Co-Living: How We’re Transforming the HMO Landscape

Peter Burke — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:30:42 +0000

As urbanisation rapidly transforms the way we live, it’s clear that traditional housing models need to evolve to meet the demands of modern society.

At, A Fairer Society and ReThink Community, we’re leading the charge in this transformation. By introducing innovative concepts like co-housing and alternative HMO models, we’re reimagining what it means to live in a community. In this blog, I’ll share my thoughts on how these new approaches are reshaping the property landscape.

Read or watch when I caught up with David Price on the True Life Business Show…

What is Co-Housing?

Co-housing is not just a housing model; it’s a movement towards intentional living. Unlike traditional housing, co-housing communities are designed and managed by the residents themselves, with a strong focus on sustainability, shared resources, and communal living.

Co-housing typically involves a group of like-minded individuals coming together to create a living environment that fosters connection and mutual support. These communities often feature smaller private homes with larger shared spaces, where collaboration takes precedence over isolation.

And Co-Living?

The Urban Twist

While co-housing is centred around intentional communities building and owning their community, co-living brings this concept into the urban rental market, making it accessible to a wider audience. Co-living is a response to the challenges of urbanisation, such as the high cost of living, cost of housing and the increasing sense of disconnect.

There’s a saying… Lonely in a city of millions and this has been truer than today.

Co-living spaces typically offer smaller private rooms with extensive shared amenities like kitchens, lounges, and recreational areas. This model particularly appeals to young professionals who prioritise affordability and community over traditional notions of ownership.

The Key Differences Between Co-Housing and Co-Living

Though co-housing and co-living share similarities, they are distinct in their execution. Co-housing communities are often self-managed and deeply rooted in shared values, while co-living spaces are usually developer-driven, catering to individuals seeking convenience and a sense of community within an urban environment. In my view, co-housing is about a collective vision, while co-living is more about making urban living more accessible and less isolating.

Alternative HMO Models: A New Approach to Shared Living

One of the most exciting innovations we’re introducing is the concept of alternative HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) models. Traditional HMOs often lack a sense of community and can prioritise profit over people. Our vision is to change that by incorporating cooperative principles into the HMO framework. In these alternative models, tenants are encouraged to take ownership of their living space—not in a financial sense, but through governance and day-to-day management. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, which is often missing in conventional rental arrangements.

Creating Intentional Communities in Urban Spaces

A key aspect of our strategy is the creation of intentional communities within urban co-living spaces. This involves carefully selecting tenants who share similar values and lifestyles, ensuring that the community is cohesive and supportive. The process begins even before the tenants move in, as we facilitate introductions and help potential housemates align their expectations and living styles. By doing so, we aim to eliminate the anonymity and disconnect that often plague traditional HMOs.

Benefits for Property Investors

For property investors, our alternative HMO model offers a unique opportunity. By adopting this community-focused approach, investors can reduce void periods, as tenants are more likely to stay longer in an environment where they feel connected and valued. Additionally, the cooperative model reduces the burden on landlords, as tenants take on more responsibility for the upkeep and management of the property. This creates a win-win situation where both landlords and tenants benefit from a more sustainable and harmonious living arrangement.

The Future of Co-Living and Intentional Communities

As urbanisation continues to shape our living environments, the demand for innovative housing solutions will only grow. Our vision for co-living and alternative HMO models represents a significant shift towards more humane and sustainable living arrangements. By prioritising community, intentionality, and shared responsibility, we are not only addressing the housing challenges of today but also paving the way for a future where urban living can be both affordable and fulfilling.

Conclusion

At A Fairer Society and ReThink Community, our work is a testament to the power of reimagining traditional systems. As we look to the future, it’s clear that concepts like co-housing and co-living will play a crucial role in creating more connected and sustainable communities. We invite you to join us in this co-living revolution and help shape the future of urban living.

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Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation: The Power of Cohousing Communities

Peter Burke — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 11:02:40 +0000

Loneliness and isolation are not just personal issues, they’re societal ones. In the UK, loneliness has been dubbed a “silent pandemic,” with millions feeling disconnected from their communities. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people who are chronically lonely has risen to 3.83 million, half a million more than in the first year of the pandemic. This is a significant increase, with 7.1% of the population now saying that they are always or often lonely.

But what if there was a way to combat this loneliness, to foster real connections and create a sense of belonging? Enter cohousing communities, a solution offered by A Fairer Society.

What are co-housing communities?

Cohousing communities are intentional, collaborative neighbourhoods that foster a sense of community and connection. They offer a solution to the loneliness and isolation that many people experience in today’s disconnected society.

So, what is the main cause of loneliness?

It can be many things, from living alone to a lack of social interaction. But one of the key factors is a lack of community connection. That’s where cohousing can make a difference.

Cohousing communities are designed to foster connection and community. They offer shared spaces for socialising, communal meals, and regular community activities. This can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, providing residents with a sense of belonging and a community to rely on.

But what happens to people in isolation?

Isolation can lead to a range of mental and physical health issues, from depression and anxiety to heart disease and a weakened immune system. There is no single solution to the growing ‘silent pandemic’ but it’s the responsibility of us all to try and find solutions that can benefit our society, communities and us. The reason we champion cohousing communities is because we have the seen the results from projects across the UK. It’s amazing the difference it make to people’s lives, providing regular social interaction and a supportive community.

So, how do you deal with loneliness?

We believe one of the most effective ways is to foster real, meaningful connections with others. And that’s exactly what A Fairer Society is trying to build through cohousing communities and other inititives in the workplace and your community. Take a look at some recent micro-grant projects and how a small grant can benefit a street, neighborhood and the local community. Our aim is to work with you to provide a space for people in your community to connect, to share experiences, and to support each other.

In conclusion…

Loneliness and isolation are significant issues in today’s society. But they’re not insurmountable. With projects such as cohousing communities, we can foster real connections, combat loneliness, and build a fairer society. To find out more about cohousing and how it can help to combat loneliness, take a look at our articles on co-housing communities and projects across the UK on the links below and you can also take a look at our latest articles and blogs.

Living in Intentional Communities: Exploring Cohousing

Co-op housing 5 UK examples that are working for One Planet Living

Cohousing: Bringing you better places to live

The importance of community in your neighbourhood

You can even take a quick 1 minute quiz to see if you need a ‘better place to live’.

Help to spread the word about Cohousing, Better Places to Live and creating A Fairer Society.

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