The Jordan Cooperative Corporation (JCC) serves as the official regulator and supervisor of the cooperative sector in Jordan, including housing cooperatives and cooperative unions. Its role is to support and empower cooperatives by offering training, guidance, and institutional development. Through engagement in international meetings and seminars, JCC actively studies successful cooperative housing models from around the world to strengthen its domestic efforts and overcome housing sector challenges.

Housing cooperatives in Jordan operate under the JCC’s oversight and represent a modern, community-centered alternative to traditional housing markets. By pooling resources and working collectively, these cooperatives help address rising land prices and the financial burdens faced by low- and middle-income households. More importantly, they promote inclusive development and long-term sustainability by fostering cooperation, affordability, and social cohesion.

National Snapshot

There are currently 145 registered housing cooperatives operating across Jordan, with notable concentrations in Amman and the Balqa Governorate. Only two governorates—Tafilah and Ajloun—lack active housing cooperatives. These cooperatives serve approximately 16,957 members. Their combined cash holdings exceed 10 million Jordanian Dinars (JD), while the estimated value of their total assets surpasses 270 million JD.

Historical and Practical Impact

Globally, housing cooperatives first emerged in the late 19th century, with growth accelerating in the early 20th century, especially in progressive cities such as Zurich. The movement reached its peak during the post-World War II era, between the 1960s and 1990s. Jordan followed suit with the establishment of cooperative housing initiatives like the Rawabi Housing Cooperative, founded in 1991.

According to Mr. As’ad Abu Amir, head of Rawabi Housing Cooperative, the organization was created to make land ownership possible for members, a goal that was otherwise unattainable for many. The cooperative acquired a 96-dunum plot of land, later distributed among members through a lottery. After developing infrastructure, a 6-dunum portion was reserved for shared services.

Mr. Abu Amir noted that the cooperative was also instrumental in arranging financing—initially through a combination of member contributions and external bank loans. This dual-source funding model was key to securing land and launching development efforts.

Affordability and Access

Mr. Ibrahim Al-Qtaishat, Chairman of the Ministry of Youth Employees Cooperative, highlighted the affordability benefits of the cooperative model. In some cases, members accessed land plots for as little as 6,000 JD (including services), which increased to around 30,000 JD after subdivision and infrastructure development. He encouraged broader public participation in cooperatives to benefit from more affordable housing options.

Persistent Challenges

Despite this progress, housing cooperatives in Jordan face several persistent obstacles. Legal and regulatory restrictions continue to limit their operational flexibility. Additionally, internal challenges—such as management disputes and financial disagreements among members—can hinder development. High land prices within municipal boundaries also compel many cooperatives to purchase land in unregulated areas, which must then be incorporated into official planning zones to access basic services like electricity, roads, and water.

Global Support and Future Outlook

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) plays a pivotal role in advancing housing cooperatives worldwide. ICA promotes these models as socially and economically viable solutions, particularly in underserved and densely populated regions. By showcasing international successes and fostering cross-border collaboration, ICA strengthens cooperative networks and supports global development goals—including poverty reduction, social equity, and environmental protection.

Housing cooperatives, by design, offer more than just affordable homes. They foster inclusive, empowered communities and provide a replicable solution to widespread housing challenges in both developing and developed contexts.

By Vivian Yalda, Co-operative Development Institute, Jordan Cooperative Corporation