El cooperativismo de vivienda gana protagonismo en Málaga como respuesta al reto del acceso a un hogar

FAECTA (Federación Andaluza de Empresas Cooperativas) organised a conference in Málaga titled “Vivienda cooperativa en cesión de uso: transformar el presente, construir el futuro”. The event gathered institutional representatives, financial entities, university scholars, sector professionals and cooperative projects to discuss the housing‑co‑operativism model based on “cesión de uso” (use‑grant). The aim was to present this model as a sustainable alternative to traditional market‑driven housing, particularly for young people and families facing rising prices in Andalucía.

FAECTA, a regional federation representing cooperative enterprises, acted as the primary organiser and facilitator. The conference received financial support from the Consejería de Empleo, Empresa y Trabajo Autónomo of the Junta de Andalucía, underscoring governmental endorsement of cooperative housing. FAECTA’s President, Luis Miguel Jurado, highlighted the cooperative sector’s capacity to deliver stable, participatory and environmentally responsible homes.

Cooperatives operating under the “cesión de uso” framework separate land ownership from residential use. This arrangement reduces speculative price pressures and allows members to co‑manage their dwellings democratically. The model promotes long‑term affordability, community cohesion and lower ecological footprints, aligning with broader European goals for sustainable urban development.

• Access to land, ethical financing and supportive legal frameworks were identified as critical enablers for scaling the model in Andalucía.
• Participants cited successful examples such as Tartessos Málaga S. Coop. And., which demonstrates resident involvement in design and management of cohousing projects.
• The cooperative approach was shown to foster mutual aid, democratic decision‑making and resilience against market volatility.

The discussion highlighted the need for public‑private collaboration to secure land parcels for cooperatives and to develop ethical credit lines that prioritise social impact over profit. Legal reforms that simplify the “cesión de uso” process were recommended to accelerate project approvals.

Evidence presented indicated that cooperative housing improves social inclusion, creates stronger neighbourhood networks and contributes to territorial cohesion. By prioritising the right to housing over market transactions, cooperatives help mitigate the housing crisis affecting many European cities.

FAECTA positions the Andalusian experience as a replicable model for other European regions seeking sustainable, affordable housing solutions. The federation plans to continue promoting cooperative initiatives, leveraging both regional policy support and the growing interest in collaborative living arrangements across the continent.