Could collaborative housing become an opportunity for more people?

- Insights from international research and implications for the Swedish context

Authors

• Elisabeth Ahlinder Stockholm university, Faculty of Law
• Anna Granath Hansson Nordregio https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8036-2161

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30672/njsr.164316

Keywords:

collaborative housing, sustainable housing, affordable housing, social housing, social mix

Abstract

Collaborative housing is an umbrella term for housing that is based on collectivity and self-organisation. In recent years, this form of housing has again been highlighted as an opportunity to create affordable and socially inclusive residential areas. However, collaborative housing is also recognised for its organisational complexity and legal uncertainty, particularly during the start-up phase. Research suggests that these issues may result in it being primarily accessible to the middle class, that is, people who generally already have access to the housing market. In some contexts, such as Sweden, there are discussions on its potential contribution to broader housing market problems and the hurdles that need to be overcome to make it more easily accessible. This study takes Swedish collaborative housing initiatives as its point of departure. It examines international research to identify what is considered crucial for collaborative housing to function as an affordable and socially inclusive housing option, and maps gaps in Swedish policy and research that may hinder broader access. The analysis is based on a two-step integrated literature review, combining Swedish policy documents and national literature with a systematic review of international research on legal frameworks, potential future residents, and cooperation with key partners. The findings indicate that collaborative housing has the potential to develop into an affordable and socially inclusive housing option for a broader segment of the population. However, realising this potential requires addressing underexplored legal challenges, reducing institutional, economic, temporal, and organisational barriers, establishing supportive relationships with public and private actors, and critically engaging with tensions related to social heterogeneity and inclusivity.

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