Did you know that cohousing is a trending alternative that is gaining new followers every day? You read that right. The fact is that having decent housing isn't a possibility for everyone. The reality for each family, household, or individual is different.
The term cohousing can be translated as collaborative housing or co-housing. It's a lifestyle where a group of people own their private homes but share certain common spaces with other residents. You might be thinking this concept is a new trend, but the truth is it's been around for several years.
The first record of such a community dates back to the 1960s and 70s in Denmark. Subsequently, this model spread to other cities in Northern Europe before reaching the United States, where it was dubbed cohousing. This way of life offers support for the most vulnerable, such as very young people or seniors.
Like any human system, cohousing has its own established principles to govern its operation. In this case, the foundation of these principles is the idea of the common good and mutual support. Let's look at some of its characteristics:
In this living model, it's essential that each member has a voice and a vote when it comes to making decisions. Therefore, in cohousing all owners actively participate in any meeting or consultation held. It is precisely these types of rules that facilitate group living, as each member feels valued and considered in this way.
Another non-negotiable principle is the layout and design of common areas. Some of these common areas include:
It is necessary for each resident to actively participate in structuring common areas. Similarly, residents take turns maintaining common areas.
In the cohousing model, it is mandatory for those involved to be willing to cooperate, share, and interact with their community. It is vital that there is a spirit of mutual support, where everyone looks out for each other's well-being. If this philosophy is absent, it would not be true collaborative housing, but rather a traditional residence where interaction between neighbors is often lacking.
Next, we'll tell you about the different types of cohousing that currently exist.
This is probably the most common type in the world of cohousing. In this case, the property belongs to a cooperative that grants the right to use a dwelling and common areas for a fee. The amount of this fee or charge is set by the cooperative.
It is also known as cloudhousing because it is a model more adapted to the needs of each individual. In this modality, each community member decides which services they will use, and the amount to be paid is determined accordingly. This format provides each person the freedom to choose what they want and what they prefer to forgo.
It is a type of cohousing more selective or private, as it generally doesn't involve as many members as other models. In this case, a small group of people purchases land and then builds shared housing units on it.
For the proper functioning of cohousing, each member makes financial contributions to cover maintenance, remodeling, and property improvements. For this reason, all residents are an integral part of every stage of cohousing. From the moment construction is planned to community management, it's everyone's responsibility.
Furthermore, it's essential that consensus is always reached. For this reason, meetings are frequent in these communities. During these meetings, important decisions are typically made democratically and participatively. Additionally, responsibilities are assigned to each member during these resident assemblies.
Depending on people's preferences or needs, different cohousingmodels can be adopted. Learn about the different types of shared communities below.
This involves a group of people from different age ranges or generations living together. This model aims to foster intergenerational exchange, cooperation, and communication.
In this type of cohousing the community's residents focus on designing environmentally friendly spaces. The homes in these communities are characterized by using ecological materials in their construction and by efficient consumption of energy and resources. In addition, coexistence practices and guidelines are established to minimize ecological impact.
Senior cohousing communities are defined as cohousing communities designed to accommodate older adults. This means that the homes and common areas have services and adaptations for people with reduced mobility. Some examples of special adaptations for older adults include:
It's important to note that this living arrangement model is increasingly popular among seniors who previously lived alone. The main reason is their desire to age with companionship and support they typically don't receive from their families.
These are residential complexes exclusively for family groups. In this type of living arrangement, we can find communities that accept any family model, as well as others exclusive to traditional, single-parent, same-sex parent, blended, extended families, among others.
How much does it cost?
It's difficult to set a fixed amount, as it depends on the location, types of housing, facilities, additional services, and the model of cohousing. However, the estimated initial fees for the right-to-use model range from 100,000 to 300,000 euros. Monthly maintenance fees, on the other hand, range from 300 to 1,000 euros.
The cohousing model is beneficial for both individuals and the community. The benefits of this residential model include the following:
Through cohousing, residents develop close bonds of friendship and camaraderie with other members. Each resident feels part of a supportive community whose members care for and support each other.
When sharing spaces with others, you also share the associated maintenance costs. Bills for electricity, water, gas, internet, among others, are covered by all members who benefit from the common areas.
The feeling of belonging and being surrounded by supportive people can positively impact your emotional well-being. Furthermore, forming connections with those around you fosters a favorable environment that leads to a better quality of life.
In most communities cohousing sustainable practices are established in both the construction and management of spaces. Additionally, each member adopts habits that contribute to environmental health, such as proper waste management, avoiding polluting products, conscious use of basic services, among others.
Aging in a cohousing is aging with dignity. In these types of communities, 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, taken into account, and receives constant support from other members.
As with everything in life, cohousing also has aspects that can be negative in some cases. Among them, we can mention:
The prices to rent or buy a housing unit in a cohousingformat, or even to cover maintenance fees, can be unaffordable for some people.
It's possible that some aspiring residents of a cohousing may not be able to do so if they don't meet the necessary requirements. Some selection processes for new members can be quite strict and exclusive.
While it's true that people living in a cohousing have similar lifestyles and philosophies, they don't always get along. Conflicts or disagreements are latent, especially when living in large communities.
The cohousing is a growing trend. Are you interested in being part of a collaborative community? Are you a real estate agent looking for good opportunities? In both situations, you can count on Domoblock! Schedule a meeting today with our team of professionals. We will be pleased to provide you with the necessary advice.
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