Ecorys
2021
Michel Briene, Robert Kievit, Erik van Ossenbruggen, Rixt Bos, and others
The report European Research on Housing Cooperatives, published by ECORYS, examines the role and development of housing cooperatives across several European countries, including Denmark, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland. It highlights the varied integration of cooperatives within housing systems, noting that while they serve lower to middle-income groups, their market share and operational models differ significantly. The study reveals that, in the Netherlands, existing housing corporations may limit the immediate impact of cooperatives on housing availability and affordability. However, it identifies niche opportunities for community-based projects and suggests policy recommendations, such as enhancing legal frameworks and financial instruments, to support cooperative growth. Ultimately, the report emphasizes that while foreign models may not be directly transferable, valuable practices can be adapted to strengthen the role of cooperatives in the Dutch housing market.
The report titled European Research on Housing Cooperatives was conducted by ECORYS and published on June 1, 2021. It was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, specifically the Housing Market Directorate. The authors of this comprehensive study include Michel Briene, Robert Kievit, Erik van Ossenbruggen, Rixt Bos, and Frank de Gouw.
Context and Objectives
The research was initiated in response to limited experiences with housing cooperatives in the Netherlands since the introduction of the revised Housing Act in 2015. This act aimed to provide tenants of housing corporations with the opportunity to form housing cooperatives, thereby increasing tenant control over their living situations. However, evaluations indicated that establishing such cooperatives remains complex and financially challenging. Consequently, the Dutch government sought to explore the potential contributions of housing cooperatives by examining their roles in Denmark, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Key Findings
Housing Cooperatives in Europe
- Varied Development: The development and role of housing cooperatives vary significantly across countries. In Denmark and Sweden, cooperatives are more integrated into the general housing system, often involving ownership-like rights without full property ownership. In Germany and Austria, cooperatives are more traditional, focusing on rental models with significant member involvement.
- Market Share: The market share of housing cooperatives differs widely:
- In Denmark and Sweden, they play a substantial role in urban areas.
- In Germany and Austria, they represent a smaller but significant portion of the housing market.
- Switzerland has a well-established cooperative sector that contributes notably to affordable housing.
- Target Groups: Cooperatives across these countries generally aim to serve lower to middle-income groups but vary in their specific focus based on local needs and regulatory environments.
- Organizational Structure: Most cooperatives operate as associations with democratic governance structures where members have significant say in management decisions.
- Legal Frameworks: Each country has specific legal frameworks supporting cooperative housing, often providing tax benefits or subsidies to encourage development.
- Financial Models: Financing methods include member contributions (often substantial), government subsidies, and loans from cooperative-friendly financial institutions.
Applicability to the Netherlands
- Limited Immediate Impact: Due to existing structures like housing corporations fulfilling similar roles at scale, housing cooperatives are unlikely to significantly impact short-term availability or affordability of housing in the Netherlands.
- Niche Opportunities: They hold potential for addressing specific local needs or community-based living projects where traditional models fall short.
- Policy Recommendations: The report suggests enhancing legal frameworks to support cooperative initiatives and exploring financial instruments that could facilitate cooperative growth.
Instruments for Stimulation
The study identifies several instruments used across Europe that could be adapted for use in the Netherlands:
- Financial incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies.
- Legal reforms to simplify cooperative formation.
- Knowledge-sharing platforms to spread best practices among potential cooperative founders.
Conclusion
The report concludes that while direct transferability of foreign models is limited due to structural differences in housing markets, there are valuable lessons and practices that could be adapted to enhance the role of cooperatives in addressing specific challenges within the Dutch housing market.