TU Delft
2022
The paper explores the role of socially oriented cooperative housing as a potential solution to the growing issues of housing speculation and economic inequality in national housing systems. As traditional housing markets increasingly favor private ownership and rental, the resulting disparity has led to a critical examination of alternative housing models. This article specifically focuses on the cooperative housing sector, which promotes social cohesion and provides a counterbalance to the dominant private property market. Through comparative analysis, the paper examines three European countries—Denmark, The Netherlands, and Spain—highlighting the unique public policies and regulations that support the development of socially oriented cooperative housing. Each country presents distinct institutional frameworks that facilitate or hinder the growth of housing cooperatives, demonstrating the diverse approaches to addressing housing needs and fostering community resilience. The research findings underscore the importance of collective action and societal engagement in the establishment of cooperative housing models. By analyzing the successes and challenges faced by these countries, the article contributes valuable insights into how cooperative housing can serve as a viable alternative to conventional housing markets. Ultimately, the paper advocates for the adoption of cooperative housing strategies as a means to alleviate economic disparities and promote a more equitable and sustainable urban living environment.
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.