Virginia Pérez Nieto

Director of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships | MBAi Real Estate, DrivingGrowth

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In today's rapidly evolving work landscape, the concepts of hybrid and remote working have shifted from temporary solutions to enduring trends. This transformation is driving people and organisations to reconsider their living and working locations, with vibrant destinations like Florida and Spain emerging as top choices.

In Florida, Miami has become a magnet for companies and individuals seeking a better lifestyle and more business-friendly environment. According to new US Census data, around 78,000 people left New York City in 2023, with over 10,000 moving to Florida, including big tech giants Microsoft , Apple, and Amazon as they increase their presence in the area.

Post-COVID, many Britons and Europeans are reevaluating their living arrangements, with Spain emerging as a top destination for students, remote workers, startups retirees, and digital nomads.

Here’s why these places are becoming hotspots for flexible living:

Business-Friendly Environment: Thriving tech and finance hubs with robust infrastructure.

Cost efficiency: Lower living costs in Spain and favorable tax policies in Florida. Co-living provides a cost-effective solution by sharing fixed costs across multiple residents. This affordability makes it feasible for startups, remote workers, students, and new businesses to operate in desirable neighbourhoods without the financial strain of going it alone.

Innovation and Growth: In recent years, Florida and Spain’s innovation ecosystems have been flourishing, driven by a combination of public and private investment in technology and education. They are fast becoming hotspots for tech conferences, incubators, and venture capital opportunities. In Spain, the government and private sector are investing heavily in technology, renewable energy and smart city initiatives, while universities and research institutions are fostering a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Work-Life Balance: More cost-efficient, flexible living arrangements and remote work setups foster a greater life-balance.

Global Connectivity: Fast, reliable and accessible connectivity and tech resources enable connectivity and productivity from anywhere.

From a Real Estate Perspective

The Rise of Shared Spaces

Spain now has over 5,000 professionally managed co-living units, reflecting a significant shift in housing preferences and lifestyle choices. Increasingly, city residents, remote workers and digital nomads are opting for community-focused living arrangements. As demand grows and investment pours into the sector, co-living is set to play a pivotal role in reshaping urban living in Spain.

Similarly, in Florida, the expanding population in Miami and rising housing costs have created a clear demand for alternative housing solutions like co-living. Developers are investing in co-living projects across both downtown and suburban areas to capitalise on this growing trend.

With its emphasis on affordability, social interaction and sustainability, co-living addresses many of the housing challenges facing modern cities today. It stands as both a promising investment opportunity and a catalyst for change in the urban housing landscapes of the United States, particularly in Miami, Florida, and across Spain as a whole.

Thriving Real Estate Market:

The real estate markets in Miami and Spain are thriving due to their appealing living conditions, economic stability, investment opportunities, favorable tax policies and the rise of remote working. As these trends grow, both regions are well-positioned to attract more buyers and investors, ensuring sustained growth and dynamism in their real estate sectors. For those looking to invest or relocate, Miami and Spain present the most compelling opportunities in today's market.

Investment Opportunities:

This means exciting times for real estate investors:

The 2024 European Investor Intentions Survey highlights a promising year for the Living Sector, positioning Spain as a top investment destination. Valencia is now the leading choice for remote workers, with Madrid and Barcelona ranked in the top 10 European cities for real estate investment according to a CBRE report.

The Flex Living sector is also thriving. Notable projects such as BECASA by Greystar and Vía Célere (+2,000 beds) and MOMENTUM 's plans for 3,000 retirement homes in Madrid, present a very favourable and positive €380 million investment opportunity alone!

Miami's real estate landscape is also embracing co-living. Companies including Related Group and W5 Group are leading the charge with the launch of i5 Wynwood, the district's first co-living community.

What next?

In an increasingly interconnected world, people and companies are prioritising more than just work; they're seeking a sense of belonging and a sustainable quality of life.

As a Business Developer and Strategic Partnership expert in Spanish, French, Portuguese and British markets, I assist investors and operators to ensure maximum ROI. I work with your teams to find the best investment opportunities and partners, to build communities that integrate seamlessly into the host landscape, where people feel at home and find that elusive sense of balance and belonging.

To find out how I can help you, schedule an introductory call link to discuss your portfolio goals and how I can support you in achieving these and more.

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