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Spain’s new digital nomad visa is finally here making it one of the most attractive destinations for remote workers. The goal is to promote Spain as one of the leading countries in attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and qualified workers in the greatest living conditions.

Spain has long been a popular destination for travelers, with its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and world-famous cuisine. Data also proves that Spain is considered one of the top 20 healthiest places to live in the world by analyzing factors such as life expectancy, cost of healthcare, air pollution, obesity rates, safety, sunlight hours, and more! However, the country has faced challenges in recent years due to a high unemployment rate, making it difficult for nationals and expats alike to find work. Expats often face the additional challenge of limited job opportunities under government programs, which primarily require English teachers. This results in highly skilled individuals, such as engineers, being unable to work in their field and being urged to teach instead. This leads to the heartbreaking decision to leave the country despite falling in love with its culture and way of life.

About the Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa is available to self-employed individuals or those working for a company based outside of Spain. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a steady income and provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually, providing remote workers with the flexibility to live and work in the country for as long as they wish.

We will provide you with the insights to better understand if you can apply for this visa and what it is you will need to provide to receive it. 

Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

All citizens who are non-EU nationals that work remotely for non-Spanish companies are able to apply for the new visa.

How to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa 

The latest steps that we have researched are the following: 

  • Ensure you have a contract with the current company you are working with for at least one year
  • You must submit your criminal records certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days, they must be legalized and apostilled. You will also need to provide a sworn statement that you do not have a criminal record within the last five years
  • Fill out the application form which can be found here 
  • Pay the administrative fee for the visa
  • Contract private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain
  • Provide a bank certificate proving the possession of at least €28,000 for the main applicant, which is 200% of the minimum wage in Spain
  • A letter of authorization from your company allowing you to work in Spain

We want to also mention this article from Planet Nomad because they are constantly updating their blogs with the latest protocols. Planet Nomad also provides insights into other visas from neighbouring countries in case you are interested. 

For those who would like to know of the alternatives to the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, please take a look at this website here.

 

Where to live in Spain?

With your visa in hand, it’s time to decide where to call home in Spain. Madrid, the capital city, is a thriving metropolis that offers a vibrant lifestyle. For seamless integration into your new surroundings, consider residing in a coliving space. Urban Campus has five prime-located coliving buildings in Madrid, all fully equipped with everything you need to make your move as stress-free as possible. Our unique coliving spaces offer ample opportunities for socializing with neighbors through a variety of common areas.

Valencia is another highly recommended destination for nomads, with several articles singling it out as the top place to live and work abroad. Luckily Urban Campus Ayora Valencia Coliving is set to open in July 2023, offering 41 fully equipped studios and 200m2 of common spaces, including a gym, coworking area, cinema room, shared kitchen and dining area, laundry room, and rooftop barbecue, showers, and chill-out zone. This is the perfect opportunity for you to join our international community and experience Valencia’s vibrant culture.

If you’re interested in the Digital Nomad lifestyle, Spain isn’t your only option. There is a rapidly number growing of countries offering digital nomad opportunities to qualifying individuals. Check out this guide for more digital nomad visa opportunities around the world.

Stay connected with us on our Instagram page to keep up-to-date on our latest openings, current properties, and events. We don’t want you to miss out on finding your future home in Spain!

 

Photo Credits: 

  • All photos used through the Canva Free Media License

Acting on behalf of one of its investment funds, Primonial REIM has signed the acquisition of two build-to-rent buildings, located in Massy and Marseille, with Nexity. This transaction is part of the partnership between the developer and Urban Campus, whose architects will design the spaces to optimize them for BTR use.

“After a first successful operation in Saint-Louis, we are proud to extend this partnership with Urban Campus and to have the confidence of Primonial REIM as an investor in this operation,” says Fabrice Aubert, Nexity’s Deputy Managing Director in charge of institutional clients. He adds: “The real estate market is undergoing a major change in usage, which is why we have chosen to make the managed real estate offer a strategic development axis; build-to-rent is one of the major vectors for us.

The Massy Atlantis residence (NF Habitat HQE level excellent, Biodiversity) will be built in co-promotion with Novaxia and will develop 100 units from one to five rooms in a landscaped “quality” block with a shared rooftop. The Marseille development (NF Habitat HQE level, BDM bronze level) will include 75 units from one to five rooms, all with balconies and terraces, both private and shared. They will also feature furnished common areas: game rooms, fitness areas, coworking spaces, etc.

