities should be welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

Accessibility improvements include:

  • Barrier-free entrances.
  • Accessible bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Multilingual communication tools.
  • Diversity-focused community programmes.
  • Affordable pricing options for various income groups.

Inclusive communities tend to be stronger, more innovative, and more resilient.


9. Enhance Privacy Without Sacrificing Community


A common challenge in co-living is balancing social interaction with personal space.

Solutions include:

  • Better acoustic insulation.
  • Private work areas.
  • Personal storage solutions.
  • Flexible room configurations.
  • Resident-controlled privacy settings for community platforms.

When residents have adequate privacy, they are more likely to participate positively in communal activities.


10. Use Data Responsibly to Improve Services


Building operators can use data analytics to improve resident experiences while respecting privacy.

Examples include:

  • Monitoring common-area usage.
  • Tracking maintenance trends.
  • Measuring resident satisfaction.
  • Optimising energy consumption.
  • Planning community events based on participation data.

Strong privacy policies and transparent data practices are essential to maintaining trust.


Conclusion


Co-living in 2026 has the potential to become more than a housing solution. By embracing smart technology, sustainability, flexible design, inclusivity, and community-focused initiatives, co-living spaces can offer a higher quality of life for residents. The most successful co-living communities will combine convenience, affordability, and meaningful human connection, creating living environments that meet the demands of an evolving world.