Towards a Collaborative Housing Initiative: The Role of Local Authorities

The different forms of collaborative housing, their possible effects on the housing market and urban development processes have gained importance in housing policy and city development debates in many European countries. A shift towards the acceptance and promotion of more collaborative housing concepts can be observed in numerous cities. However, the precise process of co-creation and co-management can be widely different, depending on the exact relation of stakeholders to each other, the legal, economic and institutional environment, the level of business interests involved, and, very importantly, the role local authorities are willing to play in the process. Following three countries and highlighting cases in each of them – Germany, Hungary and the United Kingdom – the article aims to provide a better understanding of how this co-creation process is influenced by the governance concepts and practices of local authorities, arguing that their support becomes even more essential if financial resources are scarce or national legislation – including the laws regulating the housing market – is not supportive.