Participatory housing soon to be recognised in law

The working group has just completed its study on participatory housing. The bill, which will be presented to the Council of Ministers next June, proposes the creation of two legal statuses: self-development companies (sociétés d'autopromotion) and housing cooperatives (coopératives d'habitants).

Through this legislation, the government is seeking to support the solidarity that binds certain groups of people together in building projects. As well as gaining legal legitimacy, the approach will be backed by a public support service to inform and advise the wider public on this type of scheme. Participatory housing is presented as an alternative between individual and collective housing.