“These two residences will provide all tenants with a quality living environment, in line with new lifestyles and work methods (telecommuting, sharing economy, local roots),” says Maxime Armand, Urban Campus’ COO.

In this transaction, Nexity was advised by 137 Notaires (Mathieu Simon) and Primonial REIM by Lexfair Notaires (Annamaria Brogna) and Ikory Project Services. The marketing was carried out by JLL (Florence Semelin) and Savills (Mathieu Guillebault).

To view the original article in French written by Business IMMO click here. 

You might be moving to Lille and are excited to make it your new home but also a little nervous about what’s to come. This article is to make you feel confident with your decision of moving into Urban Campus Saint So’ Lille Coliving. We will explain all that you will find in your new apartment or studio, how it is that you will have your friends literally at your doorstep, the cool spaces you will be making memories in, and just how easy this whole move is going to be!

What is inside your new home? – Apartments, Standard & Mezzanine Studios 

In Urban Campus Lille Coliving you have the option of moving into a one-bedroom apartment, standard studio, or mezzanine studio. All are completely furnished and equipped. What exactly does this mean? Upon arrival, you will not have to purchase anything. At Urban Campus our spaces are “toothbrush ready” and we pride ourselves on that. Your private unit will have everything from plates, glasses, mugs, wine glasses, teatowels, kitchen appliances including a microwave, toaster, coffee press, a bed, pillows, duvet, side table, hangers, cleaning supplies, and even some decor to make you feel right at home. The list goes on and on, but we recommend prior to purchasing anything for your new flat, on the first day you should explore every drawer there is. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

What are common spaces? 

Aside from having your newly renovated apartment, you will have access to 300 sqm of common areas. Why do we have this? We have comfortable shared spaces so that you are encouraged to have more encounters with your colivers, for you to truly feel like you are part of a community. This is why in Lille Saint So’ Coliving you will find; a coworking space to step away from your desk at home, a fitness area equipped with everything you need to be healthy, an additional shared kitchen to encourage you to spend time with your fellow colivers and share a delicious meal, a cinema room for the ultimate experience, a lounge to have the space to chill, a terrace to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and a laundry room.

COMMON KITCHEN

What is included? 

There are plenty of things that are included in the monthly rental. For example; wifi and all utilities are included, meaning water, heating, and electricity – you won’t have to worry about it! Which gives our colivers peace of mind. The maintenance of your flats is also included, so if something happens you can tell our support team right away. Weekly cleaning of the common areas and monthly cleaning of your private unit is also included. If you wish to have the cleaning done bi-weekly, or once a week you can let our team know and an additional service charge will be added each month. The best part of “everything included” would definitely be the community events we hold. The activities our Head of Community puts together can vary every month, but they are designed for you to turn your neighbors from strangers into friends. You will also have a monthly dinner sponsored by Urban Campus for the entire building. If you are curious about what some community events may be, take a look at our Instagram!

We are extremely excited for you to join our Lille coliving community! In Madrid, we have had people in our spaces build genuine friendships, some have become partners, not only in business but also in love. Coliving is to bring like-minded individuals together, to provide you with the best service possible and for the ultimate convenience when moving to a new flat.

Are you ready now?

We have provided 3 things that you should consider to make 2023 a great year.

New Year, New Me – we have heard it all before, but what is it that you plan on doing to achieve this and truly feel the “new me” concept this year? Why is it that people wait until the new year to make those changes that they think about the other 11 months of the year? This is known as the “fresh start effect,” which suggests it is easier to adopt new habits and make the changes at natural transition points. This idea of a “new beginning” can be defined by several occasions such as the start of a new season, a birthday, or in the case of many a new year.

We want to get you on track for 2023 and have three recommendations that can help have an impact on you. 

It is officially January 5th, so we may be a little late, but it was the holidays, you had family and friends over at your new coliving, events in and out of the city, and lots of food to eat. So we know you are just starting to wrap your head around the idea of making changes to your life, and we wanted to give you some time to rest.

Be Smart 

We believe one of the most crucial things you should consider while making a goal for this year is to be smart. In a 1981 issue of a Management Review magazine, a writer explained that all goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-related). The purpose behind this is for each one of your goals to have meaning and weight. 

Specific: Your goal should be clear, you cannot vaguely state what you want because it won’t be enough. For example, saying “I want to lose weight this year” should be changed to “I want to lose 20kg by the beginning of March 2023”. 

