The beginning

The first move away from a housing market operating solely on market terms started in 1853. Copenhagen was densely populated with poor conditions for the working class. An outbreak of cholera inspired "The Medical Association against Coleras Spread" to build Brumleby on Øster Fælled, the first philanthropic housing initiative in Copenhagen. The idea was to construct permanent dwellings for the working class outside the city walls with better sanitary systems, clean air and space.

Later, self-organized workers, trade unions and the workers' co-op, initiated housing associations and companies.

The welfare state

The first law on public support for construction was adopted in 1887; However, several of the earliest associations were quickly dissolved, and speculation in housing and construction resulted in a huge crack in 1908. The political initiatives following this event created the foundation for the social housing model as we know today – with public funding, a strict legislative framework, and revolving funds.  But it wasn’t until 1933 that the idea of non-profit affordable housing for the working-class, became statutory.  Along with significant social reforms, these initiatives are often seen as the beginning of the Danish welfare state. Following this event, only approved housing associations and companies, whose funds were used solely for housing purposes, could benefit from public support.

The industrialization of Danish construction

The implementation of several state regulations, including the so-called Assembly circular that required housing to be built by prefabricated elements to obtain public support, started the industrialization of Danish construction in the 1960s. This paved the way for the largest building boom in Danish history. Over 800,000 homes were built in the period 1960-1979, out of which approx. 200,000 was non-profit housing.  All over Denmark large Le Corbusier inspired housing areas arose.  The intention was to give low- and middle-income citizens decent homes with space, access to green areas and life quality.