About Housing Cooperatives
What Makes a Housing Cooperative Unique?
Housing cooperatives stand for communal living, solidarity, and sustainable housing design. Unlike purely profit-oriented housing models, cooperatives aim to provide long-term affordable and high-quality housing. They focus on fair rental prices, which are not influenced by market speculation but are based on actual maintenance costs. Each cooperative is self-organized by its members, placing participation and responsibility at the center.
Living Together in a Cooperative
Life in a cooperative fosters interaction and community among residents. Joint activities, such as neighborhood events, gardening projects, or shared use of communal spaces, create a vibrant neighborhood. It is not just about sharing living space but also about using resources more efficiently and building a social network. In a cooperative, it is common for residents to support each other and strive for a harmonious coexistence.
Conditions for Moving into a Cooperative Apartment
To move into a housing cooperative apartment, certain conditions usually apply. These can vary depending on the cooperative but often include the following aspects:
Membership and Cooperative Shares: Anyone wishing to move into a cooperative apartment must become a member of the cooperative. This involves purchasing cooperative shares, the amount of which can vary by cooperative. These shares ensure the financial stability of the cooperative and symbolize each member's responsibility.
Minimum Occupancy Requirements: Cooperatives often require that apartments be occupied in proportion to their size. For instance, a 4-room apartment might need to be occupied by at least three people. This helps use housing efficiently and ensures fair distribution.
Income Limits: Many cooperatives cater to individuals and families with middle or lower incomes. Therefore, maximum income limits often apply and must be adhered to in order to qualify for an apartment. These limits vary and are often based on local or cantonal guidelines.
Engagement and Community Spirit: Another important aspect is the willingness to actively participate in community life. This may include attending meetings, contributing to community projects, or maintaining shared facilities such as gardens or playgrounds.
Housing Need and Residence Obligation: Cooperatives often assess whether the prospective residents have a genuine housing need. This includes ensuring that the apartment becomes the primary residence and that the registered address matches the cooperative apartment.
Sustainable Lifestyle: Some cooperatives promote environmentally conscious living and implement ecological standards in resource usage, waste separation, or mobility (e.g., car sharing, no private parking spaces).