Els comuns estudien cedir terrenys per construir habitatges cooperatius

The article “Els comuns estudien cedir terrenys per construir habitatges cooperatius” was authored by journalist Àlex Ripoll and published by Diari d’Andorra, the leading daily newspaper of Andorra. It reports on a cooperative housing initiative called Arrel, developed by architect Pierre Fauré and urban planner Léa Cazaban, aiming to provide sustainable, community‑owned homes through a use‑right model rather than traditional ownership.

Arrel proposes separating property ownership from the right to occupy. The building is owned by a cooperative, while residents purchase a long‑term right‑of‑use. This model requires an initial contribution and two monthly fees: one for building operation and maintenance, and another for loan repayment. Upon leaving, the resident’s contributions are adjusted for inflation (IPC) and returned, reducing speculative profit and promoting long‑term stability.

A illustrative example describes an 80 m² apartment with a monthly charge of roughly €1 500 (including both fees). After the construction loan is fully amortised, the monthly fee would fall to about €350. The upfront contribution is estimated at €75 000. These figures are indicative and may vary by project size and location. The scheme is designed to keep housing affordable while ensuring the cooperative can service its debt.

The project outlines a phased approach: (1) formation of a pre‑cooperative group of future residents; (2) submission of land‑use proposals to public land contests; (3) architectural design and formal establishment of the cooperative; (4) securing a joint bank loan; and (5) commencement of construction. Pierre Fauré forecasts that the first dwellings could be completed within 18 to 24 months from project launch.

Over 200 individuals have already registered interest via the Arrel website (arrel.ad). The initiative has attracted attention from local actors, including the Institut Nacional de l’Habitatge, and some municipalities have indicated willingness to waive ground‑rent fees. While land availability remains a challenge, the cooperative’s low‑cost land‑use model is generating significant grassroots momentum.

The scheme aligns with Andorra’s Law 5/2015 on cooperatives, which permits cooperative housing arrangements. This legal framework provides the necessary provisions for allocating usage rights while maintaining collective ownership, facilitating the project’s compliance with national regulations.

Potential risks identified include construction cost overruns, project delays, financing difficulties, and member turnover. To mitigate these, Arrel proposes mechanisms such as member replacement procedures, financial reserves, technical monitoring, and clear governance structures. Decision‑making within the cooperative will occur through assemblies, guided by statutes, with oversight bodies like a rector council and management committees.

Arrel’s model exemplifies a sustainable housing strategy that reduces speculative pressure, promotes community cohesion, and utilises public land efficiently. By offering long‑term, affordable use rights rather than ownership, it aligns with broader European goals of housing affordability, social sustainability, and innovative land‑use solutions. The initiative demonstrates how cooperative principles can be adapted to small‑state contexts while offering insights applicable to pan‑European housing policy.