Exploring perspectives on healthy housing among low-income prospective residents of a future co-housing “Microvillage” in Geelong, Australia

Abstract

Housing unaffordability coupled with a decrease in social housing availability, have contributed to a greater proportion of Australians, including older people and those on low incomes, privately renting. While co-housing has been proposed as a solution to these issues, little is known about the potential ability of co-housing to offer healthy housing. This paper presents a qualitative research study of low-income potential residents’ perspectives on a “Microvillage” in Geelong, a large regional city outside of Melbourne. We conducted two focus groups with potential residents, as well as a series of semi-structured interviews with a sample of older women interested in the Microvillage. Data was analyzed thematically, with the Housing and Health Framework used to guide interpretation. Findings revealed potential residents felt a co-housing community like the proposed Microvillage supported health by offering residents a secure and affordable “home”; a “dwelling” that met diverse needs; a supportive “community” with shared values and interests; and access to amenities in the “immediate environment.” Findings provide further evidence toward the benefits of co-housing, particularly for low-income residents with challenging housing histories, and supports its consideration as a potential solution to Australia’s increasing housing issues.

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