Measurable: When it comes to losing weight, this may seem obvious because you would be seeing the numbers on the scale, however, this is also your opportunity to take it even further. Writing down your progress or taking pictures can reinforce your goal and your commitment to it. Another example may be, if you have a bad habit of biting your nails, take a picture every three days and track how you are doing. 

Achievable: We recommend that you make realistic goals. Why? We don’t want you to be frustrated or angry at yourself when you do not achieve them. Saying that you will save 700 euros per month when perhaps your salary is 1,200 may not be realistic as time passes. Perhaps you can start by saving 150 euros and if the goal becomes easier, slowly increase it. 

Relevant: Ensuring that this goal really matters to you is important. You should be making these changes because you know you will be happy about the outcome. 

Time-related: Your timeline towards achieving this goal or any you have set should be realistic as well. It’s all about the small wins, so set yourself up for success. 

Focus on Your Life Force 

Phil Stutz, is a well-known psychiatrist who speaks in-depth about this concept of your Life Force in his book “The Tools”. He says that when you constantly work on your life force, everything else will just fall into place.

Stutz recommends you think of your life force as a pyramid, with key relationships being formed: the base is the relationship you have with your body, the middle section is the relationship you have with people and the top section is the relationship you have with yourself. 

The Relationship with your Body
Sleep, exercise, and diet, we have heard it all before but the impact that this has on your day-to-day well-being is astonishing. As soon as you begin to have a positive relationship with your body and genuinely care for it, you will notice the mood change in you almost immediately. This portion of your life force has 85% control of your happiness and inner peace. 

The Relationship with People
Sometimes it is easier to stay home, escape from the world, and turn on Netflix, but human connection is important. Take the initiative to call your friends and family and make those plans happen. We learn so much from others, both good and bad, but the act of physically being with people and sharing experiences is such a critical element of having a happy life. Humans are social animals. 

The Relationship with Yourself
This relationship, for most, is the hardest. Stutz recommends in order to properly build a relationship with yourself you must get to know your unconscious, and the best way of doing that would be to write to yourself. By writing, you discover things you may not have realized you have been thinking about. This may be the most difficult because you need to dedicate the time to write. Perhaps it is not an everyday activity, especially when you are first getting started, but put yourself in the position to be open-minded about the process, it is said to be the most surprising out of the three. You owe it to yourself, to know who you are. 

Take Time to Meditate

Meditation is a discipline on its own. Some people find it extremely difficult to keep focused throughout the session or to even find the 5-15 minutes needed to do it. However, the benefits are huge.

Scientifically speaking, when you meditate you reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness, lengthen your attention span, reduce age-related memory loss, improve sleep, decrease blood pressure, and much more. 

Being mindful is something many struggle with, and meditation has a way of helping you stop, slow down, take it all in and be there. 

Some of our team members at Urban Campus use HeadSpace for their daily meditation needs. It is an app that offers meditation courses, daily meditation exercises, podcasts, sleep guides, and even some mini-movement workouts, all designed to help you feel better and more connected.

To get a two-week free trial to Headspace, and begin your meditation practices, click on this link.

We hope this article inspired you to begin this year off on the right foot, take control of your goals and work on being happier, because in the end that’s all we want. 

Happy 2023! 

 

Photo Credits:

  • All photos used through the Canva Free Media License

Before the clock strikes midnight, countries around the world get ready and prepare their unique New Year’s Eve Traditions to ensure that the start of their new year is done right. 

We wanted to make sure this December 31, you not only are celebrating with family, friends and your new colivers but that you consider adding in an element that you may not have known even existed, just to give yourself some extra luck with 2023.

Here are some countless traditions that have been passed down through the generations across several countries on how to welcome in the New Year:

It is important to note that all the countries we will be sharing with you today, typically start off their last night of the year, at a party or some sort of get-together. They get dressed up, eat great food, have a few drinks, and enjoy each other’s company. However, prior to midnight people get ready for certain things to happen. 

In the USA and Canada, since 1907 the tradition has been to do the countdown while watching the ball drop (typically the one in Times Square). However, as part of English and German folklore, some people even kiss at midnight as a sign of good luck. 

In Scotland, there are many street parties that take place on New Year. Some areas may even have parades, fireworks, and torchlit processions. One of the most famous traditions done by the Scottish is known as “first footing,” where people go door-to-door to wish each other a happy new year and bring gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky.

