International Journal of Housing Policy
Manuel B. Aalbers, Rodrigo Fernandez, Gertjan Wijburg, and others
2022
The article "Beyond collective property: a typology of collaborative housing in Europe" examines the diverse forms of collaborative housing that exist outside traditional private and public housing models. Through an analysis of 100 cases from various European countries, it establishes a typology based on architectural design, property rights, and collective values. The study uses the 4Stelle Hotel in Rome as a case example. Additionally, the article discusses the increasing financialization of housing in Europe and its implications for affordable housing. It highlights how different countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, have responded to financialization challenges with varied policies, including rent controls and social housing initiatives. The authors stress the need for stronger regulations and innovative strategies to ensure housing affordability amidst ongoing financial pressures, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers in the field of housing.
Collaborative housing is generally defined by what it is not: it is neither solely private tenure nor fully state-run public housing. As a result, housing studies have not fully captured the great diversity of collaborative housing forms. This article develops a complex typology of collaborative housing based on an analysis of 100 cases from Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany. We identify differentiating features across three key dimensions: the architecture of the estate, the institutional set-up of its property rights, and the values motivating the collective inhabiting and managing of the estate. We then apply our typology using the case of the 4Stelle Hotel, a collaborative housing estate in Rome. This study lays the foundations for future international comparative research that moves beyond the reductive understanding of collaborative housing as property sharing.
The article "Affordable housing and the financialization of housing in Europe: a comparative perspective" was published in the International Journal of Housing Policy in 2022 by authors Manuel B. Aalbers, Rodrigo Fernandez, and Gertjan Wijburg[1].
Context and Background
This research is situated within the broader context of increasing housing financialization in Europe and its impact on affordable housing. The study examines how different European countries have responded to the challenges posed by financialization in their efforts to provide affordable housing[1].
Key Findings and Analysis
Financialization and Housing Markets
The authors argue that financialization has significantly transformed housing markets across Europe. This process has led to:
- Increased involvement of financial actors in housing provision
- Growing importance of housing as a financial asset
- Changes in housing policies and regulations
Country-Specific Responses
The study compares and contrasts the approaches of various European countries in addressing affordable housing challenges in the face of financialization:
- Germany: Implemented rent controls and regulations to limit speculation in the housing market[1].
- Netherlands: Focused on social housing provision through housing associations, but faced challenges due to financialization pressures[1].
- Spain: Experienced a significant housing boom and bust cycle, leading to increased financialization and affordability issues[1].
Policy Implications
The research highlights the need for:
- Stronger regulations to curb speculative practices in housing markets
- Increased investment in social and affordable housing
- Innovative policy approaches that balance housing as a social good and an economic asset
Methodology
The study employs a comparative analysis approach, examining housing policies, market trends, and financialization processes across different European countries. The authors draw on a wide range of data sources, including government reports, academic literature, and market analyses[1].
Conclusions
The article concludes that while financialization has posed significant challenges to affordable housing provision in Europe, countries have responded differently based on their institutional contexts and policy frameworks. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding these varied responses to develop more effective strategies for ensuring housing affordability in the face of ongoing financialization pressures[1].
This research contributes to the growing body of literature on housing financialization and provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and housing researchers working on affordable housing solutions in Europe.
Citations: [1] https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2022.2123272