Reflecting on the 2024 Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM) European Housing Co-op Study Tour, leading housing expert Donald Proctor has delivered a powerful message: Australia can and should grow a thriving co-operative housing sector – just like Europe.
While housing co-ops make ess then 1% of Australia’s housing today, they account for around 20% in cities like Zurich, Vienna, and Copenhagen. Donald’s reflects the tour showed how co-ops overseas are delivering safe, affordable, sustainable housing at scale, backed by strong government, financial and community support.
Donald proclaims the key lessons for Australia:
– Co-ops create resilient communities with mixed incomes and secure, affordable tenancies.
– Governments and banks overseas actively support co-ops, seeing them as a smart, self-reliant investment.
– Tenant democracy works – co-ops thrive on resident participation, good governance, and long-term vision.
– Sustainable financing models (like revolving loan funds and government-guaranteed loans) make scaling affordable.
The call is clear: Co-ops work. They build community. They offer secure, affordable homes.
It’s time for Australia to unlock the full potential of co-operative housing.
📚 Read more about Donald Proctor’s reflections and the key takeaways from the European study tour.
Image: Donald Proctor (fourth from left) in Vienna on the BCCM Study Tour.