A NEW URBAN LIFESTYLE: DETERMINATIONS OF CO-LIVING ADOPTION AMONG GENERATION Z

Authors

  • Asma Senawi Department of Built Environment Studies And Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Mara Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Syahmimi Ayuni Ramli Department of Built Environment Studies And Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Mara Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Nurul Afiqa Farhani Mohd Sufian Department of Built Environment Studies And Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Mara Perak Branch, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v13i2.9518

Keywords:

Co-living, Co-living Adoption, Generation Z, Secondary Cities, Housing

Abstract

As housing affordability becomes an increasing problem, especially for young adults, alternative housing models such as co-living are becoming a viable solution. Against the backdrop of rising housing costs and increasing urbanisation, this study assesses the factors influencing the acceptance of co-living by Generation Z in Ipoh, Perak, where few studies focus on secondary cities in Southeast Asia. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to respondents aged 18-27 years. The study analysed the data from 108 usable responses with SPSS Statistics version 28 using a t-test analysis. The results show that four key factors (i) facilities and amenities offered, (ii) financial considerations, (iii) location accessibility, and (iv) social interaction have a significant impact on Gen Z’s acceptance of co-living. In particular, (i) community services, (ii) financial savings, (iii) distance to city centre, (iv) meeting new people, (v) avoiding loneliness, and (vi) YOLO lifestyle resulted significantly. The results provide guidance to developers, stakeholders, and policy makers in designing residential environments that meet the preferences of young adults. In addition, the findings contribute to the limited literature on the acceptability of co-living in secondary cities. Policy makers should consider the possibility of promoting co-living for young people through development plans or tax incentives.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Senawi, A., Ramli, S. A., & Mohd Sufian, N. A. F. (2026). A NEW URBAN LIFESTYLE: DETERMINATIONS OF CO-LIVING ADOPTION AMONG GENERATION Z. Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment, 13(2), 17-31. https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v13i2.9518