Amongst the commercial property segment, the asset class that is witnessing the fastest growth is the co-working or shared spaces model. There are multiple investment plans, some of which come at ticket size as low as $25000. Co- Working space is an office space that involves a shared office infrastructure and a common working environment. In simple terms, it can be said that a co – working space is a place where people from varied companies or freelancers work together at a single location.
1) Community approach – People occupying such spaces, feel a part of being in a community. “The most recent survey research shows that the social side of co- working spaces is a key reason people are members” says Steve King of Emergent Research
2) Affordable – Co- Working spaces are quite affordable as the infrastructure and work spaces come all built in. Also a client pays only for the space that he/she uses. As a business scales up, or the work force strength goes above 10 – 15 people then it might make sense to have an independent office for the business. Otherwise co-working spaces make a lot more sense.
3) Good location – Most of the co – working spaces are situated in w ell connected commercial districts offering a solid location point to users. An individual might not be able to get a quality office space at a key location so easily. But shared workplace owners enable them to get that prime address.
4) Expert help always at help – With varied people working under the same roof, it is not quite uncommon for people to find experts at a nearby work station. Also support staff can be found for very less rates as they may be shared amongst members. Like say for example, an office assistant might be working for 3 members, all three of them splitting the wage bill.
5) Amenities – Free internet and coffee are staple to shared work places everywhere. This is also a major cost for any one operating an office. Different co – sharing spaces may have other additional amenities like meeting rooms etc.
6) Nil set up time – A person does not have to wait to set up the office. The work places are ready to move in and work can start from day one, saving time and costs that could have been used to set up a business. It’s basically a plug and play model with nothing for the end user to do.
