The demand for joint forms of housing is growing. In every larger city, older people form groups aiming to buy houses after the family phase and to rebuild them on their own initiative or to plan new buildings. They want to live together with other generations according to own rules and supporting each other without having to do without safety, if needed. They look for but do not find housing projects enabling individual self-realisation in supporting environments. As there are not any projects, these groups try to implement such projects on their own initiative.

In view of the ageing of the population and changed framework conditions such as increases in the price of services for the elderly it is imperative to advance joint building ventures spanning generations with their new forms of support for the elderly. First, Länder and local authorities are asked to promote the idea of a self-determined, active living in the old age systematically. An important prerequisite is that building groups lose their “exotic” character if they are adequately initiated and supported by local authorities and are also accepted by professional negotiating partners (e.g. banks). The brochure presents several projects and gives examples for a future-oriented housing, which becomes increasingly necessary in terms of housing policy and which is directly oriented to the needs and styles of living of its residents.

House builders’ schemes are the most common schemes among joint building ventures spanning generations. A builder only takes the initiative in single cases.  In view of the housing market which is currently saturated or will be saturated in the future, the situation is expected to change considerably in the future. Planning and building will have to be more oriented to demanders. This goes especially for real estate for the elderly as the German market has slumped in this area. The reason is not a lack of need but planning which did not meet the demand. Exceptions are cooperative and foundation projects.

Often joint building ventures fail because they have a lack of professional know-how. Financial and legal advice as well as the moderation of the formation of groups and support in realising projects are crucial factors for successfully executing a joint building project.

The formation of private joint building ventures has become an - also cost-efficient – alternative for the traditional acquisition of ownership from a builder. It thus provides the chance to live in a neighbourly community and to participate more intensively in planning the own and direct  residential and living environment .

A central aspect of joint building ventures spanning generations is an active involvement of residents in planning, in the management and in mutual supporting services. Important aspects are the following:

LBS Ostdeutsche Landesbausparkasse AG, tel. +49 0331 9690123

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Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Social services