A Framework for Success
In the wild, co-buying is complex, risky, and inefficient.
We can define a conceptual framework to address these challenges by answering fundamental questions about co-buying and co-ownership.
What is the objective?
Homeownership, of course. But “success” in co-ownership is achieved by maximizing the Return on Investment of:
- Financial capital (cash)
- Social capital (relationships)
- Time
- Energy
That means:
✅ Building wealth
✅ Building on our relationship(s)
✅ Feeling that we’ve spent our time wisely, not wasted it
✅ Feeling good emotionally
What is the time horizon?
The entire co-ownership lifecycle.
What other parameters are relevant?
As in a business partnership, the odds of “success” increase with planning, structure, and management.
In co-ownership, this applies to five inextricably linked dimensions of the joint venture:
1. Social: interpersonal relations and interactions between co-owners
2. Financial: expenses, payments, taxes, accounting
3. Legal: ownership structure, documentation, compliance
4. Operational: coordinated day-to-day management of the home
5. Risk: identification, mitigation mechanisms, remedies
All of the above are related; they do not exist independently.
Matt Holmes (LinkedIn) is co-founder and CEO of CoBuy, formed in 2016 to unlock homeownership for everyone. Before hopping a flight to Seattle to start CoBuy with his mother, Matt worked in investment banking and financial markets in London for a decade. He holds degrees from University College London (BSc Economics) and ESCP Business School (Masters, London & Turin).
Pam Hughes (LinkedIn) is Co-founder and COO at CoBuy. She has over 40 years of experience across finance, real estate, insurance, and construction. Pam has committed to personal empowerment through financial education for decades, which inspired her to start CoBuy with her son in 2016. She's best friends with a small dog known as Francis.