Its just jazzing up the concept in which you rent out separate rooms. But this time more emphasis is placed on the shared space, i.e. the kitchen, living room etc.

Isn't that what some of these people are doing?

I've an ex-colleague who is now doing this full time.

To me it still seems like a fancier dorm living, but it seems like it is getting traction. But I thought it has to be done under a residential property and not a commercial one?