US startup eyes luxury niche in co-living communities

Ollie is offering 'all-inclusive' co-living communities

Spotted: US startup Ollie is banking on luxury as it expands its co-living communities. Ollie targets young professionals in expensive housing markets in the United States. The company is investing in high-end amenities at its micro-unit properties in Pittsburgh and New York. The concept veers more towards hotels than traditional one-bedroom apartments.

Become an Ollie member and you receive “all-inclusive co-living”, the company says. This means Italian-made furniture, free wi-fi, maid service and fancy soap. There are also social events arranged by Ollie for building residents.

Ollie’s 302-square-feet micro apartment in New York runs $2775 a month, which is slightly less than the median price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. There are plans to expand to Los Angeles and Boston over the next few years.