In Spain, people eat 12 green grapes, with each sound of the bell representing each month of the year. We recommend you do this safely and try to get seed-less grapes. 

In Denmark, they do two things: the people believe it is critical to leave their aggression behind in order to move forward, so to achieve this they throw plates (they say the best would be china) at your friend’s and neighbour’s front doors. Once that task is completed, prior to the countdown the Danish hop up on chairs, couches maybe even tables, and once the clock strikes midnight they jump into the new year. 

In Italy, people eat cotechino, a type of sausage, and lentils, which are believed to bring good fortune. In some regions, the Italians also recommend you wear red underwear. 

In France, when the clock strikes 12 you must drink champagne, and as the night continues, you continue to drink champagne. 

In China, New Year’s Eve is known as “Chuxi” where the dragon dance is performed in order to scare away evil for the coming year. Dragons signify wisdom, power, and wealth and are believed to bring good luck. The dragon’s costumes come in various colors, all with different meanings. For example, green symbolizes a great harvest, yellow is respect for the empire, gold or silver is for prosperity and red represents excitement for a promising future.

In Costa Rica, in order to ensure you travel for the following year they recommend you take an empty suitcase and run around the block with it. This is also encouraged in other Latin countries. 

In Greece, they recommend you put onions outside your front door as it is the symbol of rebirth. The idea is that the onions will help people grow and experience a rebirth of their own in the upcoming year. 

In Brazil, they throw white flowers into the ocean as gifts to the Water Goddess Yemanja, for her to fulfill their New Year’s wishes and bring them luck. An extra tradition some Brazilians do prior to the countdown, is to have a folha de louro (bay leaf), also known as the Priest’s leaf, in their pocket. It is known as a very spiritual token and is said to sharpen your intuition. 

In Germany, an 18-minute-long video replays all day on New Year’s Eve called, “Dinner for One” on almost all channels of the tv. It is a tradition to consistently watch this show while preparing for the party, having dinner, and even just before midnight. 

In Portugal, they follow the tradition of putting money in your shoe as a sign of good fortune in the coming months.

We hope you discovered a few interesting traditions, that can easily be incorporated in your New Year’s Eve parties that may even bring you that extra luck next year you are hoping for. 

Happy New Years! 

We wanted to find the best ways to give back this holiday season, as this time of year is known for bringing people together and lending a hand. With the year ending, and everything winding down, you may feel as though you have a moment to catch your breath. Many take this period to reflect on all that they have accomplished in the last twelve months, and everything they have planned for the upcoming year. You may spend it with your family, from afar, or your friends in your coliving

We believe this season has a way of making everyone a little more kind, which think is wonderful. Many shop until they drop for their loved ones, but we asked our staff to do the opposite.

Last year at Urban Campus we donated books to Libros Melior. They sell second-hand and used books, donated by individuals as well as organisations, and give them a new life in solidarity. The funds raised are used to finance projects such as delivering textbooks and school supplies to families with limited financial resources.

This year in our Paris office our team came together and donated to Emmaüs, an international solidarity charity to help out this season. They are known for fighting against social exclusion and supporting the reinsertion of people in need by finding them a job in one of their various structures. The company regularly organizes big fund-raisers and resells all the donations they receive in their vintage clothes shops and furniture stores. The donation was made just last week to ensure the kids would have it in time for the holidays.

While in Madrid, we will have worked with our Head of Community to have a box donation set up inside each of our five colivings and our coworking for those who can and would like to donate canned goods and non-perishables to Foodie Angels. Their organization specifically helps families with economic difficulties by offering them surplus food. 

So as you know, Our coliving along with our coworking community and staff are getting ready for the season and love finding ways of doing these initiatives also throughout the year. If you have any recommendations or connections of more acts like these and how we can be a part of it, we invite you to get in contact with us and let us know. 

Happy Holidays! 

Looking for a new coworking space in Madrid? Urban Campus Jerónimo is the ideal location for entrepreneurs, startups, and growing companies. You will be immersed in an environment that offers everything you need, fast and reliable wifi, 24/7 access, daily cleaning, concierge service, security, discounted parking, bi-weekly community breakfasts, and more…we are also pet friendly! 

Not only do we offer office spaces, but a genuine community that continues to expand every passing year, since our opening in April 2017. Within our walls, you will be able to find the tools, contacts, and focus you need to expand your business and create new opportunities. 

