Ok, so we looked into all sorts of maps to get a better idea of where we would like to live: very useful. But other than that, are we able to provide a more precise description of what it is that we are looking for?
This question inspired me to have a look at some real estate websites, just to get a better idea of what is on the market.
Below I am posting a couple of links to buildings that are for sale. All of them have at least one or the other “no go” characteristic (and the ads will probably expire soon), but just so you can have a look if you have the time:
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Apartment block in Anderlecht (17 apartments, a business location and garages) for 5.200.000 €: add a couple of common spaces and a garden, and this could have been The Reef?
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Apartment block near the Parc de Forest (20 apartments) for 5.200.000 €. Same idea. Knock out the walls of 2-3 apartments to convert them into common spaces and done?
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Project waiting to be developed / renovated near the Basilica of Koekelberg: 6 floors of 256 m² for 1.550.000 €: Is this the kind of site that we are looking for?
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Office building with a courtyard in Schaarbeek: 3.700.000 €. Can be turned into 27 apartments and 2 shops.
All this tells me two things:
- Finding a site might actually be easier than I thought it would be;
- Before we can partner up with any professional organisation (property hunter, co-housing facilitation company, …) we need to get a more precise idea of what it is that we are looking for.
IMHO this should include at least the following parameters:
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Location: proximity to public transport, noise, air pollution, … (see maps post)
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For potential buyers of individual units: number of bedrooms, orientation, balcony, …?
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For the common rooms: which kind of common rooms, how do we intend to use them, how much outdoor space, …?
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For the group’s dynamics: a minimum or maximum number of units?
Not an easy exercise, this much is sure. One thing we could maybe consider is some sort of co-housing road trip? The idea would be inspired by the Samenhuizen Reis, but just more local and with our own group: look for a couple of interesting co-housings and kindly ask whether they would have us over for a short visit, so that we can learn from them?
Anyway. Just a couple of ideas again. Hope it helps.
Cheers & happy to discuss! @alberto @Sabine_B_Frank @Malcolm @manuelpueyo and @porcarorama!