ToGather Homes: Building Affordability, Together 

Across Europe, affordable housing is one of the defining challenges of our time. Rising costs, a slow-to-innovate industry, and environmental pressures make it a complex problem with no easy solutions. We chatted with Martin Skea, founder of ToGather Homes, exploring their journey from bold idea to B Corp certification, and their mission to create housing that is affordable, sustainable, and beautiful. 


From Banking to Building Change 

When Martin Skea left a career in banking to pursue his long-standing passion for urban planning, he knew he was stepping into one of Europe’s toughest challenges: housing affordability.

“Early in my career I worked in urban planning in New York City. The topic has always been a passion of mine,” he recalls. “But my career took me to finance and banking. With this background I decided to create a ‘housing product’ that could help fill the gap with housing affordability.” After completing real estate programs at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and Erasmus University, he launched ToGather Homes in the summer of 2022. 

Lessons Learned Along the Way 

From the start, the ambition was clear: to create housing that is affordable, sustainable, and beautiful. But the journey hasn’t been straightforward. Martin admits: “We were focusing on big investors from the outset to help fund our operations. Yet these private investors were seeking traction in the marketplace even whilst we developed our beta product.” 

The turning point came through the EIT Community NEB’s Catalyse programme, where ToGather Homes learned to shift focus towards EU and local grants. “That helped us continue our work while also getting to our initial project and early revenues.” 

Another key lesson has been patience. “Our industry, real estate development, is NOT an early adopter. The digital revolution has altered many industries across the globe but has barely scratched the surface in real estate development. We continue to pursue our change message but also seek ways to integrate with the status quo to make change occur more methodically.” 


Milestones and Recognition 

The company has celebrated important achievements since then. Most notably, they achieved B Corp Certification, a recognition of their commitment to social and environmental impact, and corporate transparency. “It required a great deal of work,” Martin says, “but the effort is worth it because being a B Corp reflects our values.” 

They also remain closely involved with the EU’s Affordable Housing Task Force, ensuring their voice is part of the broader conversation on this pressing issue. 

Making an Impact on the Ground 

Despite the challenges, ToGather Homes is already making an impact. A project in Western Germany is currently underway, with more in the pipeline. The team is also preparing to submit a proposal for the upcoming EU Horizon – New European Bauhaus Affordable Housing call this November. Both projects are expected to accelerate visibility and impact. 


The Power of Partnerships 

For Martin, the entrepreneurial journey has underscored one essential truth: partnerships matter. “Asking for help is critical. Seeking guidance must be a core behavior. We cannot do this ourselves.” The team has found support in a growing network of partners who share the vision of sustainable and inclusive housing. 

Looking Ahead 

ToGather Homes is eager to expand collaborations with affordable housing developers and social housing agencies. “Our approach is faster, more sustainable, produces less waste and provides long-term benefit to residents and the environment,” Martin says. “Why not reach out to learn more and design the future together?” 

The call is simple, but the mission is ambitious: housing that everyone can access, without compromising on sustainability or beauty. 

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