Our coworking building is a mere 5-minute walk from Sol, 2-minute walk from Sevilla,  an 11-minute walk from the famous Plaza Mayor and a 7-minute walk from the beginning of the neighborhood “Los Jerónimos”. We are in the heart of Madrid and as you can imagine the rich area has a vast array of restaurants and cafes to choose from. This may get a little overwhelming when it comes down to choosing where to go for breakfast, lunch, or after-office drinks. Here is a guide of the best places to visit once you move into our Jerónimo coworking!

The Best Breakfast Spots:

Feliz Coffee

What better way to start your day than with a happy cup of coffee? Feliz Coffee is known for its delicious craft coffee and kind owner. Let the barista know how you like your coffee and they can recommend something just for you. If you are having doubts, many speak about the v60 being spectacular as it is with a great natural Rwanda coffee, full of light orange flavors. The shop is small, but they also have benches outside so you can enjoy the sun on your face. 

Location: C. de Lope de Vega, 2

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking

La Rollerie 

Beautiful inside and out, La Rollerie is located on the same street as your new coworking. Their menu has a wide variety of pastries to enjoy from, made fresh everyday. Our coworkers recommend the breakfast andaluz, which is two very large pieces of bread that you can put olive oil and salt on, then add in the fresh tomato paste they provide for you – a typical Spanish breakfast. 

Location: Cra de S. Jerónimo, 26

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 1

La Mejor Tarta de Chocolate del Mundo

The name is a dead give away about their best product…cheesecake. Just joking, it is in fact a chocolate cake, described to be unusual, indulgent, light and the perfect amount of sweet. Will you be the judge of the best chocolate cake in the world?

Location: Calle de Cervantes, 9

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 2

Café Bar Hylogui

A family run cafe serving crispy bacon and eggs, known to be delicious. Café Bar Hylogui is where the locals go for nice cup of cafe con leche and their service. Located a whole one minute walk away from Urban Campus Jerónimo!

Location: C. de Ventura de la Vega, 3, Bajo Izquierda

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 3

The Best Lunch Spots:

El Chaparrito

Located 120 meters away from UC Jerónimo, El Chaparrito is one of the best Mexican restaurants around. Their menu includes great tacos, some even for only 1 euro. Their restaurant is decorated with beautiful colors and truly gives you the Mexico vibe. Some strong recommendations from the UC Jerónimo coworkers would be tacos al pastor and pollo chipotle if you are looking for a little more spice. We were also able to try their nachos and can confidently say they are well worth the price you are paying. If you are looking to take away, we recommend you call before as sometimes they can get busy during lunch hour! 

Location: C. de Ventura de la Vega, 11

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 4

Lamucca De Prado

Recognized in the neighbourhood for the amazing balance between quality/quantity and their prices. The freshness of the ingredients, attention to detail and overall atmosphere will surely draw you in. Unsure of what to order? The staff at Lamucca are extremely friendly and will ensure to provide you with the best service possible, you will not be disappointed.

Location: C. del Prado, 16

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 5

Revoltosa Prado

The atmosphere in Revoltosa Prado is electric and their decor is very trendy. Many recommend their cocktails as they have a long list to choose from. We cannot recommend a particular dish as every week their menu changes to keep things exciting, so be sure to give them a try!

Location: C. del Prado, 4

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 7

La Finca de Susana

A very classy restaurant with incredible service. However do not let this steer you away, at La Finca de Susana, they offer 12 euro menus of the day, which include first and second courses, one drink (water, pop, wine, beer) and desert (can vary everyday or coffee). It is a very large restaurant, however we do recommend you reserve a table as it is quite the popular spot in our neighborhood. 

Location: C. del Príncipe, 10

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 8

Chuka Ramen 

A Japanese restaurant located a mere 2-minute walk from our coworking, Chuka Ramen has been around since 2014 and has truly made a name for themselves. The bao buns starter are great, we recommend the fried chicken and tiger shrimp. If you are new to Jerónimo, it is imperative you order the beef gyozas as you will be dreaming with them for the weeks to come. 

Location: Calle de Echegaray, 9 

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 9

Macao Príncipe

 Located a 3-minute walk from Jerónimo coworking, Macao Príncipe offers asian inspired tapas at a great price. The staff are very helpful and provide great insight about the dishes. If you go for lunch, for 13.50 euros you can have their menu of the day which includes a drink, three dishes to choose from their 40+ tapas menu and a desert! 

