Resources
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Exploring the "Sense of Home"…
This study investigates how residents in rental housing cooperatives in Melbourne, Australia, and Choluteca, Honduras, experience a "sense of home." Using Social Practices Theory and interviews, the authors uncover how personal, social, and physical elements shape home-making in collaborative living. The findings highlight the role of autonomy, participation, and resilience in building meaningful homes outside market-driven models.Read More
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VIEILLIR EN HABITAT PARTICIPATIF :…
Destiné aux futurs habitants, professionnels et institutions, ce guide publié par Habitat Participatif France propose des pistes concrètes pour intégrer les enjeux du vieillissement dans les projets d’habitat participatif et inclusif.Read More
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Community Finance and Savings Systems:…
Published in the Spring 2025 issue of Housing Finance International, this article explores how community-led finance tools—like savings groups and cooperatives—empower urban poor communities to improve housing conditions through accessible, inclusive systems.Read More
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The global housing crisis and gentrification are causing people to move out of their neighbourhoods. Coin Street, a #London co-op, has demonstrated the power of community-led urban development. Despite the new government's focus on housing Coin Street believes bold action is needed to address soaring house prices and promote alternative solutions.
Coin Street: How co-op ownership can keep the bulldozer at bay
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The neighbourhood has demonstrated its lasting power as a pioneering model for people-led development of urban spaces
Sostre Civic is a cooperative in #Catalonia, #Spain that promotes and develops housing #cooperatives under the right of use model. This housing model consists of collective ownership of a building or a number of buildings by the housing co-op. Members of the co-op have the right to occupy a particular apartment by mutual agreement but do not hold exclusive ownership. Sostre Civic also makes use of a pre-emption right mechanism that exists in Catalonia whereby civil society organizations has the first option to buy abandoned properties.
Ander Zabala Gomez, Sostre Civic, Catalonia, Spain - Coop Conversations
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Sostre Civic is a cooperative in Catalonia, Spain that promotes and develops housing cooperatives under the right of use model. This housing model consists o...E-bulletins
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May 2025 Issue
The May 2025 newsletter from Cooperative Housing International shares inspiring co-op housing stories from across the globe—student living in the Netherlands, inclusive models for people with disabilities, Brazil's and Jordan’s cooperative housing approach, the Confederation of Co-operative Housing celebrating cooperative pioneers in a video series, celebrating 10 years of Community Land Trust in British Columbia, Canada, and more.Read More
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CHI Newsletter Highlights – April 2025
This edition of the CHI e-bulletin highlights major developments in cooperative housing worldwide—from the upcoming launch of the Legal Framework Project to Canada’s new $1.5B co-op housing fund, groundbreaking models like Sostre Cívic in Catalonia, and OBOS Living Lab’s role in the Open House Worldwide festival. Plus, stay informed about key ICA events and the 20th anniversary of Canada’s Housing Agency. Read More
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February 2025 – New CHI Newsletter: Global Insights on Cooperative Housing
Read about the ICA Asia-Pacific Coop Colloquium, the World Habitat Awards, Vancouver's landmark coop housing project, CHI's call for best practices, Spain recognizing cooperative housing and more...Read More
What is a Housing Cooperative?
What is Cooperative Housing?
Housing cooperatives are jointly-owned, democratically-controlled enterprises designed to meet the common economic, social, and cultural needs of their members.
Why Become a Member of Cooperative Housing International?
CHI is a mutually supportive community of cooperative housing federations and associations in over 70 countries. Join Cooperative Housing International (CHI) and become part of the international cooperative movement.
How Housing Co-ops are Mitigating Climate Change
Environmental protection and good business practices go hand in hand. Housing cooperatives around the world are leading the way with sustainability initiatives.
Housing Co-ops for Sustainability
Co-op housing communities worldwide are building a more sustainable future by working towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This blueprint sets out targets for achieving a more equitable and sustainable future.
What's the Legal Framework of Cooperative Housing?
A cooperative is a legal entity owned and democratically controlled by its members.
How Do Housing Co-ops Keep Rent Affordable?
Cooperative housing is designed to keep housing affordable and operates on a non-profit basis.
How Does Cooperative Housing Compare with Other Models?
When you join a housing co-op, you become part of a democratic community. You join a housing co-op by purchasing shares of the co-op that owns the property. As a member of a co-op, you’re an indirect owner.
Benefits of Cooperative Housing
Housing co-ops welcome many different people, including those of different cultural backgrounds, diversities, and income levels. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
Who is Cooperative Housing for?
Cooperative housing is great for people who want to take an active role in their community. Everyone is welcome in cooperative housing. Some co-ops are focused on providing housing for lower-income individuals, some are family-oriented, others are focused on seniors.
How Do I Start a Housing Co-op?
So, you want to start a housing cooperative? Where do you begin? First, gather your core group of members and define your goals. Then decide which co-op model is best for you. Different models are available depending on the country you are in.
Advantages of Being Part of the Wider Global Movement
Tap into a worldwide support network, accessing news, research, global best practices, education, expertise, and advice. Not to mention being part of a community of over 3 million cooperatives representing over 1 billion members!