A new survey conducted by SBAB reveals that one in four apartment owners in Sweden either lack or question their trust in the board of their housing cooperative. These doubts are amplified by recent sharp fee increases, which have risen by an average of 15% since 2022, following nearly a decade of stability in fees. Many residents appear willing to accept these increases, yet a significant portion expresses concern regarding their board's capacity to make sound financial decisions. Nearly half of the respondents are apprehensive about further hikes in fees.

The survey underscores a growing discontent among residents, who attribute their lack of trust to the current management of the housing cooperatives. The participants mentioned a perceived deficiency in transparency regarding the finances of their associations. The worry among residents extends beyond the immediate financial implications, as many express fatigue with the responsibilities and decisions required in the communal governance of their living spaces.

In light of these findings, there is a clear need for housing cooperatives to address the underlying issues contributing to this lack of confidence. Improved communication and financial transparency might help restore trust among residents and encourage more active participation in cooperative governance. As housing markets continue to fluctuate, understanding the dynamics of resident trust in boards will be crucial for the sustainability of housing cooperatives in Sweden.