Abstract:

This paper examines the potential and challenges of community housing projects in Germany in the context of the current housing crisis. The central research question is: Can housing cooperatives or multi-generational houses contribute to alleviating the current housing shortage? To answer this question, a qualitative research strategy was chosen, involving interviews with experts in the housing market. The results indicate that communal living offers both economic beneÞts, such as cost savings, and social value, for instance through intergenerational knowledge transfer (cf. Appendix A5, p. 204f.). However, potential conßicts among residents with different lifestyles were identiÞed as challenges (cf. Appendix A5, p. 208f.). Another key Þnding is the positive evaluation of local networks for supporting repairs and renovations, which could be promoted through a time bank system (cf. Appendix A5, p. 190). From an economic perspective, cooperatives offer a sustainable alternative to traditional rental and purchase models, as they create long-term affordable housing and counteract speculative developments (cf. Barth in Appendix A6.3, p. 275; Stahncke, 2013a, p. 26f.). In summary, the paper shows that community housing projects can make an important contribution to addressing the housing crisis by balancing economic and social aspects.