FAQ/

Frequently Asked Questions

Spaces and areas

What is the model project Haus der Statistik?

After more than thirteen years of vacancy, the Haus der Statistik site, located directly next to Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte, is being developed by five cooperation partners from civil society, politics and public administration. Together, they are shaping it as a cooperative and community-oriented place for affordable housing, working, and public life. The renovation of 46,440 square metres of existing buildings from the 1960s will be completed in 2025. In the years to follow, around 65,000 square metres of new construction will be added. The new district will provide affordable housing, a new town hall for the Mitte district, spaces for the Berlin administration, and rooms for art, culture, social initiatives and education.

What kinds of uses are planned for the space?

The available spaces are intended for uses that align with the programme developed by the Haus der Statistik initiative. In 2015, the initiative set a new course for the site by demanding “affordable spaces for art, culture and social purposes.”

The uses being sought reflect the vision of a cooperative urban development for the quarter, shaped by synergies between different functions. The Haus der Statistik area is intended to become a long-term affordable place for cultural and social initiatives, as well as for housing tailored to specific needs.

Spaces will be allocated in particular to those users who struggle to find suitable locations in the city, are at risk of displacement, or have already been displaced. These include a wide range of initiatives aimed at diverse communities — from projects in the fields of society and education, culture and the arts, social work and political engagement, to climate justice, resource management, sustainable economies, etc.

What are the Experimentierhäuser (experimental houses)?

The Experimentierhäuser represent the spatial programme of the Haus der Statistik initiative within the new development. Connected to the residential buildings of the state-owned housing company WBM, they will be built across three structures with six and, in one case, eight storeys.

These buildings serve as distinctive and activating parts of the neighbourhood, bringing together culture, social infrastructure, education, and inclusive housing under one roof from the very beginning. Their diverse mix of uses responds to the needs of a heterogeneous society.

In addition, they provide spaces for everyday encounters between people of different backgrounds, social groups, and cultural identities.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to groups, collectives or institutions that:

are suited to the site and understand the goals of the Haus der Statistik model project;
contribute to the connection of socially relevant issues in both local and/or global contexts;
help activate the neighbourhood at different times of day;
propose a use that fits the available spaces;
are affected by or at risk of displacement elsewhere in the city;
are underrepresented in Mitte or have limited access to space;
are financially self-sustaining and able to implement the proposed programme;
contribute to a diverse community of users – by reducing barriers, creating programming for specific target groups, or through the diversity of the actors themselves in terms of background, socioeconomic status, age;
work across different disciplines and beyond traditional professional boundaries;
are oriented toward the common good – meaning that solidarity, community, and participation are reflected as core values in their practice;
help strengthen networks within the community, the neighbourhood, or the broader Haus der Statistik model project.

Applicants do not need to fulfil all of these criteria.

Can I apply as an individual?

Applications from individuals are only possible for Experimentierhaus X3. We are looking for people who can imagine living together in cluster flats or large shared apartments with groups that have specific needs — such as refugees, people experiencing homelessness, or young people in supported housing.

Eine Bewerbung als Einzelperson ist nur für das Experimentierhaus X3 möglich. We are looking for people who can imagine living together with groups with specific needs (such as refugees, people experiencing homelessness, or young people under supervision) in cluster flats or large shared apartments.

In the event of acceptance, it is necessary for the individual to either join a legal entity (e.g. a company or an institution) or establish their own legal entity (e.g. an association together with other interested parties) in order to maintain a balanced distribution of voting rights in the general assembly.

What are the principles and criteria for space allocation at Haus der Statistik?

The allocation criteria are based on the Leitbild der Pioniernutzungen (guiding framework for pioneer uses), which has served as the curatorial foundation for the temporary allocation of space at Haus der Statistik since 2019. The criteria have been refined by the district committee (Quartiers-Gremium) at Haus der Statistik with input from external experts and have been expanded to include aspects of climate justice.

The key principles guiding the allocation process are: context/site-specific relevance, urgency, feasibility, diversity, orientation toward the common good, cooperative forms of working and living, local engagement, and openness to others (e.g. publicly accessible offers). You can find further details in the document here: https://hausderstatistik.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/190513_Leitbild-der-Pioniernutzungen.pdf!

