The benefits and challenges of co-operative housing

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Many Australians continue to face intense stress over housing, with affordable rentals non-existent in many cities and regional areas.

Some researchers argue that we need to look to other solutions and one model used more frequently overseas is co-operative housing.

Some 22 per cent of housing in Sweden follows this model, but in Australia it constitutes less than one per cent of housing. This form of social housing enables tenants to enjoy long-term housing at affordable rents. But tenants must agree to be involved in the running and upkeep of the property, which can be a source of tension when not everyone pulls their weight.