THE CONTEXT OF THE HOUSING CRISI
The current crisis of housing in Catalonia goes back to the serious real estate crisis of 2008, which left a deep imprint on the market. In an attempt to recover the mortgage dynamics, a rental market has been created that, instead of being regulated, has been dominated by lucrative interests.
During the Rajoy government stage, measures were introduced that favored the investment of large international funds in the real estate, such as the Socimi, which facilitated the sale of large packages of real estate assets that the banks had accumulated. This provided the investors a new source of performance, while the average citizen was pushed towards an increasingly inaccessible rental market.
The growing popularity of cooperativism
Despite the difficulties, the cooperative housing model has gained ground. Projects such as Cases and Princesa49 have shown that it is possible to create viable alternatives to traditional mortgages. The positive response they have generated has inspired other similar initiatives, which seek to provide a sustainable solution to the housing crisis.
A new property model
Cooperativism offers a way of managing housing that challenges the current paradigm of the rental market. Instead of seeing housing as a speculative good, cooperatives promote a more collective and accessible conception, which can provide stability to those who have been excluded from the mortgage market.
Tenant unionism and co -operativism: allies in struggle
The recent emergency of tenants’ unionism has coincided with the increase in housing cooperativism, creating an ecosystem of mutual support. Both moves seek to provide collective solutions to the housing crisis, with co-operatives focusing on property and unionism in income redistribution.
International experiences
Examples from other countries, such as Denmark, show that well -designed rental and co -operatives can lead to a positive transformation in the real estate sector. In these places, cooperatives have managed to become key players in the provision of affordable housing.
The future of cooperative housing in Catalonia
The aim is to build a system that guarantees access to housing to all citizens, regardless of their economic level. Collaboration between the public sector and the cooperatives can facilitate this process, and it is essential for neighbors to see cooperativism as a tool to regain control over their homes.
Overcoming criticism
Criticism on the viability of the cooperative model, as well as the economic barriers of entry, are recurring topics. However, it is possible to reduce access costs through more inclusive public policies that foster diversity and equality in access to housing.
Final reflection
Housing cooperativism not only represents an alternative to the current speculative system, but can also contribute to a broader transformation in the way we understand and manage housing. As the voices in favor of this model gain strength, it becomes clear that the struggle for access to housing is also a struggle for a fairer and more equitable society.