How Troy Fel Is Redefining Housing Through Community-Driven Co-living
In the heart of Western Australia’s housing crisis, one entrepreneur dared to imagine a different way forward. Troy Fel, founder of Coliving Collective, isn’t just building spaces—he’s building belonging. What began in 2019 as a response to unaffordable rents and social isolation has grown into a movement to reimagine housing for the future.
We sat down with Troy to unpack his journey, challenges, and the powerful mission behind Coliving Collective’s ambitious goal: 10,000 rooms by 2031.
What sparked the creation of Coliving Collective?
It started with a conversation that changed everything. “A young professional told me he was couch-surfing despite holding down a steady job,” Troy recalls. “That was my tipping point. It was a wake-up call to the systemic housing challenges in Western Australia.”
With a background in property development and an eye on global trends in shared living, Troy saw coliving as a practical and transformative solution. “It’s more than affordable housing—it’s about connection, sustainability, and dignity.
What were the early challenges?
In 2020, a financially tempting offer tested the company’s core values. “We were offered a deal to convert our first coliving site into luxury apartments,” Troy shares. “It would’ve solved our cash flow issues—but gone against everything we stood for.”
Instead of compromising, Troy doubled down on the mission, consulted his community, and secured a modest housing grant. “That decision proved our model could be both principled and profitable.”
A pivotal pivot?
A surprising discovery in 2021 changed the game: seniors were increasingly seeking affordable, connected housing. “It was eye-opening,” Troy says. “We redesigned units, added wellness programs, and created spaces that welcomed aging-in-place.”
The result? A waitlist for their first senior-focused pilot—and an expanded mission.
A lesson learned the hard way?
“We underestimated how much community education was needed,” Troy admits. Early resistance to coliving slowed down their first lease-up. “People thought it was just glorified dorm living.”
The solution? Open houses, co-design sessions, and storytelling. These experiences not only reshaped public perception but became integral to how Coliving Collective builds trust and alignment.
When crises hit, how do you stay centered?
Troy blends mindfulness with leadership discipline. Daily meditation and journaling ground him, while strategic advisory boards and outdoor hikes keep perspective in check. “You need clarity to lead during chaos. And you need community to stay resilient.”
What’s one habit that powers your productivity?
Every Monday, Troy dedicates a sacred three-hour “focus block.” No emails. No meetings. Just strategy. “It’s how I realign with our north star and make sure I’m not just reacting—but leading.”
The art of bootstrapping?
When a grant was delayed in 2021, Troy got creative. Deferred contractor payments, crowdsourced furniture, and pre-leasing events generated liquidity and community ownership. “It proved that trust and creativity are more powerful than cash.”
Troy Fel’s journey with Coliving Collective is a blueprint for mission-driven entrepreneurship in a world in need of bold, compassionate innovation. By anchoring every decision in community, integrity, and long-term impact, he’s not just solving the housing crisis—he’s building a future where belonging is a design principle.
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