A cooperative flat (German: Genossenschaftswohnung) is an apartment built and rented out by a non-profit housing cooperative — not a private landlord. These cooperatives don’t aim to make a profit, so the flats are a popular, more affordable way to rent in Vienna.
Why it’s cheaper
Because the cooperative is non-profit, the monthly rent is usually lower than on the open market — and it can’t be raised arbitrarily. The trade-off is a one-off payment when you move in (see below).
The one-off contribution (Finanzierungsbeitrag)
When you move in you usually pay a one-time Finanzierungsbeitrag (also called Genossenschaftsanteil or Eigenmittel) — your share of the building’s land and construction cost. It can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of euros, and it is the reason the rent is low.
Good news: it’s largely refundable. When you move out you get it back, minus roughly 1% for each year you lived there. So it’s more like a deposit you mostly get back than money that’s gone.
Option to buy later
Some cooperative flats come with a buy option (Kaufoption): after a number of years you may have the right to purchase the flat. This is optional and varies by project.
What about pets
Pets are usually allowed. Small animals in a cage or tank need no permission, and a blanket ban in a standard contract does not hold. A dog or cat needs the cooperative’s written consent: it is normally given, but it covers that one animal, so ask before you sign. Expect to show a microchip, registration and liability insurance for a dog — plus the Hundeführschein in Vienna for listed breeds — and to keep it on a lead in shared areas. The city dog levy (Hundeabgabe) goes to Vienna, not to the cooperative. Details differ, so check the house rules (Hausordnung) and your contract.
Who can apply
Conditions vary by cooperative, but typically you must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be an Austrian or EU/EEA citizen, or hold a valid residence permit;
- have an income within certain limits (not too high — these are subsidised flats);
- use the flat as your main residence.
You apply directly to the cooperative. Many people register for flats that are still being built and wait on a list; ready-to-move-in flats also come up but go quickly. Useful documents to have ready: ID/passport, proof of registration, and recent proof of income.
How GWohnungen.at helps
GWohnungen.at gathers available flats from multiple cooperatives in Vienna in one place, making flat hunting much easier. Compare our services.