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Being a single mum can sometimes feel isolating, but what if there was a way to build a strong, supportive community while sharing the financial and emotional load? Enter the concept of new homeownership opportunities - ‘mommune’ living—where single mums come together to co-purchase homes, cohabitate, and create a thriving, connected lifestyle.
In this episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast, we chat with Sarah McLaughlin from Liberty Loans, an expert in property financing, about how single mums can embrace communal living and build their own modern-day village.
Why More Single Mums Are Choosing Communal Living
Raising children solo comes with unique challenges, and many single mums are now exploring alternative living arrangements that offer both financial relief and emotional support. The idea of a ‘mommune’ is gaining traction as more mums realise the benefits of pooling resources, sharing childcare, and creating a strong, built-in support system.
Sarah shares that communal living allows single mums to:
- Reduce housing costs by splitting mortgage or rental payments
- Share responsibilities like cooking, childcare, and school runs
- Combat loneliness by fostering daily connection and emotional support
- Provide children with a family-like environment filled with stability and friendship
Overcoming the Hurdles of Co-Buying a Home
While the idea of co-purchasing a home is exciting, there are practical and legal considerations. Sarah provides expert insight into the process of buying a property with friends or family, including:
- Legal agreements: Setting clear expectations around finances, responsibilities, and exit strategies.
- Financial planning: Ensuring all parties have aligned budgets and understand the long-term commitment.
- Loan structures: Exploring different mortgage options suited for joint ownership.
- Conflict resolution: Establishing communication strategies to navigate disagreements.
Sarah emphasises the importance of seeking legal and financial advice before committing to a shared property, ensuring all parties are protected and on the same page.
How to Find Your Tribe
Not sure where to start? Sarah suggests these steps for single mums looking to explore communal living:
- Connect with Like-Minded Mums – Join online groups or local meetups where single mums discuss co-living opportunities.
- Have Honest Conversations – Set clear expectations, from financial contributions to house rules, before making any commitments.
- Consider Short-Term Trials – Before buying a home together, try a house-sharing arrangement to see if it’s the right fit.
- Get Professional Guidance – Speak with mortgage brokers, property advisors, and legal experts to ensure a smooth process.
Final Thoughts
Single motherhood doesn’t have to mean going it alone. By embracing communal living, single mums can create stronger, more financially secure lives for themselves and their children. If you’re looking for a way to share the load while building deep, lasting connections, co-living might be the perfect solution.
Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode of the Beanstalk Mums Podcast with Sarah McLaughlin!
Links for this episode:
💰 Liberty Financial – Learn more about flexible lending options for co-buying a home.
⚖️ Australian Property Laws on Co-Ownership – Understand the legalities of joint homeownership in Australia.
👩👩👧👦 Join The Single Mum Vine – A supportive online space for single mums to share experiences and find like-minded mums.
🎙️ https://beanstalkmums.com.au/podcast — Our brand-new widget is live on the Beanstalk Mums website! Drop us a voice message with your thoughts or questions; you might hear them in a future episode.
You’ve got this! Let’s thrive together. And don’t forget to like and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode packed with inspiration and practical tips for your journey!
