Quality: 4 - País

Llargavista observatory

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Llargavista observatory

Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact
Promotion and production Self-management Self-promotion Cooperatives Progressive housing Management and maintenance
Ownership and tenure Rental and temporary tenure Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

The Llargavista observatory consists of a website and an interactive map showing all registered cooperative housing initiatives in Catalonia (Spain), providing detailed information on each project obtained through questionnaires and interviews. Its objective is to disseminate the model and its evolution to all citizens in an accessible and understandable way.

Date

  • 2020: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Sostre Cívic
  • Coòpolis
  • Xarxa d'Economia Solidària
  • iLabSo
  • Risell

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Barcelona
Country/Region: Barcelona, Spain

Description

"Llargavista" means "long-term" in Catalan. This name is not accidental. The observatory seeks to map all cooperative housing in Catalonia, a nation within Spain, with the goal to make it a long-term solution for the housing crisis. Catalonia (and specifically Barcelona, its capital) has been a pioneer in a specific type of cooperative housing with “the right to use”. That is to say, the administration cedes the land in surface right to a cooperative, which constructs the building. After the period agreed with the cooperative, the building becomes public property. Thus, the cooperative never owns the land, but it does own the building for a certain agreed period of time. During that time, the people living in the housing must meet the requirements for access to public social housing and, in exchange for an entrance fee, be cooperative members. If they wish to leave the housing, they leave their share of the cooperative to whoever enters. The observatory monitors these initiatives.

This is an initiative promoted by Sostre Cívic, with the collaboration of Risell and iLabSo and the participation of the housing sector of the Xarxa d'Economia Solidària (XES) and the Cercle de transició ecosocial de Coòpolis. It is supported and financed by the General Directorate of Social Economy of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Barcelona City Council. With the creation of this initiative, the aim is to observe the state and evolution of cooperative housing in cession of use throughout the country. At the same time, this tool is built with a long-term vision, to consolidate and grow cooperative housing as a transformative and non-speculative model of housing access and tenure.

The main objective is to carry out a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the cooperative housing sector in transfer of use, both of information related to the people and cohabitation units that participate, as well as the characteristics of the building or the project, and other elements of interest related to the project, such as economic and financial information or its social impact. This information, systematized and sustained over time, can be of interest to the cooperative housing sector, the academic world, public administrations and the media, among other agents. In addition, it aims to show the information in an accessible and understandable way in order to disseminate the model, the projects and their evolution to all citizens with a clearly informative function.

The main product of the observatory is a website and an interactive map that it incorporates, which shows all the registered cooperative housing initiatives in cession of use, with information on each project. The data is obtained through questionnaires answered by groups and projects throughout the country and through interviews with groups and various agents.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Observatoire de l'habitat, Luxembourg

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Observatoire de l'habitat, Luxembourg

Mismatches
Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact

Main objectives of the project

Given the skyrocketing housing prices in Luxembourg, the Housing Observatory (Observatoire de l'habitat), established in 2003, plays a crucial role in informing housing policy and public awareness. It monitors property and land prices, analyzes housing dynamics, and studies socio-economic aspects of housing affordability. The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) partners with the Observatory to support its research and policy planning efforts.

Date

  • 2003: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • LISER (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research)
  • Département du Logement du Ministère des Classes moyennes, du Tourisme et du Logement

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Description

Given the skyrocketing housing prices in Luxembourg, the establishment of a dedicated observatory has become crucial. In fact, Luxembourg has one of the most expensive housing markets in Europe. This poses a threat to its most vulnerable population. Thus, to solve it, the first step is to have the whole information about the housing situation.

In 2003, the Housing Observatory (Observatoire de l'habitat) was set up within the Housing Department of the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Businesses, Tourism, and Housing to produce the information needed for effective housing policy planning and to inform the public about housing issues. Since its inception, its objective has been to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on housing. It also assists the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning in planning housing policy. The Housing Observatory is particularly responsible for monitoring property prices, rents, and land prices. Additionally, it analyzes land dynamics in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, conducts a census of building land for housing, and studies housing production dynamics. Furthermore, the Observatoire de l'Habitat examines the socio-economic aspects of housing issues, including housing affordability and the impact of public policies on housing costs.

The Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) is a key partner of the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning in fulfilling the tasks of the Observatoire de l'Habitat. This public research center's mission is to conduct fundamental and applied research in the social sciences to advance knowledge, inform the actions of public authorities and socio-economic players, and educate society. Thus, as one of his objetives, is the responsible to collect and process the data of the Observatory. By doing so, a scientific approach is introduced to the Observatory. As a result, the open data can be consulted at their web regarding housing matters.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Système d'information géographique de la politique de la ville

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Système d'information géographique de la politique de la ville

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact

Main objectives of the project

The "SIG de la politique de la ville" is an advanced online atlas that provides detailed statistical data and monitors policy implementation in France's priority urban regeneration neighborhoods, ensuring effective tracking of housing affordability and urban deprivation.

Date

  • 2015: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Ministère de la Transition écologique et de la Cohésion des territoires
  • Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France

Description

France has long recognized the challenges faced by its vulnerable urban areas and has taken proactive measures to ensure housing affordability while addressing the social issues in its most deprived neighborhoods. To effectively implement these measures, access to reliable information is crucial. This need led to the creation of the “SIG de la politique de la ville.”

The “SIG de la politique de la ville” is an online atlas that compiles statistical and policy information about the “quartiers prioritaires de la politique de la ville” (Priority Zones for City Policies). These are areas identified for active urban regeneration policies.

Before 2014, two distinct urban policy priority areas coexisted: the regulatory area, which generated tax benefits (known as the ZUS area), and the contractual area, which generated funding (or “Cucs” area). These intervention methods did not necessarily overlap. The law on programming for cities and urban cohesion, enacted on February 21, 2014, reformed the geographic prioritization of urban policy. Using income as the sole criterion, new priority neighborhoods were identified in mainland France, La Réunion, and Martinique through a detailed territorial grid. This method was adapted for the overseas territories and revised in 2024.

As a result, 200 priority neighborhoods were identified by the decree of March 27, 2015, focusing on areas with significant urban dysfunctions, which became priorities for the new national urban renewal program. In 2024, a new delimitation process is underway.

The SIG system monitors the implementation of renewal programs and tracks the evolution of statistical data in these neighborhoods. On the website, users can select an address or region to see the priority neighborhoods within that area. By selecting these neighborhoods, users can access 1) basic statistical information on urban deprivation, 2) details of implemented plans, and 3) the progress of these plans.

This SIG tool is among the most advanced systems globally for tracking neighborhood affordability and deprivation.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

HousingLab, Italy

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HousingLab, Italy

Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact Participatory processes
Promotion and production Self-management Self-promotion Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership

Main objectives of the project

HousingLab is a research, experimentation and development laboratory for collaborative and sustainable housing. It was born as a project of the Design and Innovation for Sustainability Unit of the Politecnico di Milano but it wants to be a laboratory that operates in and for society. It is a research lab but also a place that offers consulting services and coaching for public administrations, private builders and mostly for inhabitants and cooperatives. As an association, its objective is to foster good practices in the field of participatory and cooperative housing.

Date

  • 2014: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • HousingLab

Location

Country/Region: Italy

Description

HousingLab is an association dedicated to promoting best practices, sharing expertise, and fostering participatory experimentation in the field of social and collaborative housing. HousingLab focuses on various areas, including new housing models for diverse family structures, collaborative services for living, urban communities, public and private spaces, regeneration of existing housing contexts, and the social, environmental, and economic sustainability of both housing and relationships.

To achieve these goals, the Association plans to undertake the following non-profit activities:

a) Promote and organize cultural activities such as conferences, fairs, exhibitions, seminars, competitions, events, and visits related to social and collaborative housing.

b) Promote, organize, and provide training activities, including theoretical and practical courses, and workshops, even for non-members, in schools of all levels and universities.

c) Create a network of national and international stakeholders to share and exchange ideas and experiences on relevant topics. Through constructive dialogue, they aim to develop and disseminate best practices.

d) Publish and distribute articles, books, publications, and videos in both digital and print formats on the topic of social and collaborative housing.

One of its most important tools is the Map of Co-housings in Italy.This map geolocates various cohousing projects across the country, each accompanied by an informational sheet. The goal of the map is to provide an overview of the spread of cohousing in Italy. It aims to introduce this innovative way of living to newcomers and to connect existing projects. Moreover, they have the co-housing lab, where they help individuals who are willing to start their cohousing cooperative. Thanks to it, they have developed a toolkit to help future partners to face their decisions.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Star Homes, Tanzania

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Star Homes, Tanzania

Mismatches Services Cultural suitability Vulnerable groups Climate change Pandemics
Urban Design Liveability
Promotion and production Private promotion Participatory processes Innovation

Main objectives of the project

Addressing the severe housing and health challenges in rural Tanzania, the Star Homes Project delivers 110 innovative, low-cost homes designed to reduce disease and improve living conditions. The project's emphasis on sustainability is evident through its use of energy-efficient materials and designs, significantly lowering embodied carbon and construction costs. By sourcing all materials and labor locally, the project strengthens community ties and builds local capacity. This interdisciplinary effort not only enhances the health and well-being of families but also serves as a model for sustainable development in similar regions.