Location: C. del Príncipe, 16

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 10

The Best After-Work Spots:

Salmon Gurú

From their interactive menu to the eccentric nature of the bar, and unique presentation of the drinks, the top rated cocktail bar in Madrid is quite the experience. Their bartender, Diego Cabrera is world renowned, and you will most likely see him there at the forefront of the bar. All who have visited before can do nothing but rave about how unique of a place Salmon Gurú is. So, if you are looking to take your colleagues somewhere different, you now know where to go!

Location: Calle de Echegaray, 21

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 11

Viva Madrid

With a variety of drinks to choose form, you will not be disappointed. Viva Madrid has a very classy feel to their surroundings. The main bar is spectacular, and if you are lucky enough to get a seat infront of the bartenders, be ready for a show. 

Location: C. de Manuel Fernández y González,7

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 12

Casa Gonzalez

Casa Gonzalez provides you with great portions of food and fantastic wine to pair it with. We cannot forget to mention the assortment of cheese they have to offer! Seats are limited, but the cozyness of the bar is what you will leave with. It is the perfect place to have a gourmet picinic-like experience. 

Location: C. del León, 12

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 13

Alimentación Quiroga

Dating from 1958, this quaint restaurant has incredible reviews, local dishes and a fantastic wine selection. At Alimentación Quiroga You are able to order different tapas sizes meaning even if you are wondering the streets of Madrid alone, this could be your next stop!

Location: C. de las Huertas, 19

Get to know the Neighbourhood near Urban Campus  Jerónimo Coworking 14

The signing of a new coliving residence in Île-de-France took place between Urban Campus and in’li. They joined forces to acquire and manage 165 new studio apartments, offering young professionals long-term real estate alternatives in a tight rental market.

Paris, November 8, 2022, Urban Campus, a French player in coliving and Build To Rent (BTR), announces, in partnership with in’li, Linkcity, and Nexity, the signature of a new coliving residence under VEFA, i.e. 165 studios, in Ivry-sur-Seine (94). This project completes a portfolio of Urban Campus projects under development in France, notably in the Ile-de-France, Hauts-de-France and Alsace regions, with the first delivery in Lille at the end of 2022.

 

Enabling young workers to access housing more easily 

While young professionals are the most affected by the shortage of rental units and rising rents, Urban Campus and in’li want to make it easier for this segment of the population to rent by offering 165 new studios in coliving with rents that are lower than those on the open rental market.

By offering housing at attractive rental prices, ideally located in relation to employment opportunities and public transportation, Urban Campus and in’li are helping to facilitate the residential and professional mobility of a whole segment of society that is just starting out in its working life. Newcomers, young people at the beginning of their careers, and working people on a mission for a few months are thus offered a new rental offer in line with their expectations and needs in very tense real estate markets.

In order to guarantee these innovative real estate solutions, the residence will be managed by Urban Campus as part of a long-term management mandate and the management strategy of in’li, a subsidiary of the Action Logement group. 

Urban Campus’ recognized experience in managing coliving residences ensures that the community of residents is supported in a way that encourages exchanges, sharing, and synergies. A whole program of activities and events promotes a sense of belonging to a community eager to move forward together on professional, associative, and local projects.

“We are very happy about this partnership with the in’li teams, with whom we share strong values: facilitating access to housing for young professionals, contributing to the creation of lively and attractive neighborhoods, and promoting professional mobility. – says Maxime Armand, co-founder of Urban Campus

“Finding innovative solutions for housing young professionals in the Paris region is in’li’s DNA. The partnership with Urban Campus and the implementation of coliving management fully meet this objective in areas of high tension. – said Damien Robert, Chairman of the Board of Directors of in’li.


A coliving residence anchored in the city 

In Ivry-sur-Seine, at the gateway to Paris, the residence of 165 individual and shared studios is designed to ensure the balance essential to coliving, between quality and connected individual spaces, cozy shared spaces (kitchen, lounges) and inspiring, functional and friendly common spaces (telecommuting space, gym, rooftop, event spaces, screening room, terraces). The residence will be completed by a coworking space reserved for local SMEs at the foot of the building.

As part of one of the largest urban, economic and social development projects in the Paris region, “ZAC Ivry Confluences”, the residence will benefit from the development of public transport (T Zen line), the creation of large open-air green spaces and the construction of new urban heating, water and electricity networks that are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Ivry-sur-Seine residence is certified NH Habitat HQE, a label that guarantees buildings with a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy consumption. 

Urban Campus is involved from start to finish in the VEFA program to build the coliving residence.

