Decoupling from the market

We live on a tenants-in-common property: three households co-own the entire property. We have a legal agreement that begins with community ethics. We have self-imposed limits on how big our buildings are, how many buildings we have, and how we use the space. Other than shared decision-making around how the land is used (including what is in our agreement, and what we determine in a more ongoing way), we live as completely autonomous households.

The legal agreement de-couples our property value from the market. If any of us wants to leave, our share is valued by what we spent plus a small percentage per year to account for inflation. A decision-making process dictates how it would change hands.

This approach creates a community/neighborhood, makes a beautiful home affordable, and eliminates any incentive to 'flip' for profit (while keeping it affordable for those who come after us). This completely changes my relationship with the place. I am invested - in every way.

Our banks and other systems are not set up to support this kind of arrangement. It was made possible for us because the original owner allowed us to pay for our share (including house construction!) in installments we could afford. He was committed to NOT profiting off the land, so this was interest-free.

Collectively, we got a lot of legal support from a lawyer with experience in co-housing. And the many people who developed a wide range of sharing arrangements in this region a generation before us also helped with role modeling possibilities and having conversations.

Being among people who value homes, land, and community in this way has not only provided a stable roof over my head (without debt) - it has changed me entirely, and how I approach the world. I am so grateful.