Date

  • 2024: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Architect: ingvartsen
  • Ifakara Health Institute
  • Mahidol Oxford Research Unit
  • University of the Philippines – Manila
  • London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  • Durham University
  • CSK

Location

Continent: Africa
Country/Region: Mtwara, United Republic of Tanzania

Description

The Star Homes Project has been under development for over a decade, aiming to create novel, low-cost, comfortable, and insect-proof housing to improve health in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative involves constructing 110 identical, single-family "Star Homes" across 60 different villages in Mtwara, one of Tanzania's most underdeveloped regions with high incidences of malaria, respiratory tract infections, and diarrhea. These houses are part of a trial designed to provide robust data on whether improved housing can enhance family health.

Both upgraded and traditional house styles in Sub-Saharan Africa seem to predispose residents to vector-borne, enteric, and respiratory diseases. Unlike most rural Tanzanian housing, the prototype house is two stories high, reducing the area of the foundation and roof, which are typically the most expensive and material-intensive components. This design approach optimizes resource use, reducing embodied energy and construction costs. The prefabricated light gauge steel (LGS) frame can be manufactured and erected in under three days; walls are solid but hollow, with two thin layers of cement render on wire mesh. The house features passive cooling, solar lights, USB chargers, and rainwater collection, resulting in a home that uses 70% less concrete than typical concrete block designs and has 37% less embodied carbon.

The prototype windows are screened with strong netting instead of glass, keeping indoor temperatures approximately 2.5 degrees lower than comparable local houses. Thick walls absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night, deterring the use of bed nets and increasing malaria risk. Ground-level bedrooms have higher mosquito densities, raising the risk of vector-borne infections. Cooking on open fires within poorly ventilated spaces can lead to respiratory health issues, especially for women and children. Compacted earth surfaces are hard to clean, and combined with open pit latrines, inadequate water supply, and minimal sanitation, they leave families vulnerable to diarrhea and other enteric infections.

These health issues are most severe in rural regions like Mtwara, where access to public health services is limited. After completing the construction of all 110 Star Homes in June 2021, families moved in and began participating in a trial to monitor children under 13 years old for episodes of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea over three years. A team of architects, entomologists, and social scientists will evaluate the house design's performance and acceptability using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, house walk-throughs, and surveys. Light traps will be used to collect mosquitoes and flies in both the Star Homes and control homes to measure the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes entering the houses.

The Star Homes project also aims to build capacity and sustainable communities in some of the world's poorest areas by providing affordable housing and teaching new construction skills. Each house and latrine costs between $6000 and $8000 to build and can be constructed in under four weeks. Occupants receive electricity and water throughout the house's 30-year predicted lifespan, with no operational or maintenance costs. This saves time and resources, which can be used to strengthen rural communities and lift families out of poverty. All components and labor are sourced from within Tanzania, enhancing local construction capacity.

Designed by an interdisciplinary team of architects, public health specialists, and entomologists, the Star Home incorporates various design interventions to improve family health. A detailed selection process was undertaken to choose the recipients and locations for the Star Homes. In 2019, before construction began, a survey of rural villages in Mtwara was conducted. Households wanting to participate and meeting the study inclusion criteria (such as having children under 13 years old) could enter a lottery to win a Star Home built on their land. The lottery was conducted openly and transparently to select the recipients. The study is expected to be completed by 2024.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Plan B, Guatemala

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Plan B, Guatemala

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Urban Design Environments Liveability Inclusion

Main objectives of the project

In response to the devastating Volcán de Fuego eruption, Plan B Guatemala, led by the ASIAPRODE Association and designed by DEOC Arquitectos, offers a sustainable and adaptable housing model for affected families. The 86m² homes, constructed with durable materials such as concrete blocks and bamboo, feature a unique design that separates living spaces into two blocks with an interior courtyard, promoting natural ventilation and community interaction. This design supports the rural lifestyle and allows for future expansion. The self-build concept enables families to tailor their homes, reducing waste and fostering a sense of pride and community cohesion.

