In Melbourne, families are adopting a collaborative approach to housing by redeveloping single properties into multiple dwellings. This strategy aims to increase urban density and provide alternative living arrangements.
One such project, the Davison Collaborative in Brunswick, transformed a single brick veneer house into three architecturally designed three-bedroom family dwellings in 2020. Liam Wallis from Hip V. Hype, a property development company, stated this trebled the lot's density and future-proofed it for at least 50 years.
Another initiative, Northcote Townhouses, saw three couples move into their tri-townhouse venture four years after a group of friends and colleagues began planning. Sarah Cosentino noted the importance of connecting with neighbours to ensure the community understood their long-term commitment to the homes.
While these projects can be challenging, companies like Property Collectives, led by Tim Riley, assist groups in navigating the development process. Riley stated that participants often save upwards of $100,000 compared to purchasing a similar home in the same area, driven by a desire for meaningful social connections and supportive communities.