When you have a home, many people want to know when a home is considered to be on a compound or what makes a real estate compound.
A real estate compound exists of multiple dwellings on a single property or adjacent plots of land. Compounds often consist of families buying land together or building several properties on one parcel of land. Usually, the compound has a single gate or entrance, but it can have multiple entrances. The zoning laws in your area can determine what you can do with your compound and how you can structure it.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Real Estate Property Compound?
- Zoning Concerns And A Compound
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Questions
What Is a Real Estate Property Compound?
A compound is when several houses share a property. A compound does not exist for just one house; there needs to be several houses on a single property.
Here are some elements of a compound:
- Several Houses – A compound comprises several houses on a single property.
- Different Types Of Property – A compound can have an apartment, townhouse, or villa.
- Shared Property – In a compound, multiple houses can all share the same property.
- Adjacent Homes On Separate Parcels – Some compounds are made up of adjacent homes and lots that are on separate parcels of land.
- Separate Buildings Joined For Purpose – The compound’s core can be separate buildings joined for a purpose. But some compounds and houses are joined together like an apartment compound.
- Single Entrance Or Joint Entrance – A compound usually has a single entrance or gate surrounding all the buildings. This can include a single security system for the entire area or one or several gates allowing people to enter and exit the area.
- Amenities – Some compounds include the amenities within the compound, such as shopping, gym, pool, and other things within your area or compound.
Today, some people will create a compound as they buy up property on either side of their home. They want a buffer space between their home and the other homes.
Sometimes, a compound may make environmental sense. A series of beach cottages may all be on one piece of land to ensure minimal environmental impact on the land or area.
About Family Compounds
Many compounds are formed with families buying land or land next to each other. For some combinations, a grandparent may move next door to their adult children and their families to form a compound.
Other times, someone may build a house for an elderly parent on their property, making their home a compound.
The Kennedy Family has a compound with multiple houses on adjacent lots; the houses are all separate but joined together by a single compound or area.
Work-Life Balance Compounds
Some people form a compound with a life-work kind of balance. A home with a separate garage converted into an office can also be considered a compound. There can be a compound as two separate buildings joined together for a purpose.
A compound is when there is more than one habitable building on a property; that means the property is a compound. Many compounds are set up to allow people to live and work in the same place.
Zoning Concerns And A Compound
Where the concept of a compound gets confusing is creating a compound is not as easy as building a building in your backyard and calling it a compound. Zoning can get in the way of many kinds of compounds.
Many areas limit the number of the property on a building site. For example, zoning may only allow one home plus a pool house on a property. Furthermore, the zoning stipulates that the pool does not have a kitchen or bedroom.
One way people can get around the zoning law is to purchase two adjacent parcels and keep them separate. The zoning laws would allow them to build a home on each property.
Issues Of Selling Your Property In A Compound
One problem with compound properties is that selling the property may not always be easy. If you have a family compound with one entrance, someone may not want to live in a family compound; the new owners may always feel like outsiders.
And other family members may resent a non-family member living in their compound, so there can be built-in resentment against the newcomer.
That is why a compound can be great when it works, but if it does not, there can be issues. For example, if you all get along with a family compound, that could be great.
If, on the other hand, the family has issues or people are not talking to each other, it can make the compound living situation very difficult. When you try to sell a property, someone may not want to be in the middle of a family issue or disagreement.
Before you decide if making a compound is a good idea, you need to check your local zoning laws and look at how the reselling of the property will be. What looks like an excellent investment today may be a massive problem in the future, especially if you are looking at a family compound.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a real estate compound?
A real estate compound refers to a property or adjacent plots of land that contain multiple dwellings. It is typically characterized by several homes or residential units built on a single property or shared among multiple plots of land.
How are compounds different from traditional residential properties?
Compounds differ from traditional residential properties because they consist of multiple dwellings on a single property or adjacent plots of land. They often involve families or individuals collectively owning or building properties within the compound.
Why do families choose to buy land together and build within a compound?
Families may choose to buy land together and build within a compound to foster a sense of community, create shared spaces, and have close proximity to relatives or friends. It allows them to live in close proximity while maintaining individual living spaces.
Can a compound have multiple owners?
Yes, a compound can have multiple owners. Each owner typically has ownership rights over their individual dwelling or property within the compound.
Are compounds commonly found in specific regions or countries?
Compounds can be found in various regions or countries, but they are more common in certain cultures or countries where extended family living or communal living is valued.
Do compounds have specific rules or regulations for the residents?
The rules and regulations for residents within a compound can vary. In some cases, there may be shared responsibilities for maintenance, common areas, or communal facilities. Specific rules are usually established by the compound’s residents or through an association, if applicable.
Are compounds gated communities?
Compounds can be gated communities, but not all compounds have gates. While some compounds have a single gate or entrance, others may have multiple entrances or be open to public access.
What are the advantages of living in a real estate compound?
Living in a real estate compound can provide several advantages, such as a sense of community, shared amenities or facilities, enhanced security, increased social interaction, and the opportunity for multigenerational living.
Related Questions
Who Can Enter Your Property Without Permission?
Government agencies such as the police can enter your property without permission. If you are a renter, your landlord can enter your property as stated in the rental contract. A CPS can have unscheduled visits to your home in other government agencies. And if you have a utility easement, the company can come to your property as stated on the utility easement.
By clicking here, you can read more about Who Can Enter Your Property Without Permission?
What Is The Difference Between Personal And Private Property?
Under the law, personal property is defined as anything which can be moved. In other words, a car would be considered your personal property. On the other hand, private property is any property not owned by the government, city, county, or federal agency.
By clicking here, you can read more about What Is The Difference Between Personal And Private Property?