How can I apply?

The application process is entirely digital. If you would like to apply for a space, please fill out the form.
Applications can also be submitted as a DGS (German Sign Language) video or as an audio file. In this case, please send your submission by email to: vergabe@hausderstatistik.org
People who are unable to use a keyboard or pen, as well as those with visual impairments or other accessibility needs, are welcome to contact us. We’re happy to offer individual support with the application process in these cases.

Online-Consultation Hours & On-site Appointment

Do you have questions? Then take advantage of our consultation hours and ask our team directly. The upcoming dates are:

May 2025

Monday, 19.05., 18:00 – 20:00 – on site, in German
Monday, 26.05., 18:00 – 20:00 – online, in German

June 2025

Monday, 02.06., 18:00 – online, in English
Monday, 09.06., 18:00 – 20:00 – online, in German
Monday, 16.06., 18:00 – 20:00 – online, in German / English

Will I receive confirmation of my application submission?

Yes, once your application is submitted, you will automatically receive a confirmation email.

How long does the selection process take?

The selection process for the Experimentierhäuser is multi-stage and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Who makes the decision?

After the application deadline, an initial allocation meeting will take place at the end of June. An independent committee will make a recommendation on who will be offered long-term, affordable rental space. This committee includes representatives from KOOP5, external experts in the fields of arts and culture, social affairs, diversity, neighbourhood development, education, and climate justice, as well as representatives of the pioneer users and future tenants of Haus der Statistik.

How will I be informed about the decision?

After the committee meetings, all applicants will be informed of the outcome via email.

I have received a positive response. What happens next?

A positive response in the first round is not yet a final allocation of space.

If you are invited to proceed, you will be asked to pay a solidarity-based advance contribution to help cover the costs of the selection process.

Once the contribution has been received, you will enter the next phase, which includes several meetings in small groups with other selected applicants. In these meetings, open questions are clarified, potential collaborations and shared use of space are discussed, and financial matters are addressed.

Afterwards, each participant will be asked to confirm whether they would like to continue and commit to long-term involvement. The committee will then make the final selection.

Final users of the social and cultural spaces will become members of the already established cooperative AndersMachen eG. For the residential spaces, a new cooperative called AndersWohnen eG will be founded during 2025.

Both cooperatives will take over the self-managed operation of the Experimentierhäuser and become shareholders in the non-profit developer AndersBauen gGmbH.

What kind of spaces are available?

The current selection process (starting in May 2025) covers spaces based on the usage programme of the Haus der Statistik initiative, developed from the pioneer uses since 2019.

The focus lies on socio-cultural commercial spaces in the Experimentierhäuser X1 – Sustainable Economies and X2 – Societal Learning.

In addition, X3 – Inclusive Living and Healthy Futures offers special forms of housing, including spaces for people experiencing homelessness, refugee housing, supported youth housing, cluster housing, and subsidised housing (Förderweg 1, e.g. with WBS certificates). Additional commercial spaces on the ground floor and one upper floor are available for social services and health/local supply.

How can I apply for spaces in the shared residential units (Cluster Housing / Supported living)?

A large portion of the housing units in Experimentierhaus X3 is reserved for special housing formats, typically operated by social organisations. These include Trägerwohnen (supported living) and other inclusive living arrangements.

The call is directed at organisations willing to provide long-term support for these forms of housing, as well as individuals interested in living long-term in cluster flats together with people from groups with specific housing needs.

Allocation of subsidised housing units under Förderweg 1 will take place later, once full financing is secured. If you're interested in these units, we recommend following the official channels of the Haus der Statistik model project (including the website, newsletter, and social media) to stay informed.

Please note: housing provided by WBM (the state-owned housing company Berlin-Mitte mbH) is allocated through its own independent procedures. More information on WBM can be found at https://www.wbm.de/wohnungen-berlin/angebote-wbm/.

When will the spaces be ready?

