Did you know that cohousing is currently a growing trend? That’s right. However, decent housing is not accessible to everyone. The reality of each family, household, or individual is different.
The term cohousing can be translated as collaborative housing or co-living. It is a lifestyle in which a group of people own their private homes but share certain common spaces with other residents. You might think this concept is new, but the truth is that it has been around for several years.
The first recorded community of this type dates back to the 1960s and 1970s in Denmark. Later, this model spread to other cities in Northern Europe and eventually reached the United States, where it was named cohousing. This way of living provides support to more vulnerable groups, such as very young people and older adults.
Like any human system, cohousing has its own established principles that govern how it functions. In this case, these principles are based on the concept of the common good and mutual support. Let’s look at some of its characteristics:
In this model of cohabitation, it is essential that each member has a say in decision-making. Therefore, in cohousing, all owners actively participate in meetings or consultations that take place. Clear rules are established to facilitate group living, ensuring that each member feels valued and heard.
Another non-negotiable principle is the layout and design of common areas. Some of these shared spaces include:
Each resident must be actively involved in the organization and structure of the common areas. Likewise, residents take turns handling the maintenance of shared spaces.
In the cohousing model, it is essential that those involved are willing to cooperate, share, and interact with their community. It is vital that there is a spirit of mutual support, where everyone cares for and looks out for the well-being of others. If this philosophy does not exist, it would not be true collaborative housing, but rather a traditional residence, where there is often little interaction between neighbors.
Next, we will tell you about the different types of cohousing that exist today.
This is probably the most common type of cohousing. In this case, the property belongs to a cooperative that grants the right to use a home and shared areas in exchange for a fee. The amount of this fee is set by the cooperative.
It is also known as cloudhousing, as it is a model that is more tailored to the needs of each individual. In this model, each member of the community decides which services to use, and the amount to be paid is set accordingly. This format allows each person the freedom to choose what they want and what they prefer to forgo.
It is a more selective or private type of cohousing, as it generally includes fewer members than other models. In this case, a small group of people purchases a plot of land and then builds shared housing on it.
For cohousing to function properly, each member makes financial contributions to carry out maintenance, remodeling, and property improvements. For this reason, all residents play a fundamental role in every stage of cohousing. From the moment construction is planned to the management of the community, it is everyone's responsibility.
In addition to this, it is essential that consensus is always reached. For this reason, meetings are frequent in these communities. Important decisions are usually made democratically through neighborhood assemblies. Furthermore, during these assemblies, responsibilities are assigned to each member.
Depending on people's preferences or needs, different cohousing models can be adopted. Learn about the different types of shared communities below.
It consists of a group of people from different age groups or generations living together. This model seeks to promote intergenerational exchange, cooperation, and communication.
In this type of cohousing, community members focus on designing environmentally friendly spaces. Homes in these communities are characterized by the use of eco-friendly materials in construction and by promoting energy efficiency and responsible resource consumption. In addition, guidelines and coexistence practices are established to minimize environmental impact.
Senior cohousing refers to communities specifically designed to accommodate older adults. In other words, the homes and common areas are equipped with services and adaptations that allow residents with reduced mobility to move around more easily. Some examples of special adaptations for older adults include:
It is important to note that this model of cohabitation is increasingly sought after by older adults who previously lived alone. The main reason is that they want to grow old with the companionship and support they do not typically receive from their relatives.
These are residential complexes designed exclusively for family groups. In this type of community, we can find developments that welcome any family structure, as well as others that are specifically intended for traditional families, single-parent families, same-sex parent families, blended families, extended families, among others.
How much does it cost?
It is difficult to establish a fixed amount, as it depends on the location, type of housing, facilities, additional services, and cohousing model. However, the estimated price for an initial-use model typically ranges from €100,000 to €300,000. On the other hand, monthly maintenance fees usually range between €300 and €1,000.
Cohousing is beneficial for both individuals and the community as a whole. Among the advantages of this residential model are the following:
Through cohousing, residents build strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie with other members. Each resident feels part of a supportive community whose members care for and support one another.
When you share spaces with others, you also share the associated maintenance costs. Bills for electricity, drinking water, gas, internet, among others, are covered by all members who benefit from the common areas.
The feeling of belonging and being surrounded by people who support you can have a positive impact on emotional well-being. Likewise, building connections with those around you creates a supportive environment that translates into a better quality of life.
Most cohousing communities establish sustainable practices in both the construction and management of their spaces. In addition, each member adopts habits that contribute to environmental well-being, such as proper waste management, avoiding polluting products, and using basic services responsibly, among others.
Aging in a cohousing community means aging with dignity. In this type of setting, older adults are not relegated to a secondary role. On the contrary, regardless of age, each member actively participates in the management of the residence, is valued and heard, and receives ongoing support from the rest of the community.
Like everything in life, cohousing also has aspects that may be negative in certain situations. Among them, we can mention:
The costs of renting or buying a cohousing home, as well as maintenance fees, can be unaffordable for some people.
It is possible that certain applicants wishing to live in a cohousing community may not meet the necessary requirements. In some cases, the selection process for new members can be quite strict and even exclusionary.
While it is true that people who live in cohousing communities often share similar lifestyles and philosophies, conflicts do not always disappear. Disagreements can remain beneath the surface, especially in larger communities.
Cohousing is a growing trend. Are you interested in becoming part of a collaborative community? Are you a real estate agent looking for good opportunities? In either case, you can count on Domoblock! Schedule a meeting with our team of professionals today. We will be happy to provide you with the necessary advice.
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