Collective-oriented dwelling is most suitable for those who prefer “separate but interwoven lives”, says proponent
After a recent thorough overhaul of her row house, Toronto resident Carol Buss is now looking for individuals who are open to a communal way of living.
Buss noted that a particular difficulty in advertising her Cabbagetown dwelling—which has been specifically redesigned for independent adults living together, and thus features multiple sinks, ovens, refrigerators, bathrooms, work areas, and other amenities—is that it’s nothing like a dormitory or a rental apartment.
“There really isn’t a category for shared living,” she told The Globe and Mail.
Real estate agent Jen Tripp, who collaborated in the renovation and is now helping Buss look for housemates, noted that billing the home as an example of shared accommodation isn’t quite accurate because it’s designed for those who prefer “separate but interwoven lives”.
“They need to share the space for economic drivers instead of quality of life drivers,” Tripp explained. “They’re completely different dynamics.”
The arrangement presents a unique option for young adults in the overheated Toronto housing market, which has seen low-rise prices grow by more than $100,000 year-over-year in July. Observers and industry players have cited foreign capital and inadequate supply as the main driving factors in the increase.
Buss is optimistic of finding the right people to live in her collective home built around the concepts of companionship and mutual aid.
“I can’t solve everything. I’m looking for the person who’s ready to make the choice,” Buss said. “This isn’t for everybody but I think it’s an option.”
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Buss noted that a particular difficulty in advertising her Cabbagetown dwelling—which has been specifically redesigned for independent adults living together, and thus features multiple sinks, ovens, refrigerators, bathrooms, work areas, and other amenities—is that it’s nothing like a dormitory or a rental apartment.
“There really isn’t a category for shared living,” she told The Globe and Mail.
Real estate agent Jen Tripp, who collaborated in the renovation and is now helping Buss look for housemates, noted that billing the home as an example of shared accommodation isn’t quite accurate because it’s designed for those who prefer “separate but interwoven lives”.
“They need to share the space for economic drivers instead of quality of life drivers,” Tripp explained. “They’re completely different dynamics.”
The arrangement presents a unique option for young adults in the overheated Toronto housing market, which has seen low-rise prices grow by more than $100,000 year-over-year in July. Observers and industry players have cited foreign capital and inadequate supply as the main driving factors in the increase.
Buss is optimistic of finding the right people to live in her collective home built around the concepts of companionship and mutual aid.
“I can’t solve everything. I’m looking for the person who’s ready to make the choice,” Buss said. “This isn’t for everybody but I think it’s an option.”
Related Stories:
Cost of housing in GTA a formidable barrier to first-time buyers - study
Toronto sales to pick up in Q3 - report