The spaces in the two Experimentierhäuser X1 and X2, with a focus on socio-cultural functions and commerce, are expected to be ready in 2028–29. For the Experimentierhaus Inclusive Living and Healthy Future, it is currently assumed that the spaces will be ready in 2029–30.

What does user-driven expansion mean?

The non-profit developer AndersBauen gGmbH, founded during the process, will develop the Experimentierhäuser in close coordination with the future users and with the inclusion of own contributions / self-construction. The spaces will then be built out accordingly. From co-planning to co-building, future users can take on a variety of roles in the process. It is also possible to take over finished spaces without making any additional contributions.

How many and what kinds of spaces will there be?

There will be individual rooms as well as shared and option spaces in various sizes (S–XL). Shared spaces are, for example, meeting rooms, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, which are used by several users on one floor or within a building.

Option spaces are not permanently assigned to a single user, but remain accessible for temporary external uses, such as exhibitions, meetings, performances, workshops, or educational programmes. Collectives or groups can also apply to manage an option space.

Haus A

already allocated

Experimentierhäuser X1/X2/X3

Three building structures with six and eight floors we constructing as so-called Experimentierhäuser with a focus on commercial use and housing:

Spaces: X1 and X2: each approx. 1,300 m² net usable area (rentable area); X3: approx. 4,500 m² net usable area (rentable area)
Storeys: X1 and X2: 6 upper floors each; X3: 8 upper floors
Uses: Commerce and culture (X1/X2), and commerce and housing (X3)
Room types: Individual rooms, shared rooms, and option spaces
Construction: New-build + Self-construction
Completion: 2028–2029

Curated Ground Floors

Area: approx. 2,500 m² net usable area (rentable area) in the new buildings of WBM
Storeys: ground floor
Uses: commerce and socio-cultural uses
Room types: individual rooms, shared rooms, and option spaces
Construction: new-build + Self-construction
Completion: after 2030

Which areas are shared?

All circulation areas (hallways, staircases, elevators), as well as infrastructure and shared facilities within the building, including sanitary rooms, (tea) kitchens, and individual meeting or workshop rooms. In addition, all designated option spaces will be jointly used and/or operated, with cost-sharing based on specific types of use.

What condition will the spaces be in when handed over to users?

The condition of the spaces may vary depending on the building component and specific needs, and will be defined in the further process between AndersBauen gGmbH and the future users.
For orientation:
The lowest standard will be a space without installations in the sanitary areas (bathroom, kitchen, heating) and without interior walls or room layout;
The medium standard will include installed interior walls and completed sanitary and electrical installations (water, kitchen, heating);
The highest standard will be ready to move in, with drywall construction, full sanitary and electrical installation, and built-in furniture such as kitchen units, wardrobes, etc.

Is self-construction possible? Can I save costs by doing it myself?

Yes, self-construction is possible, depending on when you enter the process or become a space user.
Self-construction is especially relevant for the ground floor and commercially used areas. Based on past experience, this can reduce costs (if you or your group have the necessary expertise).

Organisation and Process

How much time is expected of me? Is it realistic to take part in this process alongside a full-time job and/or care work?

The allocation process will take place in several phases. An initial selection of users for the spaces in the Experimentierhäuser is expected to be completed by the end of this summer (2025). During this phase, there will be approximately 3–4 meetings.

Once you or your organisation has been selected, there will be a series of meetings leading up to the actual start of operations. These will help future users get to know each other and organise themselves. In addition to internal organisation, these meetings will address questions around financing and (self-)construction.

We strive to schedule the meetings in ways that allow as many people as possible to participate, taking into account both working hours and caregiving responsibilities, as well as availability during free time and weekends.
Where possible, we also offer hybrid or online formats. Depending on the topic, some tasks can also be handled individually and flexibly in your own time.

When do I join one of the operating cooperatives?

The AndersMachen eG, responsible for the commercial spaces, was founded in late 2023 by users of Haus A. After successfully completing the application process for one of the commercial spaces, you can join this cooperative directly.
For the residential spaces, the AndersWohnen eG will be founded together with the selected residents over the course of 2025.

What happens to my data?

