The Future of Housing is Intentional

Traditional housing models are failing us. Skyrocketing rents, house prices at the highest level on record, the isolation of urban living, and the unsustainable nature of individual homeownership are leaving many people searching for alternatives. What if there was a way to live that prioritised affordability, sustainability, and real human connection?

Intentional communities — often referred to as communes — are emerging as a viable solution to these challenges. More than just a nostalgic throwback to the counterculture movements of the past, modern communal living is an innovative, structured response to contemporary housing crises. Could this be the future of how we live?

The Housing Crisis: Why Traditional Models Are Failing

For decades, homeownership has been positioned as the ultimate goal, yet for many, it is increasingly out of reach. In cities across the UK, rents continue to rise while wages stagnate, making the dream of financial stability through property ownership unattainable for younger generations. The rental market offers little security, with tenants facing evictions, poor living conditions, and inflated costs.

The numbers paint a stark picture. House prices have hit record highs, with the average home now costing £265,012 — eight times the average annual income £33,644 — double what it was 20 years ago. At the same time, banks will only lend 4–4.5 times an applicant’s salary in a mortgage, meaning that in areas such as London — Where the median Salary is £44,000, whereas the average price of a 2-bedroom flat in London is around £575,000 — Property is a pipe dream for many.

Side note: check out this studio flat for more than £2 Million:

As a result, the proportion of the population renting rather than owning has nearly doubled in two decades. Meanwhile, more than 150,000 children in England alone are homeless, a record high, and the housing benefit bill to support those struggling to pay their way has ballooned to £20 billion annually.

Beyond affordability, traditional housing models contribute to a growing sense of social isolation. Urban dwellers are often surrounded by people yet lack meaningful connections with their neighbours. With the decline of local communities, many find themselves living alone, disconnected from support networks that could improve their quality of life.

The environmental impact of modern housing is also a pressing concern. Single-family homes contribute to high energy consumption, waste production, and inefficient land use. As the climate crisis intensifies, it’s clear that new approaches to housing are necessary.

What Is an Intentional Community?

An intentional community is a planned residential environment designed around shared values, whether that be sustainability, co-operative decision-making, or alternative relationship structures. Unlike conventional housing arrangements, these communities prioritise collective responsibility and resource sharing to create a more inclusive and resilient way of living.

Intentional communities can take many forms, including co-housing, cooperative housing, ecovillages, and polyamorous or GSRD-friendly spaces. Some focus on sustainability, while others emphasise social connection or economic co-ownership. What unites them is a commitment to redefining how people live together in a way that serves collective well-being.

Why Communes Are Becoming More Popular

So why are more people choosing to live in intentional communities? Several key factors are driving this shift:

• Economic Benefits: Shared expenses, communal resources, and alternative ownership structures reduce financial strain and increase stability.

• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Loneliness is a modern epidemic, and communal living fosters meaningful connections and built-in support systems.

• Sustainability: Resource-sharing leads to a lower carbon footprint, reduced waste, and more efficient energy use.

• Flexibility & Adaptability: Intentional communities allow people to shape their living environment to better suit their values and needs.

Across the UK and beyond, successful intentional communities are demonstrating that this model is not only viable but desirable. Examples include co-housing projects like Lancaster Cohousing and LILAC in Leeds, which integrate sustainability and shared decision-making into their daily operations.

Overcoming the Challenges of Communal Living

While the benefits of communal living are clear, it is not without challenges. Many intentional communities struggle with governance, conflict resolution, and financial sustainability. However, modern intentional communities are learning from past mistakes and implementing effective structures, such as consensus-based decision-making, clear financial agreements, and conflict mediation frameworks.

Ensuring that expectations are well-defined from the outset is key. Many communities establish agreements that outline responsibilities, financial contributions, and community values, helping to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

The Role of Poly Heights in This Movement

Poly Heights is my current dream project. It’s being built as a next-generation intentional community that embraces the principles of inclusivity, mutual support, and shared responsibility. Rooted in Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) values, Poly Heights will aim to create a space where people can live authentically without fear of judgment.

Our goal is to provide not only affordable and secure housing but also a thriving community that fosters personal growth, education, and collective empowerment. By drawing inspiration from successful models (such as BedZED) while adapting to the unique needs of our members, we hope to demonstrate that communal living is a sustainable and scalable solution to the housing crisis.

The Political Landscape: A Broken System in Need of Repair

The current housing crisis has not gone unnoticed by policymakers. The UK government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer championing the slogan “we are the builders” to underscore his party’s commitment to addressing the issue. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also been praised for her engagement with the housing sector and her push to reintroduce mandatory housing targets for local councils, however has also admitted that Labour would only be making “a dent” in the housing crisis if the government hits its targets of building 1.5 million homes by 2029.

The road to achieving these goals is fraught with challenges. Planning approvals have hit their lowest level in a decade, and the shortage of planning officers and builders threatens to derail even the most ambitious targets. Housing associations, tasked with building social housing, are stretched for cash, and the rising costs of construction materials and labour further complicate matters.

While the government’s intention to “build, not block” is commendable, the reality is that systemic issues — such as the lack of skilled workers, insufficient funding, and bureaucratic red tape — are significant barriers to progress.

Call to Action: Join the Movement for Intentional Living

The housing crisis is a complex problem, but it’s one we can solve together. Intentional communities offer a way forward — a model that prioritises affordability, sustainability, and human connection over profit and isolation. But for this vision to become a reality, it needs people like you to get involved.

Whether you’re drawn to the idea of communal living, inspired by the potential for a more sustainable future, or simply curious about how intentional communities work, there’s a place for you in this movement. Here’s how you can take part:

• Learn More: Start by exploring existing intentional communities, like Lancaster Cohousing or LILAC in Leeds. Attend open days, read about their experiences, and see how they’ve turned shared values into thriving neighbourhoods.

• Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with others who are reimagining the future of housing. Follow Poly Heights’ journey on the website, or facebook, (And soon, Instagram) join discussions, and help spread the word about the potential of intentional living.

• Take the Leap: If you’re ready to embrace a new way of living, consider joining or starting an intentional community. Whether it’s through co-ownership, resource-sharing, or simply building deeper connections with your neighbours, every step counts.

• Support the Movement: Even if communal living isn’t for you, you can still play a part. Advocate for policy changes that support alternative housing models, donate to projects like Poly Heights, or simply challenge the stigma around communal living by sharing its benefits with others.

The future of housing isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about people. It’s about creating spaces where we can live authentically, sustainably, and in connection with one another. Intentional communities are proving that this future is possible. The question is: will you help build it?