The mechanics of housing collectivism: how forms and functions affect affordability

Abstract

In countries worldwide, limited access to affordable housing is fuelling interest in collectivist solutions. Different organizational models are being developed to enable groups of people to own and control housing collectively. The benefits of such models have been widely promoted, not least in terms of delivering enhanced housing affordability for residents. However, evidence to support such claims is scarce and it remains unclear whether affordability is the product of collective forms and functions, or some other factor(s). To address this gap in knowledge, the paper presents findings from three case studies of English and Canadian housing collectives. Applying realist theories of causation, the processes affecting housing affordability are explained, conceptualizing two causal mechanisms which depict how organizational form, internal rules and regulatory activity, along with the unique role of the resident-owner, influence the setting of rents and prices. Further research is required to understand the prevalence of these mechanisms and their general application.

Keywords:

• Housing
• collectivism
• causal mechanisms
• co-operative
• community land trust
• affordability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributor

Dr Tom Archer is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research, at Sheffield Hallam University. Tom has nearly twenty years’ experience in research and policy roles related to housing and the community and voluntary sector. His research focuses on the development, ownership, and management of housing and other assets. His doctoral research investigated models for collective ownership of housing in England and Canada, applying realist theories of causation to explain observed processes. Tom currently directs several housing-related studies, notably an evaluation of Power to Change’s Homes in Community Hands programme - a £5 million scheme supporting community-led housing across England.

Notes

1 A small part of the CLT's area of operation is in an adjacent MSOA. Average incomes here were £420 per week.

2 Census tracts 4620131.00 and 4620132.00.