Bordeaux is renowned for its wine industry and is often referred to as the wine capital of the world. The Bordeaux region is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards and wineries, producing wines that are celebrated globally.
The housing market in Bordeaux, France, is experiencing a significant crisis. The city is not suffering from a lack of land but rather from the inefficiency in using available land for housing development. Development operations, which now dominate housing production, are characterized by lengthy planning and decision-making processes, leading to delays and increased costs. This has resulted in soaring housing prices, making it difficult for young households to purchase homes. Approximately 70-80% of new housing units are acquired by investors, not owner-occupiers, exacerbating the issue. To address this, the city is focusing on creating affordable homeownership opportunities. Studies have shown that only 15% of households in Bordeaux have incomes sufficient to purchase new housing. The city is working to improve the conditions for affordable homeownership, particularly for young families, and is exploring ways to streamline development processes to increase the supply of affordable housing. Additionally, the city is aware of the need to balance housing development with sustainability and energy efficiency, aiming to support residents and communities in coping with the cost of living crisis.
Housing cooperatives in Bordeaux play a significant role in providing affordable housing and promoting community-driven, sustainable living. While specific data on the market share of housing cooperatives in Bordeaux is not available, these cooperatives are known for their democratic governance and social equality. They offer lifelong rights to live and fair rents, making them attractive in times of rising housing costs. In recent years, new housing cooperatives have emerged in Bordeaux as part of a broader trend in Europe. These cooperatives are often supported by local authorities and financial institutions, which provide subsidies and favorable policies to encourage their development. The city promotes cooperative housing through initiatives such as public land concessions for accessible building projects and supportive legal frameworks. For instance, the NETCO project, a network of collaborative housing programs, has been highlighted as a successful model in promoting affordable housing and community involvement. Overall, Bordeaux's housing cooperatives contribute to the city's social and economic fabric by offering affordable housing options and fostering community engagement.