All submitted information will be used exclusively by ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG for the purposes of this process. In the case of a successful application, we will forward your personal data to the organisations established through the process (AndersBauen gGmbH, AndersMachen eG, and AndersWohnen eG) for the purpose of joining.

Otherwise, we will not share your data with third parties without your explicit consent. We reserve the right to evaluate anonymised data for statistical purposes. You may unsubscribe at any time, in which case your personal data will be automatically deleted. For full details, please refer to our privacy policy.

Project Development

How does AndersBauen gGmbH obtain the plots and rental spaces?

AndersBauen gGmbH was established by ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG in November 2022 as a non-profit property developer. The founding process took place in the context of the cooperative development of the Haus der Statistik area by political, administrative, and civil society actors.
The non-profit developer receives heritable building rights (Erbbaurechte) for the three building plots designated for the Experimentierhäuser from the State of Berlin. These heritable building rights are intended to prevent land speculation in the long term and secure both use and affordability.
For the commercial ground floor spaces in the new buildings developed by WBM, AndersBauen gGmbH is expected to be granted long-term commercial lease agreements.

What is a heritable building right (Erbbaurecht)?

Heritable building rights separate the ownership of land and buildings. The grantor of the heritable building right remains the owner of the land, while the grantee owns the buildings and pays an annual leasehold interest (Erbbauzins) to the landowner for the long-term use of the plot.

A heritable building right is legally equivalent to ownership, including all rights and responsibilities for the development and management of the site. Through the heritable building rights contract, the State of Berlin, as landowner, grants AndersBauen gGmbH, as the grantee, the use of the site for a long binding period – typically 99 years.

During this period, AndersBauen gGmbH is placed in an ownership-equivalent position: it is fully responsible for financing and developing the buildings in all aspects — with the only restriction being that it may not sell the land. In return, AndersBauen gGmbH pays an annual leasehold fee (Erbbauzins) to the State of Berlin.

This fee is based on the land value and is freely negotiable. It may also be linked to the economic use of the property and expressed as a percentage of revenues. To support non-profit, community-oriented uses, the leasehold fee can be set at a correspondingly low rate.

For the project, the advantage lies in the fact that much less initial capital is needed compared to a land purchase. For the landowner (the State of Berlin), the model ensures a long-term leasehold income and sustained control over how the land is used.

The heritable building rights contract can define concrete objectives for the type of use, content orientation of the operation, and construction activities. These goals apply for the entire duration of the leasehold and thus represent a key structuring element of the agreement. This makes the heritable building right an attractive tool, especially for cities like Berlin, where land prices are high. It enables the public sector to retain ownership of land while redirecting the lease income into the local community, and to secure land for community-oriented, non-speculative purposes over the long term.

Why are heritable building rights granted only for the new development plots?

During the course of project development, the possibility of granting heritable building rights (or even sub-heritable rights) for parts of the existing buildings was explored. Legally, this would have been possible; however, the State of Berlin rejected this option due to its complexity. Instead, a 30-year commercial lease agreement was offered for the spaces in Haus A and the curated ground floor areas.

How is AndersBauen gGmbH financing the project development?

AndersBauen gGmbH was founded by ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG, which also provided start-up capital of €25,000. However, the project development depends on additional initial financing from applicants. The advance contributions, due after the first application phase, serve to support the coordination and development of the process.
Once the heritable building rights are secured, AndersBauen gGmbH can apply for public funding or seek external financing in the form of bank loans.

How are the two cooperatives — AndersMachen eG and AndersWohnen eG — connected to AndersBauen gGmbH?

Within the framework of a needs assessment commissioned by the Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing, ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG developed an operating model for the future organisation of the Haus der Statistik area. This led to the creation of a Public–Civic Partnership (PCP) model. This model allows, on the one hand, long-term security of land use through shared oversight within joint committees, and on the other, a high degree of self-management at the user level.

As a first component of this operating model, AndersBauen gGmbH was founded by ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG. In addition, together with selected users from the application process for Haus A, the AndersMachen eG cooperative was founded to manage the socio-cultural spaces. Going forward, the AndersWohnen eG cooperative will be established together with selected residential users for Experimentierhaus X3.

