A new housing co-operative has welcomed its first residents in a project that champions affordability, sustainability, and community living.
A total of 14 households have now moved into Lowfield Green in York, the city’s first housing co-op, developed by community-led land trust YorSpace and managed democratically by its residents.
Funded through the Brownfield Housing Fund and supported by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, the scheme has been hailed as a major step forward in tackling the housing crisis.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: "We are going further and faster to tackle the housing crisis and ensure local people aren't priced out of their own communities.
"Lowfield Green reaching completion is a huge milestone, as one of the first projects delivered through our Brownfield Housing Fund, and shows what's possible when we back community-led projects.
"It's a special moment for the families moving in, as they open the door to an affordable home with lower bills."
The scheme is designed to address key regional challenges, including the cost of living, housing decarbonisation, and social isolation.
All homes have been sold at 70 per cent of market value under an affordability covenant, ensuring they remain permanently affordable for future generations.
James Neward, Co-founder and Chief of Operations at YorSpace, said: "These are the very first co-operative homes to be completed through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Brownfield Fund.
"The fact that one of the first projects to reach completion was a community-led housing project delivered using a grassroots approach is a landmark achievement both for the fund and for the community-led housing sector in the UK."
The project includes shared tools, cars, bicycles, and future plans for community-owned renewables, all aimed at keeping living costs low.
Built to Passivhaus standards, the homes are designed to be low-carbon and energy-efficient.
The full development features shared cycle storage, a community-owned cycle repair shop, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Across the 20 households, there are 12 shared parking spaces, with the remaining six homes to be delivered in Phase Two.
This approach is intended to reduce car dependency and emissions in line with regional climate goals.
The co-operative model is also designed to foster social connection and intergenerational support.
One resident, Laura, said: "Life as working parents in the 21st century is tough; living in a supportive community will mean we can help each other whilst living in a way that looks after our planet.
"We’re really excited about being neighbours with the lovely bunch that are Lowfield Green Housing Co-op, and having a shared car-free space to enjoy together."
Lowfield Green recently won a Resi Award for best affordable housing development during Property Week 2026.
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