The company participated in the design of the buildings in partnership with Nexity and Linkcity. It is continuing to support the project through all stages of construction, right up to its opening in 2025.

Urban Campus is thus continuing to expand its influence in the coliving and French rental market sectors. Other residential projects are already under negotiation in several European cities.

 

About Urban Campus

Founded in Paris in 2016 by John van Oost, Maxime Armand and Ana Martinez, Urban Campus is one of the leaders in multi-format managed residential in Europe. The company accompanies coliving and Build-to-Rent real estate projects from their conception, and then operates them through long-term management mandates. Urban Campus develops its own smart building technologies and applications to offer tenants a 360° residential service.

The company operates 5 residences in France and Spain and plans to open 30 additional residences in Europe over the next 5 years, in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. 

For more information: https://urbancampus.com/

 

About in’li

In’li, a subsidiary of the Action Logement Group, is the leader in intermediate housing in the Paris region, with nearly 50,000 units under management throughout the region. In’li’s mission is to provide access to housing for middle-class employees and young professionals in order to promote the employment-housing link, facilitate professional mobility and help revitalize the region. 

More information on: inli.com 

Twitter: inli_official https://twitter.com/inli_officiel 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-li/ 

 

About Action Logement

For more than 60 years, Action Logement has been the leading player in social and intermediary housing in France, with more than one million units, and its mission is to facilitate access to housing to promote employment. Action Logement manages the Participation des Employeurs à l’Effort de Construction (PEEC) on a joint basis to promote employee housing, business performance and regional attractiveness. The group has 18,000 employees in France and in the French overseas territories.Website: groupe.actionlogement.fr/

Twitter : @ActionLogement https://twitter.com/ActionLogement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uesl—action-logement/

Shared living is more sustainable and beneficial for both colivers, investors, and the environment. 

Our dedicated team of architects has this as a leitmotif and says the key to success is in being part of all projects from the very beginning to enhance the value of the building and improve the user experience while minimizing the impact of the building. Read the 5 drivers of sustainable colivings. 

Spatial Optimization

Traditional residential buildings are obsolete and unoptimized, with large corridors, and apartment units that promote loneliness and replicate underused spaces . The average number of single-member or 2-person households is rising and the city’s portfolio is not prepared. Our team studies each building to get rid of unnecessary or obsolete spaces and seaks for optimized spaces that add value and promote large and comfortable shared spaces that reduce loneliness and promote social encounters between tenants.

Shared living is no longer about mini flats with 20-75sqm private space, but approximately 100-300sqm of extra shared amenities to enjoy on a daily basis. A coworking, gym, cinema room, lounge, common kitchen, and outdoor patios are no longer a luxury, but a mutualized space that adds value. These common areas are enablers of community, they make users feel at home and nourishes bonds. 

Each building has its unique character, therefore our architects give a special character to each of them tailored to the location and user needs. 

Passive actions, sustainability from the skin to the core of the building

The scope of interventions relies on the state of the projects, we study the buildings from the outside, aiming to reduce energy demand by improving insulation, windows, and overall envelope. In the case of greenfield projects, we design our buildings aiming at cutting energy consumption. The purpose is not only to minimize environmental impact and raise awareness but also to reduce operational costs. Once inside, our buildings are composed of natural materials, warm finishings, and some vernacular taste in the way furniture is designed and creates that “hygge” atmosphere. At Urban Campus we study each item, supplier, and brand we incorporate to promote a conscious design, together with the selection of colours, finishings and spaces is the “feel at home” atmosphere that characterizes our colivings.

 

Active Solutions (energy efficiency systems)

After reducing energy demand for climate comfort, Urban Campus strives for fully electrified buildings by reducing other sources of energy such as gas. Apart from demand, we also promote sustainable energy production or management like  solar panels and energy-efficient machines (HVAC and aerothermal systems). We work with sector experts to boost climate-proof buildings that are cutting edge within the real estate market.

In a coliving we share spaces, and appliances, reduce water from fixtures, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption per capita compared to traditional residential buildings, which also reduces cost. Overall, our buildings reduce emissions, and waste and are in general more sustainable compared to others in the residential or BTR sector. This facilitates the attainment of green certifications but also creates a huge added value for our residents providing them with a conscious and sustainable living, all while saving money. 

Seamless technology

The best technology is the one you do not see but that makes your life easier. We create smart buildings and connect them directly to our in-house designed platform, internally known as “Dunbar”. Our technology enables us to have a flagship residential building that lowers operational costs throughout its lifetime due to its capabilities. 

