Ariane Burgess: Co-housing concept could add to the supply of affordable housing and boost well-being

Co-housing is a life-enhancing way to live that offers many benefits for people and communities. In my continued work on making more housing people can afford available, co-housing could be part of the solution. This innovative form of housing and place-making originated in Denmark but is gathering momentum across Europe.

Co-housing is a form of community where neighbours own or rent their homes and have some shared indoor and outdoor spaces that they all look after. They meet up regularly for meals and social occasions, and look out for each other. By sharing some facilities, such as laundry rooms, guest rooms, workshops, and gardens, they can reduce their environmental impact and save money. They also have more opportunities to learn new skills, exchange ideas, and have fun together.

One of the benefits of co-housing is that it can add to the supply of affordable housing. By building smaller homes with less infrequently-used space, co-housing groups can lower the cost of construction and maintenance. Co-housing can also free up existing housing for young people and families by providing options for older residents who want to downsize but stay in their communities. It also could help reduce the amount of urban sprawl as co-housing projects take up much less land.

Another benefit of co-housing is that it can reduce social isolation and loneliness. Many people in Scotland feel lonely or disconnected from their neighbours. We saw that was especially true during the Covid-19 pandemic. Co-housing can offer a sense of belonging and mutual support that is often lacking in wider society. Co-housing residents report higher levels of wellbeing, happiness, and trust than those living in conventional housing.

A third benefit of co-housing is that it can strengthen community life and sense of place. Co-housing groups are often involved in local activities and initiatives that benefit the wider area. They can also create spaces for social interaction, cultural diversity, and civic engagement. Co-housing can foster a collaborative ethos that values participation, democracy, and cooperation.

One example of a co-housing group that embodies these values is Hope Co-housing in Orkney who I’ve been supporting. They are working to establish the UK’s first rented tenure co-housing project in St Margaret’s Hope. The project has sparked the interest of Orkney Islands Council who have contributed to the project in the form of the gift of the land where the housing will be built.

The group have learned so much about getting a co-housing project going that they are keen to share information people who are inspired by this beneficial way of living. If you are interested in learning more from their experience, take a look at their website hopecohousing.org

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