La Coop Foncière

La Coopérative Foncière Francilienne, known as La Coop Foncière, is the first Organisme de Foncier Solidaire (OFS) established in the Île-de-France region. Founded in June 2017 at the initiative of 11 HLM cooperatives and with support from the Fédération des Coop'Hlm, it operates as a Société Coopérative d'Intérêt Collectif (SCIC). The organization's mission centers on making homeownership accessible to moderate-income households through the Bail Réel Solidaire (BRS) mechanism, a French adaptation of the American Community Land Trust model. This innovative system separates land ownership from building ownership, allowing La Coop Foncière to sell homes at 25-40% below market prices. Today, La Coop Foncière counts 25 social housing operators, 9 local authorities, and various partners among its members. All homebuyers become cooperative members, emphasizing its community-oriented approach. The organization has set ambitious goals, aiming to develop 1,000 housing units annually by 2030, primarily in Paris and its inner suburbs. Current BRS homes are priced between €3,000 and €4,500 per square meter, significantly below market rates. One notable project is within the ZAC des Champs-Philippes in La Garenne-Colombes, where La Coop Foncière is participating in urban renewal efforts. Unlike some other OFS models, La Coop Foncière has developed a robust economic model that doesn't rely on local government subsidies, allowing it to operate independently while maintaining its social mission of creating permanently affordable housing.