Resources
-
The Collective Housing Landscape in…
Indonesia’s urban poor are pioneering collective housing solutions to counter displacement and housing insecurity. In February 2024, the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR), explored how the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC) is scaling up cooperative housing networks nationwide.Read More
-
Housing Europe Report Highlights the…
Housing Europe’s report explores how housing cooperatives continue to provide affordable, democratic housing while adapting to new social, economic, and environmental challenges. It examines the resilience of well-established cooperatives and the emergence of new models since the 2008 financial crisis. With insights from 12 European countries, the report highlights innovative solutions and policy recommendations to support cooperative housing in an increasingly difficult market.Read More
-
Public Cooperative Housing Policies: An…
Explore public policies supporting cooperative housing worldwide in this comprehensive report. Discover how governments and cooperatives collaborate to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions globally.Read More
Like us on Facebook!
Cooperative housing is more than a place to live—it is a movement that prioritizes people over profit, fosters community, and promotes sustainability. In the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, we are amplifying the voices of housing co-ops worldwide. Follow along as we share innovations, successes, and opportunities for engagement. #IYC2025 #CoopHousing
Best Practices in Cooperative Housing Worldwide![]()
![]()
Cooperative housing offers a unique, community-driven approach to affordable and sustainable living. Around the world, housing cooperatives have developed innovative strategies to enhance governance, financing, member engagement, and environmental sustainability. In honor of the International Year of Cooperatives, we are featuring best practices from cooperatives worldwide to showcase their achievements and inspire others. ![]()
![]()
This month we feature Sostre Cívic in Catalonia, Spain. ![]()
![]()
Sostre Cívic is pioneering a right-of-use housing model—keeping homes affordable, community-managed, and free from speculation. With 550+ homes and 350 more in development, it’s proving that cooperative housing is a bold model for a fairer housing future! #CooperativeHousing ![]()
![]()
Sustainable & Community-Driven![]()
✔️ Energy-efficient, repurposed buildings![]()
✔️ Public partnerships for social housing![]()
✔️ Policy advocacy for long-term impact![]()
![]()
Read more about Sostre Civic's story on our #IYC25 page.![]()
ow.ly/atOg50Vq8fB
E-bulletins
-
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
-
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
-
December 2024
Discover Cooperative Housing International's latest initiatives for the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, including global knowledge sharing, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. Learn about innovative housing projects in Australia, Canada, Croatia, and New York, plus updates from CHI’s board meeting in New Delhi.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!