Cooperative Housing

Cooperative Housing in Berlin promotes cooperative housing projects through interest-free loans for new construction, the acquisition of existing housing stock, and the purchase of shares in cooperative enterprises. The State of Berlin supports registered housing cooperatives (e.G.) as well as cooperatives in formation (i.G.) and households with a housing entitlement certificate (WBS). The goal is to strengthen cooperative housing and to create or secure affordable housing in the capital. With funding rates ranging from 10% to 90% of investment costs – up to €30,000 per housing unit in new construction, up to €3,500 per m² for existing property acquisition, and up to €50,000 per household for share acquisition – sustainable, solidarity-based forms of housing can be realized. The program is continuously open for applications, which can be submitted at any time.

Requirements include, among others, registration in the cooperative register or proof of formation, at least 10% equity capital, and a rent and occupancy commitment for 30 years. Additionally, planning permission and disposal rights over the property must be demonstrated. Eligible costs include investment costs for new construction, acquisition of existing buildings, and purchase of cooperative shares; excluded are modernization and maintenance costs as well as the purchase of fully completed properties before initial occupancy. For the application, a project description, financing plan, proof of equity capital, an excerpt from the cooperative register, and, if applicable, the WBS are required. Approval is granted by the Senate Department for Urban Development, Construction and Housing in cooperation with the Investitionsbank Berlin.