The Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft in Berlin eG (WiBeG) is a small, innovative housing cooperative based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 2007, WiBeG has steadily expanded its property portfolio, currently managing 70 apartments and serving 120 members. This makes it one of the smaller cooperatives in the capital city.
WiBeG's mission is to provide affordable housing in Berlin through innovative projects. Unlike traditional cooperatives, WiBeG offers its members individual apartments in mixed-use projects. Members pay 20% of the apartment's value in shares, with the option to pay more upfront to reduce monthly usage fees. The cooperative also allows members to accumulate additional shares through annual payments, eventually leading to full ownership or reduced costs to just operational expenses.
The cooperative has successfully completed several projects, including a multi-generational house and projects on former border strips near Kreuzberg. Their latest project in Neukölln, built on leased land from the Evangelical Church, is their largest to date and includes residential units, ateliers, and spaces for social organizations.
WiBeG's approach is unique in Berlin, offering a collective security model that eliminates the need for individual guarantees. This model allows members to benefit from shared financial responsibilities, making housing more accessible and affordable. With its focus on innovative housing solutions, WiBeG continues to contribute to Berlin's diverse housing landscape.