Communities Creating Homes
Our Communities Creating Homes project offers support and advice to new and existing organisations looking to develop community-led housing schemes in Wales.

What is co-operative and community-led housing?
Co-operative and community-led housing means bringing people together to decide what kind of homes and communities they want to live in. People with a shared vision can come together and have an influential voice. They play an essential role alongside councils, developers and investors to create affordable homes which meet local community needs.
Co-operative and community-led housing comes in many shapes and sizes. Small groups of friends buying a house to share, leaseholders setting up a tenant management committee, community members buying local land on which to develop new housing, and people who want to develop sustainable homes – these are all examples.
People have more control of where they live, and work with others to achieve a shared goal. Communities create homes.
Ownership and control
Co-operative and community-led housing involves local people in housing decisions – so the outcomes are often more successful.
- Having a voice in the development and management of homes gives residents a sense of empowerment, pride and ownership
- Communities become more resilient and develop the capacity to tackle a range of issues that affect them
- Anti-social behaviour is reduced
- Residents feel happier being part of a supportive community satisfied
Homes are built in areas where they are needed – often this is in places which commercial developers wouldn’t consider for housing.
- This improves housing supply and the provision of affordable housing
- Areas which have fallen into decline can be regenerated and empty homes are returned to use
- Small, tricky sites can be put to good use
- The pressure on green space is reduced through shared communal spaces
- More people can enjoy the benefits of home ownership, with a supportive safety net

Our support is in five stages:
Never heard of co-operative and community-led housing? We’re here to introduce the idea and see if it could be the answer to your housing problems.
Once you know a little about co-operative and community-led housing, you can find out more through our events, workshops and publications. We’ll answer all your questions and put you in touch with likeminded people to explore the potential of developing a scheme. You may be able to apply for a small grant of up to £2500.
If you’re ready to establish a housing project, we’ll support your group to develop the cohesion, capability and capacity you’ll need to make it a reality. With our essential enterprise training, technical support and advice, you’ll be ready to take the next steps.
As your plans progress, we offer operational support, peer support networks and sustainable strategies to maximise success in the long term.
You’ve achieved your vision, but we want to tell the world about your success! We commission research and promote your story so that others can learn from your experience.
