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

The "CO-HOPE Policy Brief: Collaborative Housing in Europe - Living Laboratories of the Future" is authored by Pierre Arnold and Marie Brandt from urbaMonde, a France-based organization focused on sustainable urban development. This research was published as part of a consortium involving various European research institutions and is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research program and the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche. The project ran from April 2022 to March 2025, aiming to explore innovative housing solutions.

Collaborative housing is presented as a viable alternative to traditional living arrangements, allowing residents to maintain individual homes while sharing common spaces. This model encourages social integration, resident involvement in planning and design, and fosters self-governance and mutual support among community members. It can serve both social and private housing needs, making it adaptable to various demographics.

The research included a survey of 393 residents (68% female) across 49 different collaborative housing projects in five European countries. Key reasons for joining such initiatives include the presence of common spaces (74%), mutual support (63%), and a desire to avoid loneliness (58%). Other notable motivations include the quality of housing units and the provision of safe environments for both older adults and children.

The report details 14 case studies from Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, and Finland. Notable projects include eco-cohousing in France, senior cooperatives in Spain, and intergenerational housing in Sweden. Each project exemplifies different aspects of collaborative living, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of this housing model.

Collaborative housing models demonstrated significant benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. A remarkable 96% of participants found collaborative housing beneficial during this period, facilitating easier access to help and support. The design of shared spaces allowed for social interaction while adhering to health guidelines, helping to preserve mental health through recreational activities.

Despite the advantages of collaborative housing, the report identifies several barriers to its broader adoption in Europe. Key challenges include a lack of legal recognition, insufficient funding mechanisms, and high burdens on starter groups. Additionally, misinformation and stereotypes about collective ownership inhibit growth, particularly in high-demand urban areas.

The brief outlines four main areas for policy improvement:

Vienna serves as a model case study for successful collaborative housing. The municipality has allocated plots in urban development areas for innovative housing projects, enabling residents' associations to collectively rent or purchase land. This approach has successfully prevented speculation and fostered vibrant, sustainable communities.