Date

  • 2019: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: DEOC Arquitectos

Location

Continent: South America
Country/Region: Guatemala

Description

On Sunday, June 3, 2018, the Volcán de Fuego, situated between the departments of Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango in Guatemala, erupted twice. This disaster resulted in numerous fatalities, thousands of evacuations, many people in shelters, hundreds of injuries, and nearly two million individuals affected. Plan B Guatemala was established in response to the catastrophic eruption of Volcán de Fuego. The ASIAPRODE Association initiated this project to construct 26 homes to meet the needs of the affected communities. In an open competition, DEOC Arquitectos presented a proposal that adhered to the established requirements, the user profile, and the natural context.

The project features a permanent housing model for displaced families: an 86m² house on a plot measuring 8m by 19m. The construction is divided into two building blocks; the social-kitchen-bathroom zone is separated from the bedrooms by an interior courtyard. Circulation is minimized to ensure the best use of the various areas. The separation of the living sector into two modules allows the house to adapt to different area and site conditions. Additionally, the design permits vertical expansion above the bedroom block or horizontal growth by adding another bedroom module if a larger plot is available.

The house promotes a rural lifestyle, in touch with the outdoors, enabling families to share spaces with the community, extended family, and domestic animals. This design choice led to an open facade aesthetic, providing versatile space usage. It also supports the continuation of local lifestyles and customs, allowing them to be passed down to future generations.

The construction utilizes durable building materials that are easy to source and work with, such as concrete blocks, bamboo, and steel plate roofing. Concrete blocks were specifically used in various arrangements to create a permeable lattice that protects the inner areas while allowing natural ventilation throughout the spaces. Despite being a replicable housing model, the addition of color inside the concrete block holes offers a subtle yet strong statement, enabling families to express their personalities and fostering a stronger sense of community belonging.

This house has been designed as a self-built home, with the construction process controlled by the family or community that will reside there. It employs a traditional masonry construction method, allowing users to adjust the dimensions of different areas to the building materials, minimizing waste and reducing the construction schedule.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Zuhause Ankommen, combatting homelessness in response to the covid-19 pandemic

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Zuhause Ankommen, combatting homelessness in response to the covid-19 pandemic

Mismatches Vulnerable groups Pandemics
Policies and regulations National policies Evaluation and impact
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships

Main objectives of the project

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, addressing immediate needs and enacting lasting solutions to societal challenges can be concurrent endeavors. 'Zuhause ankommen'—German for 'arriving home'—addresses the exacerbated housing issues during the pandemic while concurrently implementing a sustainable strategy to eradicate homelessness. From May 2021 to April 2022, the initiative allocated 240 apartments to accommodate 600 individuals lacking access to affordable housing across five regions in Austria. Financed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection with €2.65 million, the project primarily targeted those severely impacted by the socio-economic consequences of Covid-19 measures, notably homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness. 'Zuhause ankommen' establishes a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to effectively addressing the complex issue of homelessness in a sustainable manner. By amplifying the Housing First approach to a national scale, the project currently operates through a supra-regional strategy with the objective of raising awareness about homelessness and providing tangible solutions.

Date

  • 2021: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • GBV
  • BAWO
  • ustrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Austria

Description

The COVID-19 was a tough blow for the most vulnerable people. Despite the adminsitriave efforts, in many countries there was a rise in homelessness. This was also the risk in Austria. While subsidies on rent were provided by the Austrian government in 2020, experts including BAWO, the Austrian National Platform of Social Services Provided for the Homeless predicted a rise in poverty, evictions, and homelessness during the pandemic. On the other hand, limited-profit housing associations play a crucial role in fostering housing inclusion through affordable rents and their social mandate. Nonetheless, within this segment, the most vulnerable groups encounter structural challenges, particularly concerning upfront contributions from potential tenants, often unaffordable for those near or below the poverty line. So, there was a threat that they could not able to provide the needed help during the pandemic.

"Zuhause Ankommen" wanted to prevend all this. It serves as a model, addressing both immediate pandemic-induced homelessness and long-term homelessness. This initiative integrates the Austrian limited-profit housing sector, represented by GBV, with the social service sector, represented by BAWO. Collaborating member organizations allocate flats and offer social care, with project expenses funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection.

The project budget covers tenants' upfront contributions, moving expenses, and professional social support, facilitating access for those affected by poverty. Moreover, social organizations assist with home matching and provide support upon arrival, promoting self-sufficiency and independence. The project, closely monitored for fair access regarding age and gender, has allocated 240 flats to people affected by poverty and homelessness. Its success has led to more housing associations joining, furthering the adoption of the Housing First principle to end homelessness sustainably and promote reintegration. Presently, 38 housing associations participate.

