MARKET POTENTIAL FOR COLLECTIVE SELF-ORGANIZED HOUSING INTERVENTIONS IN EUROPE

摘要

Collective Self-Organized (CSO) Housing (referring to both renovation of existing stock and construction of new dwellings, with the definitive influence of the residents) has become the center of attention of public authorities and private businesses alike, the main reason being that it is often considered a good solution to open up new market segments in the post-crisis housing market for all stakeholders involved. Many of these CSO Housing projects seem to strengthen the commitment of residents to their own built environment. They furthermore contribute to the development of precisely the kind of housing that meets the requirements of the involved clients. This way, the emerging tendency of collective participation of end users in their future built environment contributes to a more accepted, sustainable, green and social environment for many residents to live. The applicability of CSO Housing solutions is strongly dependent on many factors. First and foremost, new CSO Housing constructions and CSO Housing retrofitting differ substantially everywhere, occupying a different market segment and having a different market potential. Similarly, the institutional and legislative background of different European Member states, as well as the residential values and economic possibilities, the availability of land and its price, up to the attitude of public authorities strongly influence the market potential of CSO Housing development. Based on a set of key determinants the following paper plans to map out and show the market potential of different CSO Housing projects in some European countries. The paper furthermore identifies opportunities for new business to be developed, and strategies for market players to come up with new and smart CSO Housing solutions.