Scandinavian strategy applied in the US

[Mike Fingleton]

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

[Greg Scott]

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.