Why and how cities can promote affordable and sustainable Collaborative Housing | CoHabitat Network

The document discusses the increasing relevance of affordable and sustainable Collaborative Housing (CH) in Europe, emphasizing the role of local governments in promoting this innovative housing model. Published by CoHabitat Network, the content reflects insights from the International Social Housing Festival held in Barcelona on June 7, 2023, organized by partners urbaMonde and NETCO. The session featured experts from various European cities including Vienna, Lyon, Brussels, and Barcelona, highlighting successful strategies for implementing CH.

Collaborative Housing is primarily a community-led initiative that fosters affordability and sustainability. It provides a viable alternative in cities where public support is crucial for the realization of such projects. CH initiatives often achieve high environmental quality and energy efficiency, surpassing existing standards, as residents make informed choices collectively. These projects typically encourage a diversity of households, including vulnerable populations such as asylum seekers, migrants, and single-parent families, although the extent of this diversity often hinges on available public funding.

Several cities, including Barcelona and Brussels, showcase how local governments support CH. In these regions, Collaborative Housing is recognized as social housing, allowing non-profit developers access to subsidies and tax reductions. Public land is often made available at reduced prices or through long-term leases, ensuring affordability. Furthermore, partnerships between CH groups and institutional social housing developers facilitate mixed-use projects, combining social rental and cooperative ownership.

In Lyon, the Grand Lyon metropolitan area has established a framework for CH projects, emphasizing community involvement and the production of affordable housing units. Their pilot project, Le Village Vertical, exemplifies the integration of cooperative residents with social housing, promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Brussels has advanced the Community Land Trust model, which preserves affordability for future generations by managing land as a common good. This model has led to the construction of over 100 dwellings with ongoing projects addressing low-income households.

In Barcelona, the city has adopted a cooperative model for non-profit housing, ensuring that new developments focus on both affordability and environmental sustainability. The municipality actively collaborates with housing cooperatives to deliver projects that meet social criteria and offer long-term solutions to housing needs.

Despite the successes, challenges remain, including high land prices and the need for public trust between authorities and civil society. The diverse needs of vulnerable groups must be balanced with the realities of housing markets. Ongoing dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders are essential for the sustained growth of Collaborative Housing across Europe.

The document serves as a comprehensive overview of the potential for Collaborative Housing to address pressing housing issues while fostering sustainable and inclusive communities. It reflects the commitment of various European cities to create innovative solutions that benefit all residents.