The model of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and Organismes Fonciers Solidaires (OFS) offers an innovative and hybrid form of ownership suitable for upcycling substandard buildings into affordable housing. But what is a Community Land Trust?
Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
CLTs are non-profit, democratic, community-led organisations. They develop and manage homes that are affordable to low and middle income households, as well as other assets that contribute to thriving local communities. They act as long-term stewards of these assets, ensuring they remain permanently affordable.
CLTs reimagine the fundamental components of land and housing to offer a proven solution to common challenges we face in achieving a just transition: affordable housing, development that respects planetary boundaries and agency through the central participation of low-income residents.
Community - Democratic and inclusive governance
CLTs are non-profit organisations that can be joined by anyone in the geographic area. Their democratic governance structure brings together residents, businesses and public institutions and balances collective and individual interest.
Land - Ownership of land
The CLT owns the land. The homes above are sold or rented to individuals, they can also be run by a co-operative. This makes the housing affordable.
Trust - Permanently affordable
The CLT owns and manages the land in trust for the benefit of the local community, ensuring that homes stay affordable and are well managed in perpetuity.
Community Land Trust explained by Community Land Trust Brussels:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIJ9uhduSBI
©Community Land Trust Brussels
Organismes de Foncier Solidaire (OFS)
OFS are similar to CLTs in that they own land to ensure long-term affordability and community benefit, often in partnership with local municipalities. The buildings on the land are sold or leased to individuals or cooperatives at affordable rates.
OFS tend to operate under formal, state-supported frameworks and the focus on collective governance and participation differs, when compared to CLTs.
The OFS principle explained by Coop Foncière:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D0Z7oYQ4tk
Sources :
European Community Land Trust Network: https://www.clteurope.org/
Foncier Solidaire France: https://www.foncier-solidaire.fr/index.php/le-reseau/a-lorigine-des-ofs/
Community Land Trust Brussels : https://cltb.be