Account

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

'We moved in with 17 strangers so we wouldn't be lonely' - why co-housing is on the rise

'We moved in with 17 strangers so we wouldn't be lonely' - why co-housing is on the rise

Summary

Co-housing, where people live in private homes but share common spaces, is becoming popular in the UK as a way to reduce loneliness and address housing and care challenges. A community called Berry Park in Devon has 18 residents of different ages living together, sharing land and facilities to build a supportive neighborhood.

Key Facts

  • Berry Park is a co-housing community located on the Hartland Peninsula in Devon with 18 residents aged 4 to 70.
  • Residents have private homes but share common areas like gardens, allotments, and dining spaces.
  • Co-housing is gaining popularity in the UK, with more than 120 developments either completed or in progress.
  • Nearly 2,000 people are on a national waiting list hoping to join co-housing communities.
  • The UK Cohousing Network reports increasing landowners want to develop co-housing projects.
  • Single-person households make up 30% of all UK households, with nearly half being people aged 65 or older.
  • Loneliness affects almost one million people over 65, motivating the search for community living options.
  • Residents typically go through a selection process including online meetings and trials before joining.
Read the Full Article

This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.