We moved in with 17 strangers so we wouldn’t be lonely’ – why co-housing is becoming a trend

We moved in with 17 strangers – Retirement often brings the idea of a quiet, independent life, but for Nikki Little and John Porter, the path to contentment involved a bold decision. Instead of purchasing a modest bungalow for two, they opted for a £1 million home on Devon’s remote Hartland Peninsula, seeking more than just a residence—they aimed to build a shared living space with 17 other individuals. This unconventional arrangement has sparked a growing movement across the UK, where co-housing communities are emerging as a response to loneliness, the housing shortage, and the financial pressures of aging.

A Community of Mutual Support

The UK Cohousing Network highlights that co-housing is gaining traction, especially in a post-pandemic era where isolation has become a pressing concern. For John, the motivation was personal: “In the future, I was probably going to die first, and I didn’t want Nikki to be alone,” he reflects. As a childless couple, they viewed co-housing as a natural step to ensure Nikki’s care in the years ahead. The idea of a collective where both their needs and the community’s well-being are intertwined resonated deeply.

“Here I have a family,” says Lorraine Jones, 49, who relocated to Berry Park in April 2025 from a solitary life in Bath. “I feel like I’ve found my tribe.”

Residents like Jones, a charity fundraiser, emphasize the emotional and practical benefits. “I don’t miss my solo life in Bath—where I couldn’t afford land for a garden or space to keep animals,” she explains. The sense of belonging and reduced loneliness has made the transition worthwhile. Berry Park, a co-housing project, now serves as a model for this lifestyle, with its shared facilities and communal ethos.

Rising Demand and Structural Shifts

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 8.6 million people in the UK lived alone in 2025, making up 30% of all households. Notably, nearly half (49.6%) of these individuals were aged 65 or older, a rise from 46.9% a decade prior. Age Concern reports that almost one million over-65s often experience loneliness, underscoring the urgency for social solutions. The South West region, in particular, has a higher proportion of elderly living alone than the national average, with 779,000 people in that area accounting for 30.4% of households.

Owen Jarvis, CEO of the UK Cohousing Network, notes that the landscape is evolving. “Landowners are now proactively offering sites for co-housing developments,” he explains. This shift signals a broader recognition of the desire for more neighborly living. Berry Park, one of the many co-housing projects, exemplifies this trend, with over 120 developments either completed or in progress, and nearly 2,000 people on a national waiting list.

Building a Shared Future

The structure of Berry Park is designed to balance autonomy and collaboration. Originally divided into holiday flats, the property was reimagined as a co-housing community five years ago by its founders, including John, Nikki, and two other families. Residents now own or rent their units, clustered around a central space that includes gardens, a communal kitchen, and shared amenities. Monthly bills are split evenly, with each adult contributing £115, covering utilities and communal upkeep.

The joining process is rigorous, requiring online applications, virtual meetings, and in-person visits. Prospective members undergo a three-month trial period to assess compatibility. “It’s about ensuring it’s the right fit for everyone,” Jarvis adds. Unlike traditional communal living, co-housing allows for private income through individual jobs, fostering financial independence within the collective.

“There are going to be times when the last thing you want to do is contribute to a shared meal,” says Josie, a 45-year-old homelessness outreach worker. “Or someone is annoying you and you have to engage with them and find a way through it. Next time, you could be the one being annoying.”

Josie, who moved to Berry Park with her five children, acknowledges the challenges. “I spend up to 12 hours a week on community chores,” she admits. Yet, the rewards outweigh the effort. The co-housing model encourages interdependence, with shared responsibilities and a network of support that extends beyond immediate family. For example, communal washing machines and a storeroom stocked with homegrown produce from the allotments create a sense of collective effort and resource sharing.

A Resilient Living Environment

Steve, a stonemason, and his wife Rebecca, along with their two children, exemplify the practical appeal of co-housing. “Our home would likely cost twice as much if it were on the market with a small garden,” Steve notes. The couple’s decision reflects a deeper aspiration: “We want to live in a more resilient environment. The future is going to be tough, and we think community living will help with that.”

Berry Park’s success highlights the adaptability of co-housing. It caters to a wide age range, from children to retirees, creating a dynamic intergenerational mix. This diversity fosters learning and collaboration, such as when residents tend to shared allotments or manage communal spaces. For many, it’s not just about avoiding loneliness—it’s about building a sustainable, connected lifestyle that addresses modern challenges.

As co-housing gains momentum, it’s reshaping how people think about home. With its emphasis on community, shared resources, and flexible living arrangements, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional housing models. For Nikki and John, the choice was clear: a £1 million home with 17 neighbors, rather than a solitary life. Their story, and the stories of others like Lorraine and Josie, illustrate a collective shift toward more inclusive and resilient living solutions.