Tenants and landlords benefit from tools developed in collaboration with social service organizations, ensuring stable tenancies. "Zuhause Ankommen" offers evidence of innovative housing solutions across Austrian regions, catering to diverse needs in rural and urban areas. Employing Housing First as an innovative method within homeless services, the initiative prioritizes housing as a starting point, offering stability to the most vulnerable.

The strategic communication of the project seek to change how the public views homelessness and the innovative solutions offered by "zuhause ankommen." Utilizing various channels such as social media, digital platforms, print media, and press coverage, the project's achievements and core messages are disseminated to stakeholders, interest groups, policymakers, and the general public.

The project's participatory approach focuses on matching suitable and affordable housing with potential tenants, fostering social inclusion, mixed communities, and stable tenancies. An evaluation process involving workshops and interviews with stakeholders and beneficiaries ensures ongoing improvement, with results informing future efforts against homelessness. By building knowledge and trust between the limited-profit housing sector and the social service sector, "Zuhause Ankommen" exemplifies a strategic, sustainable strategy to combat homelessness, earning recognition such as the European Responsible Housing Award 2022.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

Aid for first refusal and withdrawal and to social entities for social renting (Catalonia, Spain)

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Aid for first refusal and withdrawal and to social entities for social renting (Catalonia, Spain)

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations National policies Regulation
Financing Public funding Supply subsidies

Main objectives of the project

The housing crisis in Catalonia has led to the implementation of strategies such as the right of first refusal, which allows the public administration to intervene in real estate transactions to ensure the availability of social housing. To overcome financial constraints, the Catalan Credit Institute offers financial aid to social entities and the administration to facilitate the direct purchase or exercise of this right. These measures seek to expand the social housing market and guarantee favorable conditions for tenants in the long term.

Date

  • 2018: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Institut Català de Finances (ICF)

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Barcelona
Country/Region: Barcelona, Spain

Description

Catalonia, one of the territories most affected by housing market tensions, especially after the 2008 financial crisis, has faced a considerable challenge in this area. Following the collapse of the private market and the historic increase in rental prices, the Catalan authorities have implemented various strategies to ensure the availability of social housing for its citizens. Among these strategies is the right of first refusal and withdrawal, established in the 2007 Housing Law, as well as collaboration with civil society organizations.

The right of first refusal allows the public administration to intervene in real estate transactions between private parties, acquiring the property in lieu of a third party, either before or after the transaction, at the same price agreed upon by the private parties. However, the obligation to acquire at the same price may limit the financial capacity of many administrations to exercise this right. To address this limitation, the Catalan Credit Institute (ICF, in catalan) has launched a program of grants for pre-emptive rights of first refusal and withdrawal. In addition, the same aids are extended to third sector entities that collaborate with the administration in the direct purchase or in the first refusal for social housing.

These aids are designed to facilitate the direct purchase or the exercise of the right of first refusal by social entities and the public administration. In exchange, these entities may receive an amount ranging from €25,000 to €10 million, with a maximum of €90,000 per housing unit. However, the property acquired through these subsidies is of a temporary nature, limited to a term of 75 years for these entities. This period, considered sufficient to repay the loan, allows for investments in profitable housing. In addition, these homes are usually destined for social renting, offering below-market rates and favorable conditions for tenants. At the end of the 75-year period, the property becomes public property.

Both city councils and companies dedicated to the promotion of public housing can also access this aid under the same conditions as the entities. Thus, this measure aims to involve all relevant actors in the acquisition and use of all available legal resources to promote social housing, without being limited by economic constraints. Ultimately, this initiative has the potential to expand the social housing market both now and in the future.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

HACT Social Value Bank

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HACT Social Value Bank

Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact
Financing

Main objectives of the project

HACT, a UK charity, partners with housing sector organizations to enhance community benefits through innovative products and services. Central to their approach is the "Social Value Bank," aiding social housing providers in assessing their social return. The Teviot Estate redevelopment exemplifies this approach, with contractors committing to specific outcomes aligned with resident priorities. This groundbreaking methodology integrates social value throughout the regeneration process, ensuring meaningful impact.

Date

  • 2020: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • HACT

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: United Kingdom

Description

HACT, a charity organization based in the UK, collaborates with various entities in the housing sector to drive benefits for residents and communities by offering insight-driven products and services that promote innovation and foster collaboration. One of its notable features is the "Social Value Bank," which aids social housing providers in calculating their social return. This bank comprises 88 outcomes, each with a defined financial metric incorporating wellbeing, health, and potential savings to the state. This lab can show any particular stakeholder the evolution on the social return of a specific project.

