If cohousing is going to be sustainable it will need to be more innovative and daring in designing, financing, and constructing living units. Half the population of the US and proportionately more of other countries live on less than $30,000 a year and can’t afford to purchase a living unit costing more than $75,000 to $90,000.

Cohousing with units at or above market rates is out of reach for half of the citizens of the United States. With the exception of 8 countries, it is out of reach for almost 90% of the population of all others. It is no accident that cohousing began in Scandinavia that has a higher per capita income than even the United States.

To provide secure housing for a greater number of people housing, and thus cohousing has to begin thinking differently.