What exactly is a housing cooperative? A housing cooperative is a legal entity—typically a cooperative or corporation—that owns residential property. It operates under regional or national cooperative laws and stands apart as the only business model with an internationally recognized definition.

There are seven cooperative principles that guide housing cooperatives in their governance and operations. Equally important, cooperatives are based on the values ​​of  self-help ,  self-responsibility ,  democracy ,  equality ,  equity , and  solidarity.

Members gain access to housing by purchasing a share in the cooperative. In return, they earn the right to occupy a unit. Each member becomes both a resident and part-owner, actively shaping the community they live in.

Housing co-ops vary widely. Some consist of small townhouse clusters or a few apartments, while others span entire buildings with hundreds of units. Some operate as rentals; others follow an equity model where members co-own the property. This diversity reflects the flexibility and adaptability of cooperative housing across many settings.

Although co-op models differ by country, they all share a core purpose: to meet the economic, social, and cultural needs of their members through community-oriented living. Members elect the board, vote on major decisions, and help set the co-op’s direction—ensuring that control stays in the hands of those who live there.

As a co-op member, you play an active role as an indirect owner. Depending on the model, you either rent your unit from the cooperative or hold membership shares that grant you exclusive rights to live in a specific unit. Unlike traditional rental or ownership models, co-ops emphasize collective ownership and democratic control. Watch the video below to learn more about housing cooperatives. You can also watch more of our videos on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe!

What is Cooperative Housing?

Life in a Housing Cooperative

Life in a housing cooperative offers more than just a place to live—it creates a sense of community, shared responsibility, and mutual support. Residents actively participate in decisions that affect their homes, building strong connections and fostering long-term stability.

To hear real stories and insights from people living in co-ops around the world, check out Coop Conversations, a podcast series by Cooperative Housing International. These episodes explore the everyday realities and benefits of cooperative living, highlighting what makes housing co-ops such unique and rewarding places to call home. Additionally, we invite you to watch the video below where members of Champlain Housing Trust’s Housing Cooperatives share, in their own words, what it’s like to live in a housing coop.