How to lease an apartment in a housing cooperative (Wohnbaugenossenschaft)?

R

Rebecca

New member
Like many people my largest expense is housing. I would like to lower my rent so that I can reduce my monthly expenses and my overall financial independence number. The best way to do that in my region seems to be to lease a cheap apartment in a housing cooperative.

In Zürich canton the demand for apartments in housing cooperatives ("Wohnbaugenossenschaften") far exceeds the available supply. One housing cooperative in my area is so popular that you have to win a lottery just for a chance to view a vacant apartment.

Some of the housing cooperatives in my area (near Zürich) are for specific groups but I do not meet the criteria for any of those (senior citizen, railway employee, etc.)

It seems almost impossible to lease an apartment in a housing cooperative. People who live in cooperatives often seem to be related to other residents or have some other personal connection.

I am kindly asking for tips from the community on how to successfully lease an apartment in a housing cooperative.

What strategy works the best?

Place my name on waiting lists for 5+ years? Becoming best friends with cooperative board members? Something else?
 
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On this forum I think all agree that it's great to reduce fixed housing costs. It's true that the Wohnbaugenossenschaften are popular, and getting an apartment is very challenging. Historically, these cooperatives were formed to provide affordable housing for specific groups, often linked to professions or social needs, when mobility wasn't as easy as today.


Here are some strategies :

- Apply to cooperatives that are outside of urban center, demand is lower.

- Focus on newly formed cooperatives
instead of established one with long waiting lists. They have a shorter waiting lists because they are newer. But the rent will be a bit higher because the debts are not amortized.

- Many cooperatives struggle to find volunteers for their boards or for roles like Hausmeister. This can be an advantage for you. When you apply, make it clear that you are not only interested in an apartment but are also willing and able to take on a volunteer position. This will shows your commitment which can make your application stand out. I would advise to buy a social part to be invited to the general assembly to communicate face to face what I said above.
 
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