Housing Needs and Cooperative Housing Models: A Scoping Review

This scoping review titled "Housing Needs and Cooperative Housing Models" was authored by Richard Lang and Michela Giovannini, and published by Euricse, an organization focusing on research in the field of cooperatives and social enterprises. The paper addresses the growing affordability crisis in Europe and highlights the potential of cooperative housing as an effective alternative to conventional housing models.

The review explores both traditional and innovative cooperative housing models across Europe. Traditional ownership and rental cooperatives have successfully delivered affordable housing, while newer models cater to evolving resident preferences regarding community engagement, social inclusion, and sustainable development. The review identifies key themes, trends, and research gaps in existing literature on cooperative housing, mapping innovative examples from various European cities.

The report emphasizes the multifaceted nature of housing issues in Europe, exacerbated by rising property prices, limited housing supply, and stagnant wages. These challenges particularly impact urban areas, fueling real estate speculation and gentrification, which often displace lower-income residents. The paper posits that cooperative housing can improve access to affordable housing for vulnerable groups, promoting social cohesion and long-term housing security.

The review maps existing research on cooperative housing models and stresses the importance of innovative financing, collaboration with municipalities, and non-speculative land use. Despite their promise, cooperatives face challenges related to inclusivity, financial stability, and resident participation. Policy recommendations are provided to scale cooperative housing while maintaining its core values of social justice and democratic governance.

The authors conducted a scoping review to systematically identify and categorize existing literature on cooperative housing in Europe. The review covers research published between 1990 and 2024, focusing on legally incorporated housing cooperatives while acknowledging collaborative models that may not fit traditional definitions. The review's methodology emphasizes thematic synthesis and conceptual mapping to provide a comprehensive analysis of cooperative housing models.

The paper distinguishes between ownership cooperatives, where members purchase shares granting them equity, and rental cooperatives, where members pay rent without owning individual units. The authors discuss how both models can offer affordable housing solutions, while also exploring newer models that integrate principles of sustainability and social responsibility. The emergence of resident-led cooperatives and participatory projects reflects a shift towards community-oriented approaches.

The review highlights innovative examples of cooperative housing, like La Borda in Barcelona, which incorporates a self-organized model, and Quattro Corti in Milan, a public-cooperative partnership aimed at revitalizing public housing. These projects demonstrate the potential of cooperative housing to foster social inclusion and environmental sustainability while addressing affordability challenges.

The paper concludes by reiterating the need for ongoing research and policy support to expand cooperative housing initiatives in Europe. It underscores the importance of balancing financial viability with democratic governance and inclusivity, aiming to ensure that cooperative housing continues to serve as a transformative force in urban and rural development.