woongroepen

Woongroepen are a form of living arrangement in which a small group of residents share a dwelling and jointly manage the living environment. They are most common in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, where residents may live in a common house or a cluster of homes with shared spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and gardens. The arrangement emphasizes collective decision-making and mutual support, rather than traditional one-family tenancy.

Typically, woongroepen are organized as a housing cooperative, a tenants’ association, or a small care or housing project within a larger housing organization. Governance is usually through resident participation, with meetings or a management team making decisions about rules, maintenance, finances, and any services provided to residents. In many cases, a professional care worker, community facilitator, or housing staff may provide support or supervision, especially when residents have particular care needs.

Woongroepen serve various target groups. They are common among seniors who wish to maintain independence with optional support, people with disabilities who require accessible, supportive living, young adults transitioning to independent living, or individuals seeking a more social or sustainable lifestyle. Financial models vary but commonly include shared costs for housing and utilities, with possible subsidies or contributions from municipalities, housing associations, or care providers.

Benefits of woongroepen include enhanced social contact, mutual aid, often lower living costs, and greater autonomy compared with institutional settings. Challenges can include coordinating schedules, resolving conflicts over shared spaces, ensuring safety and accessibility, and navigating legal or tax implications. See also collectief wonen, wooncoöperatie, zorgwoning, and woonzorggroep.