Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the mix of flats offered by Wohnen+ Basel at Westfeld?
We offer 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 Zimmer flats. There is a minimum occupant threshold of one person per bedroom.
2. Why is there a minimum occupant threshold?
This is a requirement of wohnen&mehr. The driver is sustainable living.
3. What standard amenities will be provided within the flats?
Each flat will have a full kitchen (refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher), bathroom, living room, and bedroom(s). Most will have a private winter-garden.
4. What is included in the Nebenkosten?
The Nebenkosten includes all normal charges, i.e. heat, hot water, maintenance of building and grounds, administrative costs, taxes, fees, etc.. In addition, Wohnen+ Basel members will share the cost of the common room and other common expenses.
5. Can I reserve a Wohnen+ Basel flat?
6. When will the flats be ready for occupancy?
Our move-in date is currently planned for December 2022.
More about Wohnen+ Basel:
1. When was Wohnen+ Basel formed?
2. Must members of Wohnen+ Basel be Swiss citizens?
We welcome both Swiss citizens and non-Swiss as members.
3. If I leave, do I get my money back?
4. Do I have to share meals with other residents?
5. What are the bylaws for Wohnen+ Basel?
6. What are my rights as a member of the Wohnen+ Basel (W+ B) community?
As a member of W+ B, you have the right to rent a flat, use the W+B common space, participate in W+ B activities, use wohnen&mehr common space, and make decisions regarding W+ B (one vote per member).
More about Westfeld
1. Do I have to be a member of wohnen&mehr to live in Westfeld?
Yes, however, membership in Wohnen+ Basel will automatically confer membership in wohnen&mehr as part of our Verein.
2. Are pets allowed?
Indoor pets (for example hamsters, budgies) and cats and dogs are normally allowed.
3. How eco-friendly are the flats?
Our flats are very eco-friendly! The site will be built to low-energy-consumption standards, with geothermal heating and cooling, photocells on the roof, Mobility Cars on-site, charging stations for e-bikes, and tram and bus stops on the periphery.
4. The location is very near the airport and on a busy road. What is the noise level?
Acceptable noise levels are quite subjective. We do not find the noise intrusive, but if this is a concern, we recommend that you visit the site and judge for yourself.
5. Is there an emergency entrance to the new hospital? What are the rules for sirens? How close to the entrance will sirens be allowed?
The hospital will not have an emergency entrance and therefore sirens will not be an issue.
6. What shops and businesses will be located at Westfeld?
Plans to rent commercial space within the refurbished Felix Platter Areal are already well advanced. These include the following businesses and other facilities:
- Fitness Club (700 m2)
- Supermarket
- Neighborhood meeting point
- Rentable meeting rooms
- Rentable guest rooms
- Restaurants/café
7. Can I have a car?
A limited number of parking spaces will be available to rent.
8. Will it be possible to own the flat?
No. All flats will be offered on a rental basis only.
9. Will subleasing be allowed?
Subleasing will be allowed with limitations. The limitations will be described in detail in the wohnen&mehr lease agreement.
10. Will 3 elevators be sufficient for 130 flats?
Yes, 3 should be more than enough. Standard calculation is one elevator for every 60-90 units.
11. Will the number of washing machines be sufficient?
There will be enough washing machines to enable one complete wash day per week (Mon-Sat) for each flat.
12. Any rules on notice period for eviction?
All matters relating to eviction will be covered in the w&m House Rules, due to be published during 2021.
13. What cost controls are in place to avoid the final rent and deposit price to suddenly rise and when could this happen?
Rents and deposits will be based on the planned cost to build, operate and maintain the site. These costs will be set following a standard competitive bidding process and a controlled process for managing changes. We will be informed of any significant changes. Baring this, any final changes will be minor.
14. Why are rents more favorable for cooperatives than for other providers?
The purpose of a non-profit building cooperative is, among other things, to create affordable housing. In contrast to traditional housing providers, cooperatives do not return profits to private investors. Any surpluses flow into the cooperative, where they remain as reserves for renovations and refurbishments, the disbursement for which will be decided by cooperative members. Rent is calculated so that “only” the costs incurred are covered. The latest data from the Federal Office for Housing (BWO) show that in cities the rental income for conventional rental apartments is on average 24% higher than for co-operative housing.
General Comment on Rent
As construction costs will not differ for cooperatives as compared to other housing providers, the rent for cooperatives in newly buildings is only slightly lower than that of conventional landlords to start – such as will be the case in Westfeld. Due to the lack of pressure on returns and the abandonment of speculative transactions, the rental income of cooperatives is expected to develop significantly lower than the market rent over the years and decades.
1. Why are rents more favorable for cooperatives than for other providers?
The purpose of a non-profit building cooperative is, among other things, to create affordable housing. In contrast to traditional housing providers, cooperatives do not return profits to private investors. Any surpluses flow into the cooperative, where they remain as reserves for renovations and refurbishments, the disbursement for which will be decided by cooperative members. Rent is calculated so that only the costs incurred are covered. The latest data from the Federal Office for Housing (BWO) show that in cities the rental income for conventional rental flats is on average 24% higher than for co-operative housing.
2. Why are rents not lower now?
As construction costs will not differ for cooperatives as compared to other housing providers, the rent for cooperatives in new buildings is only slightly lower than that of conventional landlords to start. This will be the case in Westfeld. However, as there will be no pressure for profits, the rents are expected to develop at a significantly lower rate over time than the market rent for comparable properties.