At a glance, both might seem similar, but they cater to different demographics and have distinct features:

• Co-living Residential Properties: These are shared living spaces where individuals have private bedrooms but share common areas like the kitchen, living room, and sometimes bathrooms. They cater to millennials, students, and young professionals looking for community-driven living experiences.
• Dual Living Residential Properties: These properties are essentially two homes in one. They have separate entrances, kitchens, and living areas, making them perfect for multi-generational families or for homeowners looking to earn rental income from one part of their property and living in the other.

• Higher Rental Yields: With multiple tenants in co-living spaces or two separate rental incomes from a dual living property, investors often see higher returns compared to standard single-family homes. The sum of the parts (individual rents from shared spaces) is often greater than the whole (rent from a single-family home).
• Diverse Tenant Base: Co-living spaces attract a wide range of tenants, from students to working professionals, ensuring a steady flow of potential renters.
• Flexibility: Dual living properties offer the flexibility to rent out one part while living in the other, providing both a home and an income source.
• Future-Proofing Your Investment: As urban areas become more populated and housing needs change, properties that can accommodate more residents or offer multi-purpose living solutions will be in high demand.
• Community Building: Co-living spaces are not just about shared living; they're about building communities. This sense of community can lead to longer tenant retention rates.
• Location Strategy: Co-living homes are strategically located in areas with high current and future demand, such as growth corridors in South East Queensland and Melbourne's growth corridors. The demand in these areas is at unprecedented levels, with more people seeking space away from congested city living.
• Guaranteed Returns: Some co-living programs offer guaranteed rental returns, reducing the risk for investors by ensuring a steady income stream for investors.
• Low Risk: With a structured approach and a clear understanding of market demand, co-living presents a lower risk investment opportunity

Over 75% of people searching for homes to rent are single or couples, and many aren't looking to rent an entire property. This indicates a clear market demand for better sharing solutions. Historical data indicates that co-living and dual living properties in Victoria and QLD have seen a steady increase in demand over the past few years. Rental yields for these property types have also consistently outperformed standard residential properties by a significant margin.

While standard residential properties will always have their place in the market, the future lies in innovative housing solutions like co-living and dual living. They not only offer better returns but also cater to the changing needs of modern society.