Academic Boost to Flex Living: Coword and the University of Malaga Join Forces to Innovate in Flexible Housing

The future of the Flexible Accommodationparticularly in its Flex Livingis not only built with new projects and attracting investment; it is also shaped in classrooms and research laboratories. A pioneering example of this synergy is the collaboration agreement that has been signed by the Cowordspecialising in consultancy and asset development in the field of Flex Livingwith the University of Malaga (UMA).

This strategic alliance has a clear objective: to promote teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation in the Flex Living. The University of Malaga, through its Chair of Economics and Real Estate Businessbecomes a nerve centre for analysing and understanding the particularities of this model of Flexible Accommodation which combines private spaces with common areas and integrated services, adapting to the needs of digital nomads, students and mobile professionals.

Coword's initiative aims to bring the company's practical experience to academia. The agreement will allow for the creation of specialised training programmes, advanced market research and participation in research projects that address the challenges and opportunities of the Flex Living. This is vital for a sector which, although in full bloom, requires solid theoretical frameworks and rigorous data for its consolidation and professionalisation.

The agreement also opens doors to the training of future talent. The collaboration with the University of Malaga will facilitate curricular and extracurricular internships for students, giving them a direct immersion in the operations and strategies of the company. Flexible Accommodation. This practical experience is invaluable in preparing the next generation of managers, consultants and investors in a market with exponential growth potential.

For Malaga, this agreement reinforces its position as an important hub and innovation, not only in the attraction of companies, but also in the generation of knowledge. The city, already noted for its dynamism in the real estate and technology sector, now adds an academic component that will boost excellence in the Flex Living.

The union between the business world and academia in the Flexible Accommodation is a promising sign. It shows that the Flex Living is not just a fad, but a residential model with profound socio-economic implications, which deserves rigorous study and specialised training to ensure its sustainable development and contribution to the urban ecosystem.


The next edition Vitur Summit 2026 will take place in Malaga on Thursdays 13 and 14 May and will once again be the meeting point for operators, investors and companies in the sector to boost their business, establish strategic alliances with the different agents involved and gain access to all the latest news, trends and opportunities in the sector from leading speakers and companies.

Continue reading

Madrid Redefines Flexible Accommodation: New Tourism Law Recognises it as Official Accommodation and Raises Standards
The Community of Madrid has launched one of the most far-reaching reforms for the Flexible Accommodation sector. The new draft Tourism Law will recognise for the first time the Tourist Use Dwellings (VUT) as a type of official tourist accommodation, establishing a framework that seeks professionalisation, quality and greater legal security.
Portugal Ventures Accelerates Flexible Accommodation Innovation with 1.5 Million Investment in Feel Sampa
Portugal's tourism ecosystem gets a new boost. Portugal Ventures has injected €1.5 million in the startup Feel Sampa, a technology platform designed to revolutionise the management of Flexible Accommodation. This strategic investment aims to consolidate Portugal as an innovation hub in the hospitality industry.
The Short Stay Rental Challenge in 2026: How European Regulation is Filtering the Professional Market
On 5 February 2026, the European Parliament adopted key legislative proposals to tackle the housing crisis on the continent.
Andalusia, Queen of Europe: Flexible Accommodation Conquers the Lead Ahead of the Côte d'Azur
The Andalusian region has been crowned as the most demanded destination in Europe for Flexible Accommodation, surpassing iconic locations such as the Côte d'Azur or Catalonia. With a record 26.6 million overnight stays in 2025, the sector is proving to be a key economic pillar, dominated by small owners and in the midst of adapting to a new regulatory framework.
The Inexhaustible Power of PBSA: Student Residences Consolidate as Spain's Star Flexible Accommodation Asset
Far from being a passing fad, investment in student housing (PBSA) in Spain confirms its long-term appeal. The sector's major operators point to structurally solid demand and a shortage of quality supply as the drivers of a segment that continues to attract institutional capital and defy any signs of drying up.
Welcomer Breaks into the Market: A New Operator is Born to Capitalise on the Seasonal Rental Boom
Flexible Accommodation in Spain welcomes a new specialised player. Welcomer, led by Axel Edric Capriles, is born to focus on the growing niche of seasonal rentals, a segment driven by new work models and increasing restrictions on traditional tourist rentals, seeking to offer high quality solutions for medium-term stays.