New international review shows what Australia can learn from the rest of the world about fixing …

… the housing crisis with co-operative housing …

o Cost Savings: up to 14% lower capital and operating costs under the
co-operative model

o Social Capital: Stronger social networks and sense of community – higher than
any other form of housing

o Health & Wellbeing: Widespread reports that living in a housing co-operative
provides a greater sense of physical, emotional, mental health and well-being

o Resident Satisfaction: Widespread reports of lower costs, high quality homes
with better security and housing stability

Common Equity (NSW) is pleased to announce a new world-wide study to identify the extent and
value of housing co-operatives around the world.

The research, commissioned by Australia’s Peak Co-op Housing Bodies; ‘ Articulating Value in
Co-operative Housing’ was undertaken by researchers from Western Sydney University and the
University of Newcastle. It analysed existing research in a dozen countries. The findings point to
the significant benefits of Co-operative Housing Models.

“The existing research indicates numerous potential benefits created by cooperative housing in
many countries. This gives us a solid starting point for identifying the extent and nature of the
value created by Australia’s housing co-operatives, including the value generated by the people
who live in co-operatives” says Louise Crabtree, Senior Researcher, from Western Sydney
University.

The researchers found widespread report of stronger social networks and support, and better
relationships with neighbours, with higher reported levels of social capital than any other forms of
social housing. Housing co-operative residents reported a strong sense of community and of
‘home’ and ‘safety’, with Canadians feeling that their neighbourhood is improved by the presence
of housing co-operatives.

Based on the evidence from housing co-operatives in Canada it is clear that “social capital” even
among poor resident populations, adds value to public investments in housing.

The research found that the economic benefits of co-operative housing are clear. Canada
demonstrated that the co-operative housing sector cost 14% less in capital and operating costs
than any other affordable housing model. And evidence in the United Kingdom suggests lower
rates of arrears, faster re-letting and lower vacancy rates. Additionally, inference from Germany
suggested that living in a co-operative might lead to reduced health care needs and costs too.

Common Equity CEO, James Brown says; ‘With the extent of housing co-operatives overseas, the
evidence is clear that co-operative housing should be a more significant part of the housing mix in
Australia to deliver more diversity and choice in affordable housing and to enhance the broader
economic, social and community benefits. Especially at a time when in Australia, with one of the
most diverse populations in the world, in which many are facing a housing crisis, this research
provides valuable information to support the case for change’.

The full Research Report for Stage One will be released in mid-late August 2018. To find out more
about Co-operative housing; h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpkzUVlaANk

A second stage of the Research is expected to commence by the end of 2018 and will quantify
the extent to which co-operative housing delivers value in the Australian context.

The National Housing Co-Operative Network is comprised of the following organisations: Common Equity
NSW Ltd, Common Equity Housing Ltd (Vic), Co-Operation Housing (WA), Common Equity Housing South
Australia Ltd, United Housing Co-operative Ltd (Vic), Cohousing Co-Operative (Tas)

About Common Equity NSW
Common Equity NSW is a provider and developer of affordable housing across NSW, operating in 25 Local
Government Areas (LGAs) and managing in excess of 510 properties. Common Equity is the peak body for
housing co-operatives in NSW. We are a nationally registered Tier 2 Community Housing Provider, a
not-for-profit organisation and a registered Specialist Disability Accommodation Provider under the NDIS.
Common Equity is an innovative leader in delivering affordable housing. We provide a unique offering as the
only housing provider in NSW that delivers co-operative housing. We promote co-operative housing models
to empower people to build strong communities and better outcomes through affordable housing solutions
suited for all demographics and needs.
Common Equity is the #1 housing provider with the highest tenant satisfaction and engagement in Australia*.
It is through the co-operative model that we are connecting people to long term safe and secure housing,
training, education, employment, community engagement opportunities and improved quality of life.
*Source: NSW Federation of Housing Associations Inc. Benchmarking Data Survey ‘2016 Tenant Satisfaction
Survey’. Published November 2017. 30 Community Housing provider (CHP) Participants in Australia.
Hayley Peacock-Gower Common Equity, w: commonequity.com.au