This division into two cooperatives is due to tax regulations, since the rental of residential spaces is taxed differently from the rental of studios or commercial spaces. Both cooperatives will become shareholders of AndersBauen gGmbH over the course of 2025, allowing them to represent the interests of all future users within the non-profit development entity. This structure enables ZUsammenKUNFT Berlin eG, as the legal representative of the Haus der Statistik initiative, to gradually step back from the project and transfer responsibility to future users.

The members of both cooperatives will be the future users, meaning they will have indirect influence over AndersBauen gGmbH through their representation in the development structure. In addition to so-called full members (users of the spaces), both cooperatives may also include supporting members — known as silent members. These individuals voluntarily acquire shares in one of the cooperatives to support the project in principle. Silent members do not have voting rights and no entitlement to space in the Haus der Statistik project.

Which responsibilities are assigned to AndersBauen gGmbH and which to the two cooperatives?

AndersBauen gGmbH acts as the developer, meaning it is responsible for financing, organizing further planning and construction, as well as for project coordination and project management related to the realisation of the building components of the initiative.
The two cooperatives are responsible for operations, they prepare rental contracts and take care of the programming and day-to-day use of the spaces.

How is AndersBauen gGmbH compensated for its work?

AndersBauen gGmbH advances the project development work at its own risk. Only once it has received the heritable building rights and the lease agreements (for the ground floor spaces of WBM), will its services be gradually reimbursed as part of the overall investment costs of the construction project.

When do I become a member of one of the two cooperatives?

There are two options:

You become a supporting member. This does not grant voting rights in the general assembly nor an entitlement to space, but you support the project both financially and ideologically during its development and help provide the cooperatives with initial equity capital.
You wait until the heritable building rights have been granted to AndersBauen gGmbH and only join AndersMachen eG or AndersWohnen eG after successfully completing the application process. In this case, a prior declaration of interest (Anwartschaft) is required.

What opportunities do I have to be involved during the planning phase?

Since the beginning of the Haus der Statistik development, there have been numerous formats for participation. All interested future users and residents will continue to be included in the planning process of the buildings.

Beyond collecting individual preferences for housing and the use of common areas, participatory formats are organised throughout the planning phase. These include thematic workshops and so-called “Plantische” (planning tables), where questions about the design and function of shared spaces, self-management structures, and possibilities for user-led construction are explored collaboratively. Current dates are announced via our newsletter, website, and social media.

Financing

What costs should I expect?

Important: Negotiations with BIM Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH and the State of Berlin regarding the terms of the heritable building rights contracts are not yet concluded. Therefore, the allocation of spaces is still provisional, and the final rental prices and equity requirements cannot yet be definitively stated. The conclusion of negotiations and formal notarisation of the heritable building rights contracts is planned for August 2025.

The financing of construction costs is based on the following structure:
– approx. 20% equity,
– approx. 50% public funding,
– approx. 30% borrowed capital.
According to current calculations, a total of approximately €34.5 million is required for the construction of all Experimentierhäuser.

Breakdown of investment costs per building:
Experimentierhaus Sustainable Economies: €6.9 million
Experimentierhaus Societal Learning: €7.1 million
Experimentierhaus Inclusive Living and Healthy Futures: €20.5 million
Cost-based rent in the Experimentierhäuser:
The level of cost-based rent depends both on the intended use and the financial capacity of future users. According to current planning, the net cold rent is expected to range between €7.50 and €16.00 per m².

How much equity do I need to contribute through cooperative shares?

The required equity contribution depends on the size of the space you apply for and is calculated in €/m² of usable area. Based on current financial feasibility calculations (as of 04.04.2025), the equity contributions are as follows:

Experimentierhaus 1 €600 per m² of usable area

Experimentierhaus 2 €600 per m² of usable area

Experimentierhaus 3 €600–900 per m² of usable area for residential use

€1,350 per m² of usable area for commercial use

When is the payment of cooperative shares due?

As a rule, the first payment to the cooperative is made during the pre-planning phase of the project in order to reserve a space or apartment. After the heritable building rights contract is signed, members will contribute their full cooperative shares according to the size of the desired unit (space or apartment).

