Articulating the value of housing cooperatives

Australia has a persistent shortage of affordable, quality housing. Housing cooperatives are member-based organisations providing rental and owner-occupied homes to members. They are associated with benefits for member-residents, including improved housing, improved senses of belonging and community, and employment and education outcomes. However, evidence for those benefits has gaps, so this study developed a framework and methodology for assessing the inputs, outcomes, and benefits of Australia’s affordable rental housing cooperatives and to a typology to help identify the factors shaping those benefits. The project created the first evidence base of what works in Australia’s affordable rental housing cooperatives, demonstrating the role of cooperativism in driving benefits and value, and outlining key components of policy support for the sector.