One of the many concerts at One The Brink, many open to the wider community.
With This Curious Life, Aejaz shares how co-housing brings people together, building connection, support, and a real sense of community. It’s more than just shared spaces —it’s about neighbours looking out for each other, collaborating, and creating a home that extends beyond four walls. While still a niche concept, Aejaz believes co-housing has the potential to reshape how we think about housing, finance, and well-being — offering rewards that far outweigh the challenges.
But co-housing isn’t just about feeling at home — it could also play a big role in community health. With the UK government strategy for example focusing more on prevention and local care, co-housing provides a way to combat isolation, build stronger social ties, and promote healthier, more sustainable living.
Having worked as an NHS leader and now as a co-housing resident, Aejaz sees this as a blueprint for the future — where housing and health go hand in hand. In a world that can often feel disconnected, co-housing offers something different: a real, thriving community where home is about people, not just a place.
“My kids have learned so much from the older residents here — gardening, ceramics, even activism. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.”
A Community Rooted in History
Aejaz’s co-housing community is in Nether Edge, a leafy neighborhood in Sheffield known for its Victorian architecture and rich history. His home, a converted Victorian building once owned by the NHS, sits on a site that now includes 16 homes, a community garden, and shared spaces.
“This house stood derelict for years,” Aejaz explains. “Like many grand Victorian mansions built for Sheffield’s industrialists, it was too costly for most buyers. But a group of retired NHS and council staff pooled their resources, bought it, and formed a non-profit co-housing company. They invited others to join — that’s how my family and I became part of this community.”
For Aejaz, the appeal of co-housing wasn’t just about affordability or sustainability — it was about creating a space where his children could grow up surrounded by diverse perspectives and life experiences. “My kids have learned so much from the older residents here — gardening, ceramics, even activism. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child,” he says.
A magnificent spread from one of the On The Brink gatherings.
Innovation and Challenges
Co-housing, while rich with benefits, isn’t without its hurdles. From navigating outdated policies to securing financing, the path to creating such communities is often fraught with complexity.
“Getting mortgages for co-housing projects is a major challenge,” Aejaz explains. “The freehold is owned by the community, with individual leases on each home. Most lenders see this as risky. We were lucky to find one willing to work with us — The Ecology Building Society.”
Planning regulations can also be a roadblock. In Aejaz’s case, the involvement of one of the community’s founders and a former senior planning officer for Sheffield, was instrumental. “He knew how to navigate the planning system, which made all the difference. Without him, this project might never have happened,” Aejaz admits.
However, the most significant challenges are often cultural. “When we were setting up, we faced opposition from some residents in the area, which is a relatively affluent part of the city. Many thinking we were hippies,” Aejaz laughs. “But over time, people have seen the value we bring. We host events, support local markets, and engage with the wider community. We want our co-housing project to be a welcoming space, not an insular one.”
During the pandemic, Aejaz’s community demonstrated remarkable resilience. “While other families were isolated, we formed a bubble. Our kids could still play together, and we supported older residents who needed help.”
The Benefits: Mental, Social, and Financial
For those who live in co-housing, the benefits are clear. During the pandemic, Aejaz’s community demonstrated remarkable resilience. “While other families were isolated, we formed a bubble. Our kids could still play together, and we supported older residents who needed help. Having retired and current healthcare professionals in the community was a huge help too,” he recalls.
Social engagement is another significant advantage. “We share cars, compost collectively, and host workshops. Normally, 16 homes would generate well over 30 bins of waste, but we’ve cut that down to about 12. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
Financially, co-housing offers a more sustainable model. Shared resources mean lower costs, and the emphasis on sustainability reduces waste and energy consumption.
The On The Brink 'allotment' area.
Opportunities for Innovation
As co-housing gains traction, there’s a growing need for innovation in areas like finance, planning, and community governance. “One area ripe for innovation is decision-making,” Aejaz notes. “We aim for consensus, but that can be slow. Digital tools could streamline the process, but not everyone is tech-savvy. Finding a balance is key.”
Aejaz also believes there’s untapped potential in data. “Imagine comparing activity levels or social interactions in co-housing communities versus traditional ones. Could we prove that these communities reduce social isolation or improve mental health? I think we could.”
“Developers and financial institutions need to see the value too. This isn’t just about housing; it’s about creating resilient, connected communities.”
Breaking Barriers
Despite its promise, co-housing remains a niche option, largely because of misconceptions and systemic barriers. Aejaz is keenly aware of these issues. “We need more education around co-housing — what it is and why it matters. Developers and financial institutions need to see the value too. This isn’t just about housing; it’s about creating resilient, connected communities.”
The process of joining the co-housing community is also intentionally selective, which can be both a strength and a limitation. “We want diversity but also shared values,” Aejaz explains. “New members fill out a questionnaire about sustainability, for example. It’s about finding people who align with the community’s ethos.”
The back of On The Brink, with some of the new buildings.
On the Brink of a New Era
The community began nearly a decade ago. Aejaz and his family moved in 2018, and by 2021, it was fully occupied as the final properties were completed. Looking ahead, Aejaz is optimistic about co-housing’s future. “There’s growing interest in intergenerational living and intentional communities. We’re on the brink of something big,” he says.
For Aejaz, co-housing isn’t just a housing model — it’s a way of life. It reimagines what it means to live well, together. And for those willing to embrace it, the social, cultural, economic, and health benefits are immeasurable.
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