Bryn Gweled members lease their lot for a 99-year renewable term. Each member family pays a monthly assessment based on the current year’s budget. The budget covers expenses such as maintenance of community property and improvements, roads, taxes on common land and unleased lots, and those of the many appointed and volunteer committees. Each member’s monthly assessment may vary slightly, depending upon the originally conceived desirability of the lot, but not on its improvements. Upon obtaining a leasehold, a new member family pays a lump sum representing its share in the capitalization of the Homesteads. If for some reason in the future the member must resign from Bryn Gweled Homesteads, this amount is returned. Each member who builds or buys a home owns all such improvements, but does not own the land. The land is owned by Bryn Gweled Homesteads, Inc., of which each member is a shareholder. All arrangements for the purchase of Bryn Gweled houses are made with the owners or their agents. If a member secures a mortgage, Bryn Gweled joins in the mortgage, reserving the right to continue payment in case of the individual’s default, though assuming no liability to repay the loan. Lending institutions have accepted mortgages on leased land under these arrangements. When any major alterations, additional buildings, or landscaping of a homestead are contemplated, plans are submitted to the Community Planning Committee as well as to the immediate neighbors for approval. No fences are erected on lot lines, however the fencing in of gardens or domestic animals is permitted. Just as other home owners are billed for real estate taxes by the county and township, Bryn Gweled’s individual members are taxed for their lots as well as the improvements. If a family withdraws from Bryn Gweled, the owner is responsible for the sale of the house, which may be sold only to another member or approved applicant. Selling a house in this community, therefore, may take considerably longer than selling a house elsewhere. Occasionally, owners may rent their houses, although this is discouraged. An owner-occupied homestead is an important way of life in Bryn Gweled.

Member Leaseholds Of Bryn Gweled’s 240 acres, approximately 160 acres are divided into leaseholds, most of which are about two acres. In 1973, an easement was given to the Bucks County Conservancy on 45 of the remaining acres, which lie primarily along stream beds and in woodlands. The other 35 acres are used for roads, community buildings, playing fields, a community garden, and other improvements and open space.