Housing cooperatives offer an alternative to traditional homeownership and rental markets by placing control in the hands of residents. Members share ownership, participate in governance, and benefit from collective decision-making that prioritises community wellbeing over profit.
From limited equity co-ops that preserve affordability across generations to tenant-led buyouts that prevent displacement, cooperative housing takes many forms. What unites them is a commitment to democratic participation, mutual aid, and housing as a social good rather than a commodity.
Explore our curated collection of research, organisations, and projects advancing cooperative housing across Europe and beyond.
From limited equity co-ops that preserve affordability across generations to tenant-led buyouts that prevent displacement, cooperative housing takes many forms. What unites them is a commitment to democratic participation, mutual aid, and housing as a social good rather than a commodity.
Explore our curated collection of research, organisations, and projects advancing cooperative housing across Europe and beyond.
Key Aspects
Democratic Governance
Members have equal voting rights in decisions affecting their homes and community
Affordability
Limited equity models keep housing costs stable across generations
Community Building
Shared spaces and collective activities foster strong social bonds
Long-term Security
Residents have stable tenure without fear of displacement or rent increases
Sustainable Management
Collective maintenance and energy initiatives reduce costs and environmental impact
Knowledge Resources
Who's most affected by Europe's housing crisis?
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Europe’s Housing Crisis
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Housing in the EU: more than 2 million new homes per year needed by 2035 to meet demand
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Europe needs 'a huge wake-up call' on the housing crisis, EU commissioner says
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Tenth Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe
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Understanding the housing crisis: Staff Working Document accompanying the European Affordable Housing Plan
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Related Organisations

ARCHY NOVA
Stuttgart, Germany

Actors of Urban Change
Berlin, Germany

Adhoc
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Aisteach Co-operative Housing Society
Dublin, Ireland

Allgemeine Baugenossenschaft Zürich (ABZ)
Zurich, Switzerland

Alliance4Europe
Munich, Germany

Almannai Fischer
Munich, Germany

Almenr
Copenhagen, Denmark
Related Projects
View all 57 projects
Related Topics
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