Overview of the Study
The report “Neues Wohnen – Gemeinschaftliche Wohnformen bei Genossenschaften” is a research publication of the Bundesinstitut für Bau‑, Stadt‑ und Raumforschung (BBSR), the German Federal Institute for Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development. It was produced within the “Allgemeine Ressortforschung” programme of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). The authors – Ricarda Pätzold, Antje Seidel‑Schulze and Gregor Jekel – are senior researchers at the BBSR, bringing expertise in housing policy, urban sociology and geography.
Scope and Methodology
The study surveys cohousing projects that are organised as registered cooperatives (eG) across Germany. Data were gathered through a national questionnaire (199 projects, 64 realised and 6 planned), a postal survey of housing cooperatives, a postcard survey, and a municipal online survey. Additional insight comes from four detailed case studies (Esslingen, Siegen, Neuruppin, Eckernförde). The research combines quantitative analysis of project characteristics with qualitative interviews of residents, cooperative boards and municipal officials.
Key Quantitative Findings
- A total of 199 cohousing projects in cooperatives were identified, an increase from 106 projects reported in 2012.
- 53 % of projects are newly founded project cooperatives, while 47 % are implemented within existing (träger) cooperatives.
- 59 % of projects are new‑builds, 32 % use existing buildings and 10 % involve conversion of non‑residential structures.
- Approximately two‑thirds of projects (≈66 %) prioritise high energy standards; 45 % incorporate ecological building materials.
- 71 % of projects have a binding statutory framework governing communal living.
- Public funding supports 88 % of the projects, with KfW “Effizient Bauen und Sanieren” programmes used by 60 % and social housing subsidies by 51 %.
- Average utilisation charges range from €1.40 to €14 per m², with a mean of €6.50 /m²; regional variation is notable (lowest in Thüringen and Sachsen, highest in Baden‑Württemberg, Bayern and Hessen).
Demographic and Target Groups
The most common target group is multigenerational households (47 % of projects), followed by families (17 %) and mixed‑age groups (35 %). Projects specifically for seniors constitute 31 % of those run by existing cooperatives, while none of the newly founded cooperatives focus exclusively on older residents. Around one‑third of projects include families with children, and a small proportion (≈3 %) cater to people with disabilities or special care needs.
Financial Structure and Capital
Mandatory share capital per member varies widely: 25 % of projects require less than €500, another 25 % between €500‑€1 000, and the remainder up to €15 000. Additional voluntary shares range from €1 000 to €55 000 per member or €50‑€920 per m². About 35 % of newly founded cooperatives admit “investing members” under § 8 GenG, compared with 10 % in existing cooperatives. Funding sources include cooperative banks (≈40 % of projects), KfW (≈60 %), Landesförderbanken (≈13 %) and socially‑oriented banks such as GLS (≈50 % of project cooperatives).
Municipal Support and Planning
Municipal authorities play a central role, especially in land provision (the most frequently cited form of support). In cities with more than 50 000 inhabitants, 75 % of municipalities acknowledge the presence of cohousing projects, estimating roughly 750 projects with 12 400 housing units nationwide. Municipal involvement also includes information portals, advisory offices and, in about 30 cities, dedicated coordination units for cooperative housing.
Design and Sustainability Features
Common architectural traits include barrier‑free or barrier‑reduced access (≈50 % of projects), flexible floor plans (≈33 %), and high‑performance insulation. Communal spaces are a hallmark: 97 % provide shared gardens or courtyards and 88 % have dedicated community rooms. Additional facilities such as workshops, childcare rooms, shared kitchens and guest apartments appear in many projects, with slightly higher prevalence in newly founded cooperatives.
Governance and Community Life
Decision‑making combines formal statutes with participatory practices. Regular house assemblies, working groups and elected committees are reported by 30 % of project cooperatives and 19 % of cooperative‑hosted projects. Residents often contribute to maintenance, gardening and social activities; 48 % of surveyed projects note a change in the intensity of communal activities over time.
Implications for Sustainable Housing
The evidence demonstrates that cooperative cohousing in Germany is a growing, diversified sector that aligns with sustainability goals through energy‑efficient construction, ecological materials, shared resources and strong community governance. Public funding and municipal land allocation are essential enablers, while flexible financing mechanisms—including low mandatory shares and the option for investing members—help lower entry barriers. The model offers a replicable framework for pan‑European initiatives aiming to combine affordable housing, environmental performance and social cohesion.