Denmark is often cited as one of the most democratic countries in the world. In a new series, Alicja Peszkowska examines how democratic values inform Danish society. Alicja is a journalist and communications specialist who’s been living here for the past eight years. This first column takes a look at democracy and housing in Denmark.
Cooperation at Home: Andelsboliger
Where do you live as an international in Denmark? If you’re one of the lucky ones who own your apartment, there’s a good chance it’s an andelsbolig. And if so, you’re part of something uniquely Danish—a model that not only offers shelter but invites you into a daily practice of democracy, care, and shared responsibility. In fact, my “closest to home” encounter with Danish values happens right here, in the andelsforening I’m part of.
More than just a form of real estate, andelsboliger (cooperative housing units) are a living legacy of Denmark’s strong cooperative tradition—and a reflection of the idea that housing should be treated not just as a commodity, but as a shared right and collective responsibility.
In an andelsboligforening (cooperative housing association), residents collectively own the building and hold shares that entitle them to live in a specific apartment. Everything from finances to maintenance is co-governed, with members electing a board and participating directly in decisions. The model grew out of Denmark’s 19th-century cooperative movement, which began in farming and sought to democratize access to infrastructure—allowing communities without capital to become active players in shaping their lives.
Andelsboliger exist alongside almene boliger (social housing), but serve a different role. Social housing is publicly subsidized and need-based; cooperative housing, by contrast, is privately owned through associations where residents invest by purchasing a share. Both models aim to prioritize affordability and community over profit, but only andelsboliger demand active, democratic participation from their members. Together, they reflect a pluralistic approach to housing—one that values both autonomy and solidarity.
Compared to other forms of housing, andelsboliger are intended to be more affordable, thanks to rules that cap resale prices and monthly fees that cover shared expenses. In cities like Copenhagen, they’re often seen as a haven in an overheated housing market.
But the system is under pressure. Demand far outpaces supply, and prices—even for andelsboliger—are rising. Apartments are frequently passed on through personal networks, making them hard to access for newcomers or those outside existing social circles. As affordability declines, so does accessibility—for nurses, teachers, and others essential to urban life but increasingly priced out of it.
Despite these challenges, andelsboliger offer something rare in today’s housing landscape: a quiet, everyday kind of democracy. Residents aren’t just tenants or owners—they’re members of a community grounded in mutual trust and shared decision-making. It’s a model that turns my home into our home—and in Denmark, that’s a value deeply lived.
Each month, this column uncovers how Denmark’s democratic ideals shape daily habits, institutions, and social norms.
