Bilbao

1. Culinary Heritage: Bilbao is home to a rich culinary tradition, particularly known for its pintxos, a Basque version of tapas. The city boasts numerous bars where locals and visitors can enjoy these small dishes, often accompanied by a glass of local wine or cider. 2. Guggenheim Museum: While many may know about the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, not everyone is aware that the museum's unique architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is as much an attraction as the art it houses. The building itself is a masterpiece, featuring a flowing, organic shape that has transformed the city's skyline. 3. Basque Language and Culture: The Basque people have their own distinct language, Euskara, which is unrelated to any other language in the world. Bilbao is a center for the preservation and promotion of Basque culture, with various festivals, traditional sports, and music events that celebrate their unique identity.

The housing market in Bilbao, Spain, is characterized by a significant shortage of affordable apartments, leading to a housing crisis. The city faces challenges such as high rental costs and a limited supply of decent flats at reasonable prices. This situation is exacerbated by the prevalence of short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, which reduces the availability of long-term rental options. In Bilbao, the rental market is strained, with many people struggling to find affordable housing. The city is one of the most expensive in Spain, making it difficult for residents to secure long-term rentals. The local government and charitable organizations are working to address this issue by promoting the construction of affordable housing units and implementing regulations to limit short-term rentals. Efforts to support and build affordable housing include initiatives by the Spanish government to boost public housing supply and align it with European standards. Additionally, charitable organizations are leveraging private investments to offer rental accommodations at below-market prices, contributing to environmental, social, and governance objectives.

In Bilbao, housing cooperatives play a significant role in addressing housing challenges and promoting sustainable, community-driven housing solutions. The city supports cooperative housing through various initiatives, such as the Bilbao-Bolueta urban regeneration project, which repurposes industrial land for high-standard, low-energy housing. This project includes 1100 new homes, with 608 designated as social public housing, meeting the needs of vulnerable groups and enhancing social cohesion. The city also fosters cooperative housing through public-private partnerships, such as the Zorrotzaurre redevelopment project. This project involves stakeholders like the Regional Basque Government, Bilbao City Council, and private entities, ensuring that residents are involved in the design and development process. While specific market share data for housing cooperatives in Bilbao is not provided, the city's efforts to promote cooperative housing are evident through these projects. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, contributing to the city's housing stock and promoting community-driven, sustainable living practices.