Cohousing is new to many New Zealanders, so it’s natural to have questions and a few worries. Here are the ones we hear most, and what’s actually true.
“I’ll lose my privacy.”
You have your own fully self-contained home with your own front door, and you can close it whenever you like. Shared spaces are there when you want them. Joining in is always your choice.
“It’s a commune, or a cult.”
Neither. Every household is financially independent and owns its own home. There’s no shared income, no required beliefs and no leader. It’s a neighbourhood with some shared facilities and neighbours who know each other.
“It must cost more.”
You contribute to shared spaces, but sharing also saves money. Neighbours share tools, a mower and guest rooms instead of everyone owning their own, and energy-efficient homes help keep power bills down. See our costs page for the details.
“Decisions will take forever.”
Deciding together is a skill, and it gets easier with practice. During the Founding Circle, future neighbours learn simple, fair ways to make decisions so everyone is heard without endless meetings.
“What if I don’t get on with a neighbour?”
That can happen anywhere. The difference is that cohousing neighbourhoods have agreed ways to work through conflict, and people who choose cohousing tend to value good communication.
“I don’t have time for meetings.”
There are some regular meetings and shared jobs, designed to be manageable. Many residents find the support they get back, such as shared meals, childcare swaps and help when they’re sick, saves them more time than it takes.
“It will be noisy and crowded.”
Good design makes the difference: well-insulated homes, thoughtful layouts and agreed quiet times. Many cohousing neighbourhoods also keep cars to the edge of the site, which means less traffic noise.
“Everyone will have to think the same.”
Our neighbourhoods welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and views. What residents share is a wish for deeper connections with the people around them and a lighter footprint on the earth.
“It will be hard to sell.”
Cohousing homes are in limited supply and interest is growing. Each neighbourhood has a clear resale process that looks after both the seller and the community. [Resale details for Circle Living neighbourhoods — to confirm]
Still have questions?
Watch our latest Open Hour, read how it works, or register your interest and we’ll keep you posted.
