Bauverein Breisgau eG can once again look back on a successful financial year with clear growth figures. In Freiburg and in the Breisgau region there are several hundred apartments under construction and project planning, which are urgently expected from the members of the cooperative.
The board team, consisting of Marc Ullrich, Jörg Straub, is pleased about the positive development. The long-time part-time board member Gerhard Kiechle, who leaves in August, will continue to support the cooperative as the board member of the foundation.
With an average rent of 6.93 euros per square meter of living space – far below the market level – the business model is in demand like never before. The solidarity community now includes 23,677 members. The residents of the 4,926 apartments also have a lifelong right of use and are particularly protected as co-owners of the cooperative.
“We invested almost 20 million euros in new construction and modernization last year. In addition to the construction of new apartments, we are also active in creating social infrastructure, ”said CEO Marc Ullrich.
Ecologically and sustainably produced energy is also very important to the cooperative. The subsidiary EVB Energieversorgungsgesellschaft Bauverein Breisgau mbH is now supplying 2,351 units itself at favorable conditions.
“The 100 million euro limit for equity capital has been significantly exceeded,” said Board member Jörg Straub. “This gives us the strength to continue to serve the high demand in the region in the future.” In addition to the new buildings in Uni-Carré in the Stühlinger district and in Gutleutmatten-West in the Haslach district in Freiburg, the high volume growth of the in-house savings facility is another growth driver.
Almost 5 million euros of new funds were invested in the cooperative’s deposit bank and enable Bauverein Breisgau eG to refinance independently of banks. Especially in times of crisis, this model makes the cooperative particularly self-sufficient and stable. The over 16,000 accounts were heavily used digitally by the members during the pandemic period.
In addition, the cooperative has developed into an all-round service provider for real estate since 1899. The property management department is one of the largest administrators in the region and looks after 3,468 residential and commercial units. The broker and real estate sales can report a high frequency and demand.
The association Quartierstreff Bauverein Breisgau eV also does valuable work for people in the region in social relationship management and cross-generational neighborhood support with over 2,275 events and over 100 volunteers. Gerhard Kiechle confirms: “In the first half of 2020, the scope of services unfortunately had to be greatly reduced due to the contact restrictions. Everyday help was maintained and helped people noticeably. “
Since 2018, the cooperative group has been supplemented by the “Bauverein Breisgau Foundation”. A clear commitment that the cooperative assumes social responsibility in Breisgau. The distributions are currently being bundled for aid in the wake of the corona pandemic. As a further component, an innovative and unique Corona emergency aid fund was endowed with more than 160 thousand euros in 2020. Additional assistance can be provided as needed.
Due to the sustainable business model, despite difficult times, a three percent dividend on the first three shares can be distributed to the members.
The annual surplus of 4.7 million euros will be used in addition to the dividend distribution to strengthen equity for the future new building program. “It would be nice if we could get support for an additional new building program in Freiburg and deal openly with feasibility and figures. Unlike other players in the housing market, we do not receive subsidies in the tens of millions and we have to work economically in the interests of the members. ” Marc Ullrich and Jörg Straub give this hint along the way.
Information about Bauverein Breisgau eG:
Bauverein Breisgau eG was founded in 1899 and, with 23,677 members, is the largest housing association in South Baden as well as one of the oldest housing associations in Germany with the largest number of members. The cooperative’s building stock includes 4,926 apartments and 154 commercial units.
The balance sheet total amounts to 321.3 million euros, with an annual profit of 4.7 million euros. Members receive a 3.0 percent dividend for the first three shares. From the fourth share, 0.75 percent dividend will be distributed.
With 115 employees, the cooperative is also a major employer and taxpayer in the region.
In addition, the range of services extends to ecological energy management in the subsidiary EVB Energieversorgungsgesellschaft Bauverein Breisgau mbH, classic property management to 3,426 residential and commercial units for third-party owners and broker service.
The company’s history is shaped by innovation, driven by the creation of added value for the members. In addition to maintaining and creating affordable apartments, the solidarity community assumes social responsibility through the Quartierstreff Bauverein Breisgau eV, the Bauverein Breisgau Foundation and the endowment of the unique Corona Emergency Aid Fund.
(Press release: Bauverein Breisgau eG, June 26, 2020)
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