European Research on Housing Cooperatives

The document titled "European Research on Housing Cooperatives" was commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands. It provides insights into the potential contributions of housing cooperatives to the Dutch housing market. The authors, including Michel Briene, Robert Kievit, Erik van Ossenbruggen, Rixt Bos, and Frank de Gouw, delve into the legal, financial, and organizational frameworks of housing cooperatives in various European countries.

Since the revised Housing Act was enacted, tenants of housing corporations in the Netherlands have had the legal option to establish housing cooperatives. Despite this, the evaluation of the Act revealed limited experience with setting up cooperatives, indicating that the initiative has not significantly enhanced tenant control over their living situations. Many housing corporations cited financial and organizational barriers to establishing housing cooperatives.

The research extends beyond the Netherlands, examining the status of housing cooperatives in Denmark, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland. Each country presents unique characteristics in terms of legislative frameworks, financial structures, and operational practices. The findings suggest that while there are valuable lessons to be learned from these nations, the specific systems cannot be directly applied to the Dutch context due to differing market conditions.

Housing cooperatives can address various housing market challenges, including affordability and availability. They often cater to groups inadequately served by traditional markets, such as lower and middle-income households. In countries like Denmark and Sweden, cooperatives play a significant role in providing affordable housing, with contributions to availability ranging from 4% to 24% of the housing market.

In the Netherlands, housing cooperatives are defined legally as associations that empower members to manage and maintain their residences. The revised Housing Act mandates that at least 50% of cooperative members must belong to the target demographic of housing corporations. In contrast, countries like Germany and Austria have distinct regulations and promote cooperative models that differ from the Dutch system.

Funding for cooperatives typically comes from member contributions, including rent and membership fees. The financial landscape for cooperatives varies significantly across Europe. For instance, German cooperatives often require members to purchase shares, while Austrian cooperatives depend on government subsidies and member investments. The document highlights specific case studies, such as the Roggeveenstraat project in The Hague, where a cooperative successfully purchased social housing from a housing corporation.

The research underscores the potential for housing cooperatives to contribute positively to the housing market, particularly for underserved populations. However, significant barriers remain regarding their establishment and operation in the Netherlands. The study advocates for learning from the diverse practices across Europe to adapt and implement strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of housing cooperatives within the Dutch housing landscape.