Call to develop cohousing communities for over 50s

An Irish not-for-profit organization is calling on the government to prioritize the development of cohousing communities specifically for people aged 50 and over, arguing that current housing policies have a significant blind spot.

Cohousing Communities Ireland has published a document asserting that the focus on first-time buyers and social housing overlooks the needs of a substantial portion of the population. With 1.76 million Irish people currently over 50, a number projected to surpass two million by 2030, their housing requirements are not being adequately addressed.

The organization proposes the establishment of a "self-financing revolving development fund" to support the creation of three initial "demonstrator" cohousing communities in Dublin, Cork, and Westport. Cohousing is described as independent living within a community setting for those over 50, offering privacy and autonomy similar to conventional homeownership but within a "self-managing, purpose-designed community" of typically 30 to 50 homes.

While cohousing initiatives have seen success internationally in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Denmark, Cohousing Communities Ireland points to several barriers in Ireland. These include difficulties in securing suitable land, particularly in Dublin. They suggest that local authorities, the HSE, Defence Forces, and the Land Development Agency be mandated to allocate a percentage of their land for community-led housing projects for the over-50s.

Furthermore, the document suggests broadening eligibility for house purchase schemes to include lower-income individuals whose current homes have less value than the proposed new residences. It also recommends that mortgage providers be offered bridging finance options. The organization stresses the need for a legal definition of cohousing for the 50+ age group in legislation to provide legitimacy for local authorities to plan and set targets, integrating these commitments into housing, planning, and aging policies. They believe developers will only embrace cohousing once demand is clearly demonstrated and sales are proven successful.