Community Scheme: The Pros and Cons of Shared Living

Living in a community scheme can be an excellent choice for those seeking a more connected, cost-effective, and shared lifestyle. In a community scheme, individuals share expenses, communal facilities, security, and maintenance costs. While there are numerous benefits to community schemes, there are also potential drawbacks that individuals should consider before making the decision to move into such a living arrangement.

One of the most significant benefits of a community scheme is shared expenses. Shared expenses can help reduce the overall cost of living, allowing residents to enjoy more amenities at a lower cost. This is especially beneficial for individuals living on a budget. Moreover, shared expenses can help cover costs for communal facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and shared gardens, which can be too costly for a single household to maintain on their own.

Another advantage of living in a community scheme is the community lifestyle. Living in a community scheme can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and social connection. Community events, shared gardens, and other facilities can help build a strong sense of community and friendship among residents. Moreover, residents can take advantage of shared facilities and participate in shared activities that would not be possible otherwise.

Shared security is another significant advantage of living in a community scheme. A communal security system can help provide peace of mind to residents, as the shared security team can provide a sense of safety and protection. This can help alleviate concerns about home invasions, burglary, and other forms of criminal activity.

Maintenance of the buildings and gardens is also a significant advantage of community schemes. Residents do not have to worry about the cost and hassle of maintaining communal facilities as these are typically taken care of by the scheme’s management. This can save residents both time and money, as they do not have to worry about repairs, maintenance, or upkeep.

However, community schemes are not without their drawbacks. One potential issue is noise from neighbours. Living in close proximity to other residents means that noise can be a problem, especially if the walls are thin or poorly insulated. Noise from neighbours can be a source of disturbance, especially if it occurs during late-night hours.

Another drawback of community schemes is parking limitations. With multiple households sharing a limited number of parking spaces, parking can be a significant issue. Residents may have to park their vehicles further away from their homes, which can be an inconvenience, especially for those with mobility issues.

Pets roaming and dogs barking is another potential issue. While many community schemes allow pets, there can be problems with pets roaming or dogs barking, which can be a nuisance for other residents. Moreover, some pet owners may not take responsibility for their pets, leading to issues with cleanliness and safety.

Read: Dealing with behavioural disputes in community schemes

Finally, negative or lazy owners can also be a potential issue. In some community schemes, there may be individuals who do not take responsibility for their share of communal expenses, leading to conflicts and tension among residents. Additionally, some residents may be unwilling to participate in community events, making it difficult to build a strong sense of community.

In conclusion, community schemes can provide numerous advantages, including shared expenses, community lifestyle, shared security, and shared maintenance of the buildings and gardens. However, there are also potential drawbacks, including noise from neighbours, parking limitations, pets roaming, and negative or lazy owners. Individuals considering moving into a community scheme should weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine whether this type of living arrangement is suitable for their needs and preferences.

Also Read: Community Scheme Management or  Managing Health and Safety Risks in Community Schemes

The article was written by ANGOR Property Specialists with assistance from AI.