Die Stadtzeitung: „gwg“ steigert Ergebnis und investiert weiter

The article “gwg steigert Ergebnis und investiert weiter” is published by Die Stadtzeitung, a regional newspaper serving Wuppertal. It is authored by Peter Pionke, a journalist specialising in local economic and housing matters. The piece reports on the financial performance and future investment plans of the Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH Wuppertal (gwg), the city’s largest public housing provider, which manages roughly 5,600 residential units and 40,500 m² of commercial space.

In the 2025 fiscal year gwg recorded a profit of approximately €1.3 million, a substantial rise from €0.2 million the previous year. Revenue from property management increased by about 4.3 % to €44.3 million, while operating expenses grew to €15.6 million, 4.0 % higher than in 2024. Gross profit rose from €24.0 million to €25.6 million, a 6.4 % increase. Despite the higher profit, the equity ratio fell slightly from 24.5 % to 23.8 % due to a balance‑sheet expansion of €13 million (+3.4 %). Equity itself grew by €890 thousand.

gwg achieved an exceptionally low vacancy rate of 0.6 % at year‑end, far below the city‑wide average of 5.5 %. This reflects strong demand for its housing stock and underpins the organisation’s stable rental outlook for the coming years.

Over the next decade gwg plans to invest roughly €319 million in Wuppertal’s housing sector. About €264 million of this will be directed towards modernising existing buildings and supporting the energy transition. The focus is on retrofitting to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with broader European sustainability objectives.

Key initiatives finished in 2025 include the Wuppertaler Hof and the WupperTalentZentrum, both significant modernisation projects. In collaboration with the municipal utilities, the “300toZero” programme introduced measures that will cut approximately 280 tonnes of CO₂ annually from the local heat supply.

The Schellenbeck estate in Nächstebreck saw its first modernised block completed and fully let. In the initial construction phase, €30 million is being invested to refurbish two high‑rise buildings, raising the share of publicly funded units from 0 % to 60 %. The project receives €13.2 million in funding from the state of North Rhine‑Westphalia and has been awarded the “Städtebauplus” seal for climate‑friendly urban development.

gwg is also investing in human capital, with a training participation rate of 10.6 % as of 31 December 2025. This reflects a strategic emphasis on securing skilled staff for future operations and maintenance of sustainable housing.

The organisation attributes its positive results to disciplined management, adaptability, and strong employee engagement. Despite higher financing costs and rising personnel expenses, gwg expects to maintain its low vacancy level and continue delivering sustainable, affordable housing throughout the next decade.