How can I finance my cooperative shares if I don’t have the required equity?

The construction projects are financed approximately 80% through public subsidies and loans and 20% through the equity provided by the cooperatives, which comes from the shares of their members.
Those who do not have the necessary equity to purchase cooperative shares may finance them through a loan. The German public development bank KfW offers Programme 134, which is specifically designed to support the acquisition of cooperative shares. This loan has a term of up to 35 years, comes with a relatively low interest rate, and includes a repayment grant. You can obtain further details from your local bank or directly from KfW.
In addition, guaranteed loans (Bürgschaftsdarlehen) are available through GLS Bank. It is also possible to raise the required outside capital through subordinated loans (Nachrangdarlehen) from friends and acquaintances.

When do I need to make a binding commitment in the process? When do I need to contribute financially?

After the first committee meeting, all selected applicants are asked to sign a declaration of interest (Anwartschaft) in order to proceed to the next phase of the process.

This declaration involves no obligations or financial risks, but it also does not confer any binding entitlement to a space.

Only after the final selection by the committee (planned for autumn 2025) will applicants be invited to pay their proportional equity contribution to reserve their space.

We want to ensure that the declaration fee does not become a barrier to participation. Therefore, we offer three contribution levels:

Standard contribution: €200
Supporter contribution: €400 or more
Reduced contribution: €85

If even the reduced fee is not feasible for you, we will find a solution together.

How is the declaration fee structured? What is my money used for?

The declaration fee is a one-time payment that contributes to the basic funding of the work of the non-profit developer AndersBauen gGmbH. It covers costs related to support, advising, and coordination of applicants, public communications, and the ongoing management and administration of the process. As such, the fee cannot be refunded if you decide to withdraw or if your application is not successful in the later selection rounds.

Does the declaration fee guarantee me a space or apartment?

The declaration of interest (Anwartschaft) does not grant any legal entitlement to a space or apartment. However, it is a prerequisite for participating in the next phase of the application process and therefore for the potential future use of a space.
The usage contract will be signed with AndersMachen eG (for commercial and socio-cultural spaces) or AndersWohnen eG (for residential spaces), depending on the intended use.

If I withdraw from the process, will I get my money back?

You can withdraw from the process at any time. The declaration fee is non-refundable. However, if you have become a supporting member of one of the cooperatives, your shares can be refunded in accordance with the respective notice periods.

How reliable is financial planning in a construction project?

Construction projects are highly complex. They usually take several years from planning to completion, involve many different actors, and require attention to countless details, while external conditions may also change unexpectedly.
As a result, costs can only be roughly estimated at the beginning, and must include contingency reserves. Greater cost certainty emerges gradually over time as the planning progresses and estimates become more precise.

How can the project be supported financially beyond the minimum contribution?

By acquiring additional cooperative shares: Members who wish to contribute more equity than the minimum requirement may purchase additional shares. This directly reduces the amount of equity needed from other members. However, these additional shares cannot be refunded immediately, as the cooperative must first build financial reserves and may only repay them after 24 months.
Through direct loans: This can be a good option if the interest rate of the direct loan is lower than that of a bank loan that the cooperative would otherwise take out. This also helps reduce the equity contribution required from members. This form of support is also available to non-members.
Through donations: One-time, monthly, or annual donations (as well as legacy gifts) can be made to the non-profit developer AndersBauen gGmbH.

The Cooperative

Why is the project organized as a cooperative?

A cooperative is a legal form of enterprise, like a GmbH or a joint-stock company, but with some important differences. In a cooperative, no individual member holds private ownership or profit rights. Instead, all members collectively own the entire property of the cooperative. The cooperative guarantees democratic participation and long-term usage rights. We believe this is the most suitable legal form for ensuring the long-term, community-oriented development of the Haus der Statistik model project and its components.

What are the goals of the cooperative?

Cooperatives have a long tradition as voluntary associations formed to support their members. Their core principles are defined by German cooperative law (Genossenschaftsgesetz), and each cooperative has its own statutes, which outline the mission, membership rights and responsibilities, organizational structure, allocation rules, and entry requirements.

