Living in the Westend: Cooperatives ensure affordable living space!

Living in the Westend: Cooperatives ensure affordable living space!

Westend, München, Deutschland - Living in the Westend is currently being accompanied by a dynamic change that has both challenges and opportunities for the residents. On June 26, 2025, in the fourth episode of the "Westend perspectives" series, we report on the importance of the housing cooperatives in this Munich district. Doris Schüle-Wolfsfellner, director of the Munich housing cooperative, and Gerhard Metzger from the “Executed” initiative discuss on ongoing construction projects and the possibilities that the rental companies are available for rising rents. More and more people fall back on the strengths of cooperatives that not only offer living space, but also a voice for the tenants.

In a construction project of the cooperative, more living space is being worked on that meets the requirements of today. The representatives of the cooperative emphasize that the close cooperation with the city also gains the instrument of "right of first refusal" in importance. This is an important measure that is intended to strengthen rental prices in times of high rental prices. The topic is not only hot in the westend, but also in other districts. Florian Schmidt, City Councilor of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, sees great potential here and plans talks to improve the framework conditions for cooperatives. A positive development that görts hope for many tenants.

legal framework and cooperatives

The legal foundations with which housing cooperatives act play a crucial role in the current living situation. The housing cooperative law not only ensures the right to live, but also promotes democratic participation within the cooperatives. The principles of the cooperatives state that each member has the same amount to say, which strengthens the distribution of decision -making and the feeling of the community. But how does admission to a cooperative work? It begins with a written registration and the takeover of business shares - an important step that lays the basis for long -term living security.

members enjoy numerous advantages, such as the possibility of actively participating in the design of the living conditions. The general assembly, in which everyone has a voice, is the heart of a cooperative. Here, important topics are coordinated and the fate of the community is directed. But despite all the advantages, there are also hurdles, such as the initial costs for the shares that can be an entry barrier. In an increasingly scarce housing market, however, the search for future -proof solutions is of crucial importance.

future prospects in the Westend

A look into the future shows that cooperatives are more in demand than ever. The challenges due to rising rents and the shortage of housing make it clear: a sustainable design of the living space is essential. In addition to the classic cooperative models, increased public funding is also to be expected, which focuses on new forms of living and ecological sustainability. The discussions about the right of first refusal and the cooperative employment models make it clear that there is a need for action to make concrete progress.

The current efforts and the exchange between the cooperatives, the city and other actors are a step in the right direction. The last transactions in the area of ​​the right of first refusal show that solidarity and networking among rental and cooperatives are a key to success. An interesting aspect is that these cooperation not only set signs in Munich, but also in other cities such as Berlin.

The coming months will be decisive. The presence of the cooperatives in the Westend could be a crucial factor in order to create better living quality for all citizens. The big question remains: How will developments in the living situation continue to be shaped? A lot depends on the political and social support that cooperatives need to consolidate their place in the city and drive innovations.