The concept of co-living spaces, popular in the UK, Europe and Japan, has made its debut in Dubai. The private developer, Nshama, has launched a new co-living and co-working concept called UNA at its flagship community, Town Square. It means you can now live and work in the same place.

Comprising 192 studios and 764 one-bedroom apartments, UNA is targeted at singles and small families. However, unlike in other countries, where co-living spaces are mostly rooms offered for rent on a short-term basis, Nshama offers these units on sale. Prices will be disclosed in a week's time, says the developer, adding that they will in the affordable range.

According to real estate agencies, the studios are priced Dh400,000 and the one-bedroom apartments at Dh520,000. The developer is offering a 60:40 payment plan.

Co-living spaces are all about providing a communal atmosphere for residents to meet up and interact. UNA delivers on that front: it features a 2,000 sqm lobby with work stations, a music room, games corner, reading space and creative zones. UNA also serves as a licensed co-working space.

"We have a contractor on board for UNA and the design is ongoing. Construction will commence early next year and the homes will be delivered by Q4 2020," Fred Durie, CEO of Nshama, told Khaleej Times.

Other amenities at UNA include wi-fi, meeting rooms, recreation areas, business centre, pool, gym, retail, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, laundry and cleaning services and outdoor recreational facilities. There will be a shuttle service to the nearest Metro station.

"The home and work aspirations of the new generation have changed. They seek social destinations that add to their quality of living with none of the fuss associated with traditional apartment living. This is a perfect fit to the start-up, digital-savvy youth. The apartments are competitively priced for middle-income professionals, upcoming entrepreneurs and the creative community," added Durie.

Source: Khaleej Times