International policies to promote cooperative housing

The publication titled "International policies to promote cooperative housing" was created by authors Carles Baiges, Laco L, Mara Ferreri from IGOP-UAB & Northumbria University, and Lorenzo Vidal from IGOP-UAB & CIDOB. It is supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya and aims to analyze the legal tools and public policies that promote housing cooperativism across various international contexts. The report serves as part of a broader initiative to enhance cooperative housing models as sustainable alternatives within public policy frameworks.

Cooperative housing is characterized by collective ownership, where residents are nominally owners of their homes but cannot sell them on the open market. This model includes both rental and ownership structures that maintain the cooperative's equity while preventing commodification. The study emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks that support affordability and public policy interventions that allow cooperative housing to be a viable alternative to speculative real estate.

The publication presents a comparative analysis of case studies from countries such as Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It identifies various public policy mechanisms that facilitate cooperative housing, including access to land, financing, and subsidies. For instance, Denmark's Almen housing sector has experienced significant growth since 1946, while in Uruguay, the establishment of a legal framework in the 1970s revitalized housing cooperativism.

The report categorizes public policy interventions into three main phases: production, access and management, and maintenance over time. These interventions include providing access to land, direct and indirect subsidies, and technical support to ensure the sustainability of cooperative housing. For example, in Germany, municipalities reserve a percentage of land for cooperatives in new developments, while in Quebec, the Accès Logis program offers substantial subsidies for cooperative housing projects.

The findings illustrate that successful cooperative housing models often require comprehensive policies that address various stages of housing development. The analysis shows that countries with strong government support for cooperatives experience higher rates of successful housing initiatives. Moreover, the research highlights the significance of community involvement and participatory decision-making in the management of cooperative housing.

The study concludes with lessons for policymakers, emphasizing the role of public administrations at all levels in promoting cooperative housing. It stresses the importance of creating inclusive policies that support diverse demographic profiles and encourage social cohesion. By integrating cooperative housing into public policy, governments can provide sustainable alternatives to the rising costs of conventional market housing.

This publication not only offers insights into international cooperative housing policies but also provides a framework for analyzing public policies aimed at promoting cooperativism as a sustainable housing option. The authors highlight the need for ongoing research and collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of cooperative housing initiatives across Europe.