Scandinavian strategy applied in the US
Hey everyone,
I recently caught up with a client who just returned from Denmark, and he shared some fascinating insights about a real estate investment strategy that's been thriving over there: investing in co-housing communities. In Denmark, these communities combine private living spaces with shared common areas like kitchen etc., fostering a strong sense of community among residents. He made a little over $2 million through these properties through free cashflow and appreciation. I know this type of housing was featured in the one show "Happy!" ( https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1613092/ ) on Netflix with a professor, Daniel Gilbert, from Harvard University.
He and I got connected here on another buy-and-hold project but shared this approach, and it's got me wondering - could this model work here the U.S., especially in places where there's a push for sustainable and community-focused living?
Has anyone here explored or invested in co-housing projects stateside? I'm curious about your thoughts on whether this strategy could take off here given our market dynamics. Would love to hear your experiences or opinions!
Cheers,
Pat
Most Popular Reply
A friend of a friend lives in a development just like this in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I went there and saw the place about 10 years ago. Occasionally, I see both of these people.
Out of curiosity, I asked what it was like living there and how it was going. This was his summary:
The upside is the feeling of community. The downside is that 10% of the people do 90% of the work to maintain the community. The 10% that care eventually get burned out. He was one of the 10%. They were looking to move.