TU Delft
2022
This paper explores the potential of socially oriented cooperative housing as an alternative to housing speculation, which has exacerbated economic inequality and instability in many countries. It examines the integration of various housing types, including private ownership, social rental, and cooperative models within national housing systems. By comparing socially oriented cooperative housing in Denmark, The Netherlands, and Spain, the study highlights the importance of public policies, regulations, and collective action in fostering cooperative housing development. Each country presents unique institutional environments that shape the growth of cooperative sectors. The research aims to promote mutual learning among policymakers and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for alternatives to the commercialized and often unaffordable private housing markets. Ultimately, the findings advocate for cooperative housing as a means to enhance socio-spatial cohesion and address the pressing challenges of contemporary housing crises.
Abstract
National housing systems increasingly combine three main types of housing: the private property sector (home ownership and private rental), social and public rental (public and non-profit sectors) and cooperative (social or civil economy). The dominant private type has facilitated housing speculation, which in many countries has become a critical source of economic inequality and instability. The cooperative housing type can be a viable alternative with a socio-spatial cohesion effect. This article compares the phenomena of socially oriented cooperative housing in three European countries (Denmark, The Netherlands and Spain). The analytical focus is on the public policies and regulations, and the societal and collective action factors that foster the development of housing cooperatives. The three cases present different institutional settings and ways to develop a socially oriented cooperative housing sector. The research findings contribute to mutual learning processes in searching alternatives to the commercial and very expensive private urban housing provision.