One unit is vacant because the shareholder moved to the coast and at the end of July put her one-sixth share on the market, priced at $262,500. The monthly fee is $440, which includes utilities, internet, property taxes, Netflix and more. They each contribute $330 per adult for groceries. For $770, the basics are covered, says Ms. Jordan, and because they own the property, it’s an investment as well as a home.
Before anyone buys in, or rents a space, they have to spend a few days living at the house to make sure they’re a good fit. The household has also figured out ways to accommodate vegetarians, meat eaters and those with dietary restrictions. Few people complain because they’re just grateful someone else is cooking, says Ms. Huff, laughing.
Sherryl Yeager bought a house in 2005 with her friend Tony, on E. 11th in Mount Pleasant in Vancouver. They each took separate, self-contained suites within the house and rented out the basement suite. After 12 years, Ms. Yeager wanted to buy her own house with her partner so she sold her suite to the basement tenants.