Homer, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is an organization that approaches residential property differently by establishing cooperative communities for new housing developments. Unlike traditional property developers, Homer forms building cooperatives (Baugemeinschaften) composed of future residents. These groups collectively secure sites and participate in the planning and realization of housing projects.
The organization addresses the issue of scarce and unaffordable living space in Hamburg by pooling resources and enabling members to co-own and co-design their homes. Homer manages the entire process: identifying land, securing financing, founding a cooperative, and overseeing construction in partnership with residents. Members gain lifelong occupancy rights to their selected homes as cooperative members.
Homer utilizes a modular architecture system for its projects, which is designed to cut costs while maintaining quality. Residents have considerable flexibility to adapt floor plans and interior features to their preferences, using digital tools for customization. Personal consultation is also offered throughout the process.
Community-building is a central aspect: future residents engage with each other through information events, annual general meetings, and digital platforms. Currently, Homer’s residential development concept for a future community center in Hamburg-Rahlstedt was selected as a winning design in a competitive ideas process at the end of 2024, illustrating the organization’s hands-on role in shaping living environments.
Homer’s scope centers on making collective home ownership accessible, promoting user-driven design, and fostering lasting neighborhood communities within Hamburg. The organization releases updates and offers registration for those interested in future projects on its website.