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Housing Cooperatives Worldwide

Housing cooperatives exist on all continents in many different formats. You can find out more about cooperative housing by entering the name of a country below or by hovering over the Housing Co-operatives Worldwide interactive map.

CHI is collaborating with Urbamonde to share best practices in community-led housing via the Co-Habitat Network where collaborative housing groups and their support actors can enter details on development, financing, management and more in a digital platform.

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18%

of dwellings in Zurich are housing cooperatives

3,600

Cooperativas de Vivienda en Uruguay

21,000

Community-led homes under development in the UK

  • 18%

    of dwellings in Zurich are housing cooperatives

  • 3,600

    Cooperativas de Vivienda en Uruguay

  • 21,000

    Community-led homes under development in the UK

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  • December 2024 img

    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

  • November 2024 Newsletter img

    November 2024 Newsletter

    Explore global cooperative housing highlights: PESCHA's student housing conference in Geneva, Catalonia's €31M housing expansion, Sweden's resilient housing program, and Australia’s cooperative policy insights. Plus, the launch of the UN’s International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in India.Read More

  • Autumn 2024 Newsletter img

    Autumn 2024 Newsletter

    Explore Cooperative Housing International's global initiatives, from legal research on housing laws to sustainability innovations in Sweden, milestone anniversaries, and the upcoming Global Cooperative Conference in India launching the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025.Read More

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What is a Housing Cooperative?

What is Cooperative Housing?

What is Cooperative Housing? img

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?

Why Become a Member of Cooperative Housing International? img

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

How Housing Co-ops are Mitigating Climate Change img

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

Housing Co-ops for Sustainability img

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?

What's the Legal Framework of Cooperative Housing? img

A cooperative is a legal entity owned and democratically controlled by its members.

How Do Housing Co-ops Keep Rent Affordable?

How Do Housing Co-ops Keep Rent Affordable? img

Cooperative housing is designed to keep housing affordable and operates on a non-profit basis.

How Does Cooperative Housing Compare with Other Models?

How Does Cooperative Housing Compare with Other Models? img

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

Benefits of Cooperative Housing img

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?

Who is Cooperative Housing for? img

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?

How Do I Start a Housing Co-op? img

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

Advantages of Being Part of the Wider Global Movement img

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!

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