Ecovillages and other kinds of shared living

Cohousing sits within a wider family of ways to live with others. Some people want a large rural ecovillage with shared land and food gardens. Others want the convenience of a furnished co-living studio in the city. Some want to stay in their own street and build community with existing neighbours. Others are combining generations under one roof.

This guide compares cohousing with these other options, so you can find the model that suits your needs, budget and appetite for community. It's general information. Each option involves different legal, financial and planning considerations, so get advice before committing.

Ecovillages

An ecovillage is a community, often on a larger site, that aims to live sustainably across social, economic and ecological dimensions. Ecovillages commonly feature:

• shared land, food production and orchards;
• renewable energy, water harvesting and sustainable building;
• cohousing-like clusters of homes and community facilities;
• education and outreach.

Narara Ecovillage on the NSW Central Coast is a well-known Australian example. The Global Ecovillage Network connects ecovillages worldwide.

Ecovillages can offer a strong connection to land and community but are often in regional areas, with longer travel times and more involvement in land management.

Commercial co-living

Co-living usually refers to buildings where residents rent private rooms or studios and share kitchens, lounges and other facilities, run by a commercial operator. It can suit young professionals, students and people new to a city.

Compared with cohousing:

• homes are usually smaller and less self-contained;
• an operator, not residents, manages the building;
• tenancy is typically shorter-term;
• community events may be organised by staff.

Housing co-operatives

Housing co-operatives are member-owned organisations providing housing. In Australia, many are rental co-operatives that provide affordable housing, sometimes in partnership with community housing organisations. Some combine co-operative ownership with cohousing design. See legal structures.

Retrofit cohousing

In retrofit cohousing, neighbours in existing homes agree to share community life and facilities. They might remove fences, create a shared garden, convert a garage into a common room, or share tools and meals. It avoids the cost and risk of new development, though legal arrangements for shared spaces need care.

Multigenerational living

Families are increasingly sharing homes across generations, or building granny flats or secondary dwellings for parents or adult children. Planning rules for secondary dwellings vary by state and council. Family agreements, including financial arrangements, should be put in writing with legal advice.

Share houses

Share houses, with unrelated adults sharing a rented home, are a familiar form of shared living in Australia. They offer flexibility and low cost but usually little long-term stability or shared vision.

Comparing the options

Choosing what suits you

Ask yourself:

1. How much privacy do I need?
2. How much community do I want, and how much time can I give it?
3. Do I want to own, rent or share ownership?
4. Where do I need to live for work, family and services?
5. What can I afford, now and long term?

Shared living isn't one thing, and there is no single right model. The best choice is the one that matches your values, budget, location and stage of life, and that you can commit to with enthusiasm. Take your time, ask lots of questions, and don't be afraid to change course as you learn more.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a model for its image rather than how it works day to day.
• Underestimating land management in rural ecovillages.
• Informal family arrangements without legal advice.

Community land trusts and shared land

Some shared living projects place land in a community land trust or similar structure, so that the land is held for community benefit and homes stay affordable over time. Others use co-operatives or companies to hold shared land, with residents leasing or owning their homes. These approaches can be combined with ecovillage or cohousing models. See legal structures.

Questions to ask any community

Whatever model you're considering, ask:

• How are decisions made, and how much say would I have?
• What are the costs to join, the ongoing costs and the costs if I leave?
• What are the expectations for participation, such as meetings, working bees and meals?
• How are new members chosen and welcomed?
• What legal structure applies, and what rights would I have?
• How has the community handled conflict in the past?

Ask current residents as well as organisers, and get independent legal and financial advice before committing money.

Starting small

If you're drawn to shared living but not ready for a big move, there are small ways to start. Join a community garden, set up a tool library or meal-sharing group with neighbours, or try a shared holiday house with friends. These experiences build skills in cooperation and help you learn what kind of community suits you.

Rural or urban?

Rural ecovillages and communities often offer more land, space for food production and closeness to nature, but they can mean longer travel to work, schools and health services, and more involvement in managing land, water and fire risk. Urban cohousing and co-operatives usually offer better access to services and transport, but less space and often higher land costs. Think about your work, family, health and transport needs over the long term.

Where to find more information

The Global Ecovillage Network publishes information about ecovillages worldwide. State fair trading agencies explain co-operatives law, and state planning portals explain rules for secondary dwellings. Cohousing networks list communities and forming groups, and many communities share their stories online.

Whichever path you choose, the skills you build in one form of shared living, such as listening, compromise, clear agreements and running a good meeting, carry over to others. Many people move between models over their lives, from share houses when young, to cohousing with a family, to seniors cohousing later on.

Whatever stage you're at, talking with people who have lived in or built cohousing is one of the most valuable things you can do. Their experience, good and bad, will help you make better decisions and set realistic expectations for the road ahead.

Key points

Cohousing is one of many shared living options, alongside ecovillages, co-living, housing co-operatives, retrofit cohousing, multigenerational homes and share houses. They differ in privacy, community, control and commitment. Think about your needs, visit communities and get advice before committing.