In an ideal world, each party would have exactly the same amount to invest/contribute to a joint project.

Alas, in the real world, this isn’t always possible. Some people might have more (or less) to invest than others. Indeed, some people may not have anything to invest at all.

At the same time, it isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, and it shouldn’t prevent you from joining forces with others on your project.

Is a financial investment necessary?

If you are spending £500,000 on land or property then you may think it’s only fair that others chip in if they are to get in on the act. And you probably have a point. At the same time, if your real goal is to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, then you should be already aware that not everything is all about money, and that some things are more important. If that’s the case, then you may well achieve your eco goals as well as having better outcomes on practical, social and fulfilment levels by making your judgement on the people, and how you can benefit from each other as a group, rather than just thinking in pounds and pence.

Would we personally open up investment projects to others with less?

Absolutely!

What you do is entirely up to you. It’s a very personal decision, but if you check out our profile you’ll see that we, as a couple, are absolutely willing to open up projects that we might invest in to others who may not be able to contribute as much – or nothing at all.

Why?

Again, it’s a personal choice, but putting it a different way - we’d be far more inclined to join forces with like-minded people who value relationships and mutual support than someone whose decisions are ruled by money. If anything, we (personally) would see that as a deterrent.

There are many genuine people out there, some with fortunes, some with small nest eggs and some with buttons. If you are looking for like-minded people to live and/or work with in harmony then does it really matter what their bank balance is if they tick (some, most or all) other key boxes in terms of values, skills, personality, honesty, loyalty, teamwork and commitment?

That’s our (very personal) view, and regardless of that, it’s likely that finances will play a part in some decisions (and even our own if we hope to afford something rural and bigger). It’s just that if the opportunity arises to help others too, then we (personally) think that it could be a very positive thing. Indeed, some benevolent landowners around the world have derived a great deal of satisfaction helping groups and communities

Advantages | Potential disadvantages | Group sizes | Who’s in charge? | Contributions | Donating land/property