A common leisure corner is seen at a so-called youth apartment by Chinese developer China Vanke in Shenzhen, China April 26, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

COMMON SPACE

When David Chen, 29, relocated a year ago to an advertising company in the southern city of Shenzhen - one of the country's most expensive property markets - he decided a "youth apartment" was his best bet for housing.

Many youth apartments feature a "co-living" theme with a common space where tenants can socialise after work. They also have live-in managers who organise weekly events such as movie nights, cooking parties, and field trips.

"I was new to the city and didn't have many friends, so I thought living with other young people would be more fun. I like to party," said Chen, who pays 2,800 yuan a month, or around 20 percent of his salary, for an apartment operated by China Vanke, the country's No 2 developer by sales.