Cohousing
Cohousing schemes are intentional, resident-run communities that balance private homes with shared spaces and facilities, fostering neighbourly support. These communities can include a mix of ownership models, such as privately owned homes, shared ownership, and affordable or social rented housing, allowing for diverse housing options within a single scheme.
Core features of cohousing
- Resident-led: Residents actively participate in the design, governance and management of their community.
- Intentional community: The community is created by individuals with a shared vision for collaborative living, often built around shared values.
- Private home with shared amenities: Each household has a private, self-contained home, but residents also share common facilities, outdoor spaces like gardens and playgrounds.
- Emphasis on social connection: Cohousing aims to combat social isolation by encouraging neighbourly support through shared activities, for example regular communal meals.
- Shared responsibilities: Residents manage the community, which includes tasks like maintenance, finances and organising activities.
Cohousing developments are not limited to one type of ownership. They can include a mix of models to ensure inclusivity and affordability.
Mixed tenure examples
- Private ownership: Homes can be fully privately owned, sometimes with a homeowner's association structure (HOA) which is managed by an elected board of directors, typically all homeowners in the community, who abide by the organisational governance and operational framework and defined by legal documents such as CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) and bylaws.
- Affordable housing: Schemes can be designed to include affordable or social rented units, which may require subsidies or specific partnerships to achieve.
- Shared ownership: Some cohousing projects offer shared ownership options.
Partnerships
Community groups can partner with housing associations or other organisations to access funding, manage land, and create different tenure options within a single scheme.