On February 18, 2025, Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a proposal to promote and recognize cooperative housing and the right of use model at the national level. This milestone reinforces the model as an affordable, non-speculative housing alternative aligned with sustainability and the social and solidarity economy. The proposal adds to the institutional recognition received in the Parliament of Catalonia in May 2022.

Key measures outlined in the resolution include:

• Recognizing cooperative housing and the right of use model as a non-speculative means of accessing housing and expanding the affordable housing stock.
• Creating public policies across ministries to promote and support this model.
• Facilitating the transfer of public land for cooperative housing projects.
• Improving the regulatory framework to ease implementation and operation.
• Introducing financing and taxation measures in the upcoming State Housing Plan 2026-2030.

This proposal marks a significant step toward integrating cooperative housing into national housing policy. As housing affordability remains a pressing issue, this model offers a sustainable solution outside the speculative market.

Catalonia: A Pioneer in Cooperative Housing

Catalonia has led the way in recognizing and promoting cooperative housing in right of use. Since 2016, the region has seen rapid growth in this model, with 67 projects encompassing more than 1,190 homes as of 2024. Notable projects include La Balma and Cirerers in Barcelona, supported by the city’s policy of public land transfers.

The Parliament of Catalonia’s 2022 resolution further strengthened the model by amending cooperative laws, offering tax credits, and improving financing through the Catalan Institute of Finances (ICF). This robust support has positioned cooperative housing as a growing component of the region’s social housing stock.

The approval by Spain’s Congress builds on Catalonia’s successes and reflects a growing recognition that cooperative housing in right of use can provide a viable and affordable pathway to housing security across the country.

You can read more on Sostre Civic’s website.