Everything you need to know about finding, using, and making the most of flexible workspaces — from coworking spaces to private home studios.
The way we work has changed forever. Between 2020 and 2026, the number of people working outside a traditional office at least part of the time has more than doubled — and flexible workspaces have emerged as the go-to solution for professionals who want structure without the long-term lease.
Whether you're a freelancer looking for a quiet place to focus, a startup team needing occasional meeting rooms, or a remote employee tired of the kitchen table, this guide covers everything you need to know about flexible workspaces in 2026.
A flexible workspace is any professionally set-up working environment that you can access on a short-term, on-demand basis — without being tied to a traditional office lease. This includes coworking spaces, rented home studios, shared offices, and marketplace platforms like Habitooo that connect workers with private spaces hosted by individuals.
Unlike a coffee shop (noisy, unreliable Wi-Fi, no meeting rooms) or a traditional office (long contracts, high overhead), flexible workspaces offer the best of both worlds: professional infrastructure with personal freedom.
The most well-known type. Coworking spaces are dedicated buildings designed for shared work, typically offering hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. Popular among freelancers, startups, and remote teams. Monthly memberships usually range from €150–€600 depending on city and amenities.
One of the fastest-growing categories — homeowners with a dedicated home office, studio, or garden room rent out their space to other professionals on an hourly or daily basis. These tend to be quieter, more personal, and cheaper than commercial coworking. Platforms like Habitooo have made this category mainstream.
Companies with spare desk capacity rent it out to freelancers or other small teams. You get access to a fully-equipped professional office — reception, meeting rooms, kitchen — at a fraction of the cost of renting your own.
Large enterprises are increasingly offering their employees access to a network of flexible workspaces as a benefit, allowing staff to work from professional environments close to home. Companies like Habitooo partner directly with businesses for this purpose.
The numbers tell a clear story. According to global remote work reports, over 70% of knowledge workers now work remotely at least two days per week. At the same time, isolation and reduced productivity at home have become real challenges. Flexible workspaces solve both problems.
With so many options available, choosing a flexible workspace comes down to a few key factors:
Commute time matters even when you're not going to an office every day. Look for workspaces within 20–30 minutes of your home or close to clients you frequently meet. City-based platforms like Habitooo let you filter spaces by neighbourhood.
Make a list of what you actually need. High-speed internet? A private room for calls? Standing desk? Coffee machine? Access to a printer? Many flexible workspaces are now very well equipped, but it's worth checking before you book.
This is where Habitooo differentiates itself. Instead of just filtering by location and price, you can search for workspaces by the skills and industries of other professionals who use them. A designer will thrive in a creative studio full of other creatives — not a sterile corporate boardroom.
Understand how you'll be charged. Some spaces charge by the hour, others by the day or month. If you need a workspace regularly, a monthly membership usually works out significantly cheaper. On Habitooo, most hosts offer daily and weekly rates alongside hourly options.
Habitooo is a marketplace that connects professionals with flexible workspaces hosted by individuals and companies across Lisbon, Barcelona, and beyond. Unlike large coworking chains, Habitooo specialises in unique, personal spaces — the kind you actually want to spend your day in.
You can search for workspaces by location, skill type, or industry — so you don't just find a desk, you find your people.
Hosts on Habitooo range from creatives with garden studios, to professionals with spare home offices, to companies with flex desk capacity. Every space is reviewed and verified, so you know what you're getting before you book.
Flexible workspaces are no longer a niche option for digital nomads — they're mainstream, growing, and increasingly the preferred way for modern professionals to work. Whether you need a quiet desk for a few hours a week or a full-time base away from home, there's a flexible workspace that fits.
Browse available workspaces on Habitooo and find your perfect spot to focus, create, and connect.
Browse flexible workspaces near you on Habitooo — filter by location, skill, or industry.
Your spare room, home office, or garden studio could be earning you money every week. Here's how to turn your home into a flexible workspace and start hosting on Habitooo.
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