Sdílené domy

Sdílené domy, meaning "Shared Houses," is a Czech-based initiative focused on the development and support of community-led, non-speculative housing projects. Launched in 2015, Sdílené domy was inspired by Germany’s Mietshäuser Syndikat, a network model supporting collectively owned and managed housing. The organization addresses limited affordability and security in the Czech housing market, particularly as rising property prices have put increasing pressure on young people and low-income households in cities like Prague. The collective established its first legal entity in Prague and acquired its inaugural property in January 2022. This pilot project—named První vlaštovka, or "The First Swallow"—is undergoing extensive renovation to provide both residential and shared public space. The building is managed collectively, with decisions made in assemblies and responsibilities shared among members. The group emphasizes long-term affordability by placing ownership in a structure that ensures the property remains a community asset for residential use, not susceptible to speculation or individual profit. Beyond this flagship project, Sdílené domy aims to expand its network by supporting other groups interested in replicating the model. It offers legal and practical assistance to new collectives, with the goal of seeding similar projects across the country. The organization collaborates with international partners, including the MOBA Housing SCE network, to share expertise and jointly address regional housing challenges. Currently, Sdílené domy has two active projects in Prague and Děčín, with approximately forty new members engaged in expanding the network. The group is sustained by grassroots fundraising, as Czech law and banking practices make traditional financing options challenging for non-traditional housing cooperatives.