AndersMachen eG and AndersWohnen eG aim to provide their members with secure, affordable, and high-quality spaces or housing. Profits are reinvested in long-term maintenance, care, and potential expansion of spaces. The statutes of AndersMachen eG are already available; the statutes of AndersWohnen eG will be developed in collaboration with selected users during the founding process.

How are cooperatives organized?

Anyone who holds at least one cooperative share becomes a member of the cooperative. Since cooperatives are legally required to be democratically organized, each member typically has one vote, regardless of how many shares they own. Unlike in joint-stock companies, where voting power is based on the number of shares, greater individual influence cannot simply be bought in a cooperative.

As members, individuals collectively shape the direction of the cooperative. They exercise their voting rights in the general assembly, which takes place at least once a year. The general assembly is the highest decision-making body of a cooperative. It votes on key aspects of business policy and elects a supervisory board from among its members. The supervisory board, in turn, appoints a management board, which is responsible for running the cooperative, advising it, and overseeing its operations. Each cooperative member holds both active and passive voting rights, meaning they may also stand for election to the supervisory board themselves.

What are cooperative shares?

The total sum of cooperative shares, together with the cooperative’s reserves, forms part of its equity capital and serves as the foundation of its business operations. For a newly founded cooperative operating its first building, this means that the members’ shares, combined with construction subsidies, development loans, and bank financing, are used to fund the planning and construction of the building. Only afterward, through rental income, can loans be repaid and maintenance reserves be built up. The cooperative shares you subscribe to as part of financing a housing project are not a “lost” investment, but rather a component of your personal assets. This means: if you give up your space in the Haus der Statistik quarter, move out of an apartment, or leave the cooperative, your shares will be refunded at their nominal value.

How is the use of an apartment or (commercial) space regulated?

Anyone who uses a space within the cooperative becomes a member and signs a usage agreement (Nutzungsvertrag) with the cooperative. This agreement is similar in content to a rental contract: it defines all rights and obligations of the user with respect to use of the space, repairs, utilities, and more. The key advantage over conventional rental models: the right to use a cooperative apartment is essentially non-terminable and is valid for life. For commercial spaces, contracts are generally signed for a duration of 5 to 10 years or longer.

The usage agreement specifies a monthly usage fee (equivalent to rent). Since cooperatives are not profit-driven, cooperative housing is typically more affordable than comparable units on the private rental market. The usage fee is based on the “cost-rent” principle: it covers capital and loan repayment costs, operating and maintenance expenses, and contributes only to necessary financial reserves.

Individuals interested in communal living arrangements will at a later stage sign a rental or usage contract with a partner organization managing special housing types. According to German civil law (BGB), such contracts can have a maximum duration of 30 years. The exact duration and structure of these agreements will be determined individually during the planning phase for the Experimentierhaus at a later date.

Will the usage fee decrease once the loans are repaid?

The usage fee is calculated to include reserves, since maintenance costs generally increase as a building ages. Once all loans have been repaid and sufficient reserves have been built up, the shareholders’ assembly of the non-profit developer, together with the shareholders of the two operating cooperatives, will decide whether any surplus can be used to reduce the usage fees.

How high are the utility (operating) costs?

The aim is to keep utility costs low. We plan our buildings with low energy consumption and simple, low-maintenance technology to minimize ongoing expenses.

Will I get my money back if I move out?

Yes. If you move out of your space, your cooperative shares will be refunded at their nominal value by the cooperative. Details are defined in each cooperative’s statutes. Please note: the one-time membership fee is non-refundable.

How is inheritance handled?

Cooperative shares do not transfer to heirs. Instead, the cooperative pays out the nominal value of the shares to the heirs of the deceased member.

Can I leave the cooperative?

Yes. In most cases, a member can leave the cooperative by transferring their shares to another member — this is possible at any time. Alternatively, membership may be terminated at the end of a calendar year, but not within the first five years after the cooperative's founding.
The formal procedures are outlined in the statutes of AndersMachen eG and AndersWohnen eG.

Still have questions?

Send us an e-mail:

︎︎︎ raumvergabe@hausderstatistik.org