Questions - Page 1
Why choose co-ownership? | Why Co-housing | How does co-ownership work? | What about Land Tenure? | Personal and Legal Matters | HIPS - Home Information Packs | Further Information
Why choose co-ownership?
How do you see your future? Are you interested in exploring new ways of living?
Changes in society mean that many homes are occupied by single people. Young people struggle to afford their first step on the property ladder; while older people are relying on their properties to fund their retirement. Many older, single people will face a rising cost of living together with increasing isolation.
Many single people in the ‘baby boomer’ age group, probably didn’t plan to live alone. Divorce, bereavement, and families living separate lives are the reality for many older singles. Some older singles may be attracted to co-ownership because they see that by combining their property assets with another single, or like minded others, they could enjoy a more comfortable future. Others may be motivated by the wish for company and companionship in the years ahead.
If you are without a ready made co-owner, such as a close friend or relative, you could meet your future co-owner here. Co-ownership and communal living presents many challenges, but potentially offers huge benefits and is an exciting way forward for housing in the future.
Why Co-housing?
If you are attracted to the idea of co-ownership but feel that sharing with just one or two others is not for you; co-housing may be the solution. Co-housing is an alternative way of living for those looking for a combination of co-ownership with communal living. Co-housing, which is quite well developed in Denmark and in North America, is now a viable solution to housing problems here in this country. Co-housing mixes separate housing units with some shared facilities. In this way, private space is maintained, yet there is a small, close community of other residents. Co-housing is already a reality at Cole Street Farm, near Gillingham, in Dorset.
The Threshold Centre, at Cole Street Farm is set in a rural location not far from the picturesque town of Shaftesbury. It is a thriving example of co-housing started by an original group of six individuals. Anyone interested in co-housing or related ideas, will be welcome at the Threshold Centre. The Centre has bed and breakfast facilities, and the residents hold courses and open days on co-housing. To find out more about their co-housing venture, and the courses available, go to their website at www.threshold.org.uk.
The UK Co-housing Network is devoted to co-housing issues and provides full and clear information on all aspects of co-housing. For further information, go to their website at www.cohousing.org.uk.