Heritage houses for Europe: study on the socio-economic impact and use of innovative business models

More than 40% of European heritage houses belong to families. However, their contribution to European society has never been valued properly at European scale. A better understanding of the sector is crucial to unleash its potential. In this study, IDEA Consult mapped the multiple contributions that family-owned heritage houses generate, not merely through the conservation and maintenance of the houses, but also by generating cultural, economic, social, educational and environmental benefits that reach far beyond the physical boundaries of their properties. A number of illustrative practices highlight these rich socio-economic contributions of family-owned heritage houses.

Despite their contributions to society, family-owners are confronted with a number of challenges to safeguard their properties. In the study, the IDEA Consult research team provided a unique portrait of their distinctive and fragile position. The analysis shows that access to finance is an important challenge for many family-owners. In order to increase their awareness about the possibilities of EU funding, the IDEA Consult team developed an EU funding guide for family-owners of heritage houses.

Pro-active management and business model innovation is key to secure the future of family-owned heritage houses in Europe. The study provides an overview of existing business models of heritage houses: while some of them are innovative, most of them are not. Therefore, also an Online Business Model Toolkit for family-owners was developed in the context of the project, in order to trigger further innovation.

Visit the project website to read the full report and consult different tools: https://www.europeanlandowners.org/heritage-houses-for-europe/

This study was a Preparatory Action of the European Parliament implemented by the European Commission (DG EAC) and granted to the consortium European Landowners’ Organisation (ELO), IDEA Consult and the European Historic Houses Association (EHHA).