Cohousing in Action: Real-World Models 

In Colchester in the UK, Cannock Mill Cohousing stands as an award-winning example of what an intentional, eco-friendly community can look like. Built over more than a decade by a group of like-minded individuals, the community consists of 23 homes designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. But what makes it truly unique is its focus on building intergenerational connections. Cannock Mill offers a thoughtful, community-centred approach to growing older — right where life happens. With a historic mill as its social hub, shared gardens, guest suites, and a “library of things” for borrowing tools and equipment, it has been designed to create connection, sustainability, and mutual support.  

Of course, the journey to creating Cannock Mill wasn’t simple. Securing land, financing, and planning permissions was a long and complex process. But in the end, the result is a thriving, resilient community that proves sustainable, socially connected living is more than just a dream. 

A different approach to cohousing can be found in Sheffield at On the Brink, where residents repurposed an old NHS building into 11 unique flats, adding four newly constructed homes to the site. Today, 20 adults and six children, alongside household pets, chickens, and bees, call this community home. Their lifestyle revolves around companionship, ecological awareness, and mutual respect. Solar panels power their homes, electric vehicles are shared among residents, and communal meals and garden workdays bring everyone together. Decision-making is a collective effort, with every resident playing a role through subcommittees and a consensus-driven governance model. 

Cohousing isn’t just about retrofitting old buildings or designing large-scale developments. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a group of friends deciding to live together in a way that makes sense for them. In Texas, in the US, four longtime friends created “Bestie Row,” a tiny home development designed as a retreat for lifelong companionship. Each of the four cabins is just 350 square feet, built with efficiency in mind — corrugated metal exteriors, butterfly roofs for rainwater collection, and energy-efficient insulation. At the heart of Bestie Row is a 1,500-square-foot communal space where meals, conversations, and memories are shared. When the owners are away, the community is available for rent, offering others a glimpse into this alternative way of living. 

 A Global Perspective: Where Cohousing is Thriving 

If there’s one country that has truly embraced cohousing, it’s Denmark. Often credited as the birthplace of the movement, Denmark has been pioneering this way of living since the early 1970s. Today, it boasts over 400 cohousing communities, with around one percent of its population choosing this lifestyle. What began as a Scandinavian concept has since spread across the globe, evolving to fit different cultures and needs. 

So why has cohousing thrived in Denmark? It aligns seamlessly with the country’s strong emphasis on community, equality, and collective well-being. The Danish concept of hygge — which celebrates coziness and social togetherness —naturally supports shared living arrangements. Additionally, Denmark’s progressive social policies and focus on work-life balance make cohousing an attractive option for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. In a society built on trust, collaboration, and mutual support, cohousing has flourished as both a practical and fulfilling way to live. 

The idea has taken hold far beyond Denmark. The Netherlands is home to over 100 Centraal Wonen (cohousing) communities and around 300 developments designed specifically for older adults. In Germany, the movement has exploded, with more than 150 projects in Berlin alone. Across the Atlantic, the United States has over 160 established cohousing communities, with another 125 in development. In the UK, interest is surging — at least 31 cohousing projects are already up and running, and more than 65 groups are actively working to build their own. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are also seeing a growing enthusiasm for community-led housing. 

Could cohousing be a solution to some of modern life’s biggest challenges? With housing costs soaring, cities becoming denser, and loneliness on the rise across all age groups, more people are seeking alternatives. Community living not only makes housing more affordable but also fosters deeper, more meaningful connections. Governments are taking notice — just in March 2024, the UK pledged an additional £20 million to support community-led housing, signalling a growing recognition of its benefits. 

The Challenges and Opportunities of Cohousing 

Despite its many benefits, cohousing is not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is financing. Traditional mortgage models are designed around individual homeownership, making it difficult for community-led housing projects to secure funding. Land acquisition is another major obstacle, with cohousing groups often competing against speculative developers for desirable locations. Then there are the regulatory and governance challenges — navigating planning permissions, legal structures, and community decision-making processes can be daunting. 

But the opportunities are just as significant. As interest in sustainability and alternative housing models grows, so does the potential for financial and policy innovation. More governments are beginning to recognise the benefits of cohousing, and with greater support, we could see the model become more accessible to a wider range of people. 

A Call to Action: Rethinking Finance for Community Living 

Perhaps the biggest shift that needs to happen is in how we think about housing finance. The traditional mortgage model assumes that homeownership is an individual pursuit, but cohousing challenges that notion. If banks and financial institutions were to develop products that better align with the needs of community-led housing — cooperative mortgages, community bonds, or other flexible financing models — we could unlock a new wave of innovative housing solutions. Some, like the UK’s Ecology Building Society, already provide mortgages for sustainable, community-driven projects. However, we need more innovation in this space. 

 As we rethink the way we live, it’s worth asking, could we move beyond mortgaging a house to mortgaging a village? Could financial institutions and policymakers step up to support community-led housing in a meaningful way?