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Learn moreThe report titled European Research on Housing Cooperatives was published by ECORYS on June 1, 2021, and commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, specifically the Housing Market Directorate. The study was authored by Michel Briene, Robert Kievit, Erik van Ossenbruggen, Rixt Bos, and Frank de Gouw. It aims to investigate the potential contributions of housing cooperatives to the Dutch housing market, particularly in light of the revised Housing Act of 2015, which allows tenants to form cooperatives but has faced challenges in implementation.
Context and Objectives
The research was prompted by the limited experiences with housing cooperatives in the Netherlands since the introduction of the 2015 Housing Act. This legislation was designed to empower tenants of housing corporations by enabling them to form cooperatives, thereby enhancing their control over living conditions. However, evaluations showed that the establishment of such cooperatives remains complex and financially burdensome. Consequently, the Dutch government commissioned this study to better understand housing cooperatives in other European countries, specifically Denmark, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Key Findings on Housing Cooperatives in Europe
- Varied Development: The role and development of housing cooperatives differ significantly across Europe. In Denmark and Sweden, cooperatives are more integrated into the housing system, offering ownership-like rights without full property ownership. Conversely, Germany and Austria focus on rental models with high member involvement.
- Market Share: The market impact of housing cooperatives varies: - In Denmark and Sweden, they significantly contribute to urban housing. - In Germany and Austria, they account for a smaller but notable segment of the housing market. - Switzerland boasts a robust cooperative sector that plays a crucial role in affordable housing.
- Target Groups: Cooperatives generally aim to serve lower to middle-income groups, with specific objectives shaped by local needs and regulatory frameworks.
- Organizational Structure: Most cooperatives function as associations with democratic governance, allowing members substantial influence in management decisions.
- Legal Frameworks: Each country has unique legal structures that support cooperative housing, often providing tax incentives or subsidies to promote growth.
- Financial Models: Financing typically involves substantial member contributions, government support, and loans from cooperative-friendly financial institutions.
🇱 Applicability to the Netherlands
The report concludes that housing cooperatives are unlikely to significantly alter the immediate availability or affordability of housing in the Netherlands due to existing housing corporations fulfilling similar roles. However, they present niche opportunities for addressing specific community needs or innovative living projects where traditional models may fall short. The report recommends enhancing legal frameworks to support cooperative initiatives and exploring financial tools that could facilitate their growth.
Instruments for Stimulation
The study identifies several instruments used across Europe that could be adapted in the Netherlands: - Financial incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies. - Legal reforms to simplify the process of forming cooperatives. - Knowledge-sharing platforms to disseminate best practices among potential cooperative founders.
Conclusion
While the direct applicability of foreign housing cooperative models is limited due to structural differences in housing markets, the report emphasizes that valuable lessons and best practices can be adapted to enhance the role of cooperatives in addressing specific challenges within the Dutch housing market.