The impact of resident-led co-living on family housing needs

The number of family households in metropolitan cities is increasing across Europe. This rise, however, is associated with high rates of residential mobility, mostly because affordable family housing is scarce. Affordable housing policies are allegedly exclusive to some groups, with middle-income households suffering the most. In addition to affordable housing, family housing needs include more specific requirements related to childrearing. In recent years, Amsterdam has attracted many young urban professional parents (YUPPs). However, evidence suggests that they tend to leave the city as their family life cycle progresses. As a result, the city is rapidly becoming a destination for childless couples with few viable housing options. There is an emerging form of housing production with promising solutions, known as resident-led housing. Intergenerational cohousing is one example of this housing typology, which has recently gained popularity due to its practical solutions to the housing needs of urban families. One case of this housing typology under the practice of collective private commissioning (CPC) is the Vrijburcht cohousing in Amsterdam. This study aims to explain the impact of the constitutive characteristics of Vrijburcht cohousing on the housing needs of middle-income families. Following a review of relevant literature, the research limits the demands to affordable housing and residential functional needs. The latter is based on Abraham Maslow's motivational theory of human needs and comprises eight requirements for a well-functioning residential environment for households. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, depending on the case study strategy. The researcher used interviews with residents and experts, secondary qualitative data, and non-participant observation for data collection. The data analysis provides rich insights into the links between Vrijburcht's constitutive characteristics and the residents' housing needs. The findings show that participation in co-production decreased the price of the house for first-time buyers. However, the current price is comparable to the market value. Community solidarity and social inclusion provide a safe and comfortable environment for children and the elderly. The attached working spaces and shared facilities emphasize social interactions and allow families to combine childcare, working, and entertainment in one place.