Model – COBHA is an anti‑speculative housing cooperative based in Brussels, Belgium, positioned as a “third way” between conventional renting and individual home ownership.1 It operates on a model in which each tenant‑cooperator is both a shareholder of the cooperative and a tenant of their own home, paying rent that reflects the actual operating costs of the building rather than market‑driven prices.13 The cooperative’s core aim is to help build a large cooperative housing sector in the Brussels Region by developing multiple projects that contribute to long‑term housing affordability.18
The model rests on several clearly defined objectives: removing buildings from the speculative property market, building and renovating to high environmental standards, setting cost‑based rents, involving future residents in construction projects, handing over building management to tenants, and creating shared spaces and resources grounded in solidarity and common sense.1 Decision‑making follows the cooperative principle of democracy – one person, one vote, regardless of the financial contribution.18
CoBHa is formally known as “Coopérative Bruxelloise d’Habitat” (Brussels Housing Cooperative) and is recognised as a non‑profit, CNC‑approved cooperative.1 It was created by an operational team of professionals from the social housing sector, law, construction and academia, who have more than ten years of experience through co‑founded projects such as Communa and Fair Ground, and partnerships with organisations including CLTB, Plateau Urbain and Bellevilles.14 The cooperative facilitates a mix of housing types – from single‑bedroom apartments to family flats and shared living settings – combined with communal facilities such as common rooms, guest rooms and laundry spaces, aiming to balance private living areas with convivial shared spaces.18