We offer seamless technology that works for our residents. One main example is our digital smart key locks, which are installed in all common areas and private units. They allow us to manage the building without having to be there, as we are able to modify the opening and closing times of specific areas. The data gathered, enables us to optimize the shared spaces, the maintenance (use time), and the energy efficiency of those spaces. We have optimized the usage of the space, while designing multipurpose spaces,  for example, common areas, that are used for coworking in the morning and for events in the evening.

Community, feel at home

Is at the core of everything we do. We co-create our spaces, with our residents, through co-creation sessions, consultations, and feedback sessions. . All decisions made, take our community needs into account, and we involve them in the whole design process so that they collaborate with us on achieving the sustainable impact we are striving for.

 

As coliving and coworking in France continue to rise Nexity wrote an article stating where these social ways of living are available to those who are searching for diversity.

To view the original article in French, please click here.

Coliving, and coworking are available in the city as well as in the countryside. These new living and working spaces are developing to allow for more social and intergenerational diversity and simply to meet the aspirations of the French to live together. 

Coliving, coworking. These two Anglo-Saxon terms have been confused for a while in France, but they are making their way into the minds of people and territories where new housing and workspace formats are developing. The number of coliving spaces rose to 8,300 in 20211 from 5,000 in 2019 and the number of coworking spaces reached 2,8002 from 1,700 two years earlier. For Maxime Armand, founder of the coliving company Urban Campus, it is above all “a new way of living together in cities”.

When coliving and coworking provide the solution

“Coliving and coworking are a response to the new expectations of young, mobile, ambitious workers who are open to meeting others,” says Maxime Armand. In short, they meet the aspirations of French people looking for social interaction, budget savings, and mobility. “In Europe’s major cities, more than 50% of households are composed of a single person. Lifestyles have changed, studies are longer, we get married later, have children later…the average household size keeps decreasing over time, so there is a need for smaller housing.”

As for coworking, many companies and employees have taken the plunge. There are lower real estate costs for companies and more freedom for employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world. The Urban Campus buildings also include coworking spaces where residents and outside workers meet, leading to “great encounters.”

Diversity as an asset

Shared living and working spaces would not exist without a desire to live together beyond the purely economic advantages. This is illustrated by the success of coworking spaces created in retirement homes, where workers and residents live together on a daily basis, as in Marseille at the Ehpad Les Jardins d’Haïti, part of the “Un tiers-lieu dans mon Ehpad” program launched by the Caisse nationale de solidarité pour l’autonomie in partnership with France tiers-lieux.

If these schemes are so successful, it is also because of the mutual benefits they bring. In coliving or shared housing, older people can provide services to those who are younger, such as the option of babysitting their children, while those who are younger could return the favor and sometimes do the grocery shopping for their elders. For example, in Le Havre, a former fire station had been renovated into intermediate rental housing, housing for home ownership, mainly for young workers and families, and housing for seniors with an art gallery open to the general public. In Le Havre, they combine social diversity, generational diversity, and diversity of use, “living together and intergenerational diversity were at the heart of the project,” says Éric Vialatel, president of Maisons de Marianne.

It also works in the rural areas

Who said that coworking and coliving were only urban phenomena? The rise of telecommuting has led thousands of city dwellers to go green, at least a few days a week. Some rather rural areas have carried out important seduction campaigns or should we say “marketing” campaigns to attract new active inhabitants, from thirty to fifty years old on average. In Saint-Didier-sur-Rochefort, a little more than 400 inhabitants in the Loire, a café-workshop was created to allow the newcomers to work together and to get a taste of this new life. Moreover, the large townhouse just across the street has been transformed into a shared space and allows families to move into “test” life in the country before settling down permanently. “Leaving the city raises fears, but being with people in the same situation, to live and work, allows us to overcome them together,” says Olivier, a former engineer in Grenoble who has been converted into the manager of these spaces.

In the city as well as in the country, coliving, and coworking, along with other formats of shared spaces are at the same time an economical solution to reduce the expenses of the occupants, an ecological solution to reinforce the intensity of use of the buildings. It is a great opportunity to rediscover the taste of life together, after all, man is a social animal.

1. Prospective study Coliving in France, a market that is accelerating; BNP Paribas Real Estate – December 20, 2021
2. Study: The coworking index; Ubiq – November 17, 2021