The outcomes are developed using a consistent methodology, drawing from over eight years of research and national data surveys. They are based on person-centered principles, utilizing data on self-reported wellbeing and life circumstances to measure actual experiences. The process involves setting up projects, selecting outcomes, establishing targets and budgets, and then using the Social Value Bank calculator to model, monitor, and measure project impacts. Subsequently, meaningful reports can be generated to showcase the achieved impact.

This methodology was applied in the Teviot Estate redevelopment project. After extensive consultation with residents, four priority themes emerged: Community, Homes, Streets, and Parks. The aim was to generate £278 million in social return value. Contractors were required to commit to delivering specific outcomes during the tendering process, with commitments varying based on bid amounts. All partners involved in the project were expected to support social value outcomes from the outset, and contractors worked closely with the Teviot Social Value Manager to develop delivery plans and provide progress reports.

To enhance value for the local community, input from local stakeholders was sought to better understand community needs and services. Additionally, the Community Chest Fund provided grant funding to local groups and businesses contributing to the program's outcomes. This approach represents a groundbreaking use of social value in regeneration schemes, characterized by both the scale of the commitment and the comprehensive integration of social value throughout the regeneration plans, from contractors' commitments to the assurance process.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España

One Euro Homes, Italy

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One Euro Homes, Italy

Mismatches Vacant housing
Policies and regulations Local policies Governance
Financing Supply subsidies
Promotion and production Transformation and adaptation

Main objectives of the project

The "One Euro" homes initiative in Italy has emerged as a notable strategy to address vacant housing in areas affected by population decline. Municipalities offer these homes for a nominal fee, typically owned by the municipality itself, with winning households required to fulfill renovation obligations within a specified timeframe. This policy aims to revitalize communities, stimulate tourism, and halt depopulation by repurposing abandoned properties. Additionally, some municipalities have adapted the scheme to cater to the needs of vulnerable groups, such as migrants and refugees, emphasizing the policy's flexibility in addressing diverse community needs.

Date

  • 2013: Implementation

Stakeholders

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: Italy

Description

In recent years, one of the most renowned strategies to address vacant housing in Europe has been the "One Euro" homes (‘Case a 1 euro’) initiative in Italy. Several municipalities in areas affected by population decline and abandoned housing implemented this scheme, offering these homes for sale at the nominal fee of one euro. Typically owned by the municipalities themselves, these homes were donated by previous owners to evade property tax liabilities. Under this scheme, winning households must fulfill specific obligations. These include presenting a renovation project within a designated timeframe post-purchase, covering notary fees for registration and transfer, and adhering to a maximum time limit for commencing renovation work after obtaining permits.

This basic scheme has had different strategies depending on the town. Some have used it to renovate its downtown in rural areas and others to invest on the migrant population. The key feature is that is a strategy to ensure renovation of vacant housing units that should be for the most vulnerable groups.

For instance, in Sambuca di Sicilia, municipality-owned buildings were sold via public auction with a €5,000 deposit to ensure renovation and a commitment to complete the work within three years. The aim was to stimulate tourism and entrepreneurship, halting the depopulation process in Italy's interior areas.

Similar schemes were conducted in 2013 and 2019, with obligations akin to those in Sambuca di Sicilia. In 2019, Gangi included the intention for some homes to become tourist accommodation, aiming to generate jobs and households in the town. The guarantee period was extended to five years due to issues with the previous three-year deadline. Interestingly, the initiative influenced the sale of other vacant homes not part of the scheme, as visitors initially drawn by the one euro homes decided to invest in the area. These homes remained affordable, priced between €5,000-€20,000, reflecting the distressed local housing market.

Both towns experienced oversubscription, allowing authorities to select serious buyers with concrete renovation plans, ultimately benefiting the towns by reducing the stock of abandoned residences.

A similar initiative aimed to revitalize declining towns while accommodating arriving migrants and refugees, exemplified by Riace in Calabria. Initially welcoming 200 Kurds in 1988 to vacant houses due to emigration, Riace saw gradual economic recovery and house renovations, with "solidarity tourism" emerging. However, a change in political direction led to a cessation of funding, resulting in families leaving the town, highlighting the need for ongoing management and public support for such repopulation programs, particularly those reliant on training and job creation initiatives.

Links

Authors:

CSCAE Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España