Policy Brief: Collaborative Housing in Europe. Living laboratories of the future.

Collaborative Housing in Europe: Living Laboratories of the Future

This policy brief, titled "Collaborative Housing in Europe. Living laboratories of the future," is part of the CO-HOPE initiative, which focuses on the integration of collaborative housing practices in Europe. The authors, Pierre Arnold and Marie Brandt, have contributed to this document which is publicly available and uploaded to the database on July 29, 2025. The brief aims to explore the potential of collaborative housing models in fostering sustainable living environments and resilient communities, particularly in light of lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The policy brief highlights the significant diversity within collaborative housing projects across Europe. It discusses various case studies that illustrate how these housing models can adapt to the needs of different communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of collaborative living arrangements, as they have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in challenging times. The brief presents data showing that 96% of collaborative housing projects have been able to foster collective resilience, while 87% of these projects have positively impacted health outcomes during the pandemic.

The brief identifies several key elements that contribute to the success of collaborative housing initiatives. These include the development of common spaces that facilitate social interaction, the importance of finance in supporting shared facilities, and the need for process facilitation to ensure effective collaboration among residents. Notably, the research indicates that 79% of residents in collaborative housing report improved well-being and a sense of belonging, while 71% believe that living together positively influences their quality of life.

Despite the advantages of collaborative housing, the brief raises critical questions about why such projects remain limited in scale across Europe. It identifies key barriers including a lack of political will, insufficient knowledge about collaborative housing models, restrictive legal frameworks, and challenges related to access to land and funding. To address these issues, the authors propose several policy recommendations: enhancing knowledge dissemination about collaborative housing, reforming legal frameworks to support these initiatives, and improving access to financial resources for common spaces and community processes.

The CO-HOPE initiative plays a vital role in promoting interdisciplinary research and urban living labs that explore the potential of collaborative housing. By fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, including governments, communities, and academic institutions, CO-HOPE aims to create a supportive environment for the development of innovative housing solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations.

In conclusion, this policy brief provides valuable insights into the potential of collaborative housing as a sustainable solution for European communities. By addressing the barriers to implementation and promoting best practices, the authors advocate for a future where collaborative living becomes a mainstream approach to housing in Europe.