In Copenhagen’s South Harbor, Dansk Metal has just inaugurated a new residential complex with 617 apartments, but not everyone is welcome as residents. The project, known as Sydporten, is reserved for the union’s members and their children and grandchildren, who have first priority for the apartments. Claus Jensen, the president of Dansk Metal, emphasizes the importance of the new housing: “I am pleased that we can now offer our members a good place to live in Copenhagen, where there is otherwise a massive shortage of housing. It adds extra value to those who are members of a real union. And of course, it is a good business for Dansk Metal to invest in real estate.” The residential complex consists of 214 family apartments and 403 student apartments, including accessible apartments for people with disabilities. The prices vary, with student apartments costing between 5,500 and 7,500 Danish kroner per month, while the largest five-bedroom apartments can cost nearly 23,000 Danish kroner per month.
Despite the first priority for Dansk Metal’s members, there are still many vacant apartments available for other interested parties if there are not enough members who want to move in. These apartments are offered on the market terms, and the prices reflect the high demand for housing in the capital area. The first residents have already moved into the apartments that were completed first, and more will follow as the remaining apartments are allocated. This project is an example of how unions can play an active role in providing housing for their members in a tight housing market.