PWG 1956

What PWG 1956 does

PWG 1956 (legal name: Potsdamer Wohnungsgenossenschaft 1956 eG) is a registered housing cooperative founded on 5 March 1956 in Potsdam, Germany, operating as a private member-owned entity under German cooperative law. The cooperative manages approximately 4,400 residential apartments and 65 commercial units across all Potsdam districts (Stern, Drewitz, Waldstadt I & II, Schlaatz, Innenstadt, Potsdam West) plus adjacent communities (Caputh, Saarmund, Bergholz-Rehbrücke), with an additional 685 apartments under third-party WEG/Fremdverwaltung. Members (~7,500) receive lifelong Wohnrecht, absolute eviction protection, and democratic participation rights through a Vertreterversammlung governance structure.

The cooperative operates three primary revenue streams: residential usage fees (Nutzungsgebühren) paid monthly by members instead of market rent, commercial unit rentals, and fees from third-party WEG property management. A distinctive subsidiary line is the in-house Spareinrichtung (savings facility), established in 2001 and supervised by BaFin and the Deutsche Bundesbank, which holds approximately €89 million in member deposits across multiple savings products (Sparbuch, Festzinssparen, Wachstumssparen, Treuesparen, Jubiläumssparen) and provides low-cost financing for modernization and new construction. Ancillary revenue includes five guest apartments and two event venues (Plögerscher Gasthof, Hebbelstraße 1). Underlying technology is conventional enterprise software, primarily the Aareon CRM platform powering the 'Meine 1956' member self-service portal, with no proprietary technology stack.

Distribution and acquisition are entirely member-facing: prospective members apply directly via the cooperative's website or four district service offices (Potsdam West, Potsdam Stadt, Waldstadt/Schlaatz, Stern/Drewitz), pay a €50 entry fee plus €200+ in cooperative shares, and sign a Nutzungsvertrag to receive lifelong housing rights. There are no intermediary or marketplace channels — housing is never sold on the open market, remaining perpetually in cooperative ownership. The cooperative is currently executing a multi-year expansion including a joint venture with WG 'Karl Marx' and pbg for 700+ new apartments at Krampnitz, plus ongoing modernization across the existing portfolio.

Name

PWG 1956

Legal name

Potsdamer Wohnungsgenossenschaft 1956 eG

Website

https://pwg1956.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PWG 1956 is a member-owned housing cooperative founded in 1956 in Potsdam, Germany, managing ~4,400 residential apartments, 65 commercial units, and 685 third-party managed units for ~7,500 members who hold lifelong housing rights. It also operates a BaFin-supervised savings facility holding €89 million in member deposits.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cooperative Housing

NAICS

Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111)

SIC

Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340), Lessors Of Real Property, Nec (6519)

akta.pro primary industry

Cooperative (Co-op) Housing Association Management (BPAJAHAC)

Keywords

• Housing cooperative
• Residential property management
• Cooperative membership
• Savings facility services
• Affordable housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Potsdam

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Residential Usage Fees (Nutzungsgebühren): Members pay a monthly usage fee (Nutzungsgebühr) instead of traditional rent. This is the primary revenue stream. The fee is described as appropriate and fair; increases are made only when genuinely necessary and in a measured manner. Members receive lifelong Wohnrecht (right to live) and absolute Kündigungsschutz (eviction protection).
2. Commercial Unit Rental: Revenue from approximately 65 commercial units (Gewerbeeinheiten). Commercial tenants pay rent for retail/commercial spaces.
3. Garage and Parking Rental: Members can rent garages and parking spaces (Stellplätze). Requires acquisition of two additional cooperative shares (€400).
4. Guest Apartment Rental: Five guest apartments (Gästewohnungen) are rented to members and their guests at nightly rates ranging from €80–€100 plus final cleaning fee of €65. Located across Potsdam in Französisches Quartier, Zeppelinstraße, Schlaatz, and Drewitz.
5. Event Venue Rental: Event spaces rented out: Plögerscher Gasthof (Anna-Zielenziger-Str. 7) and a cultural room at Hebbelstraße 1 (approx. 60 m² for up to 30 persons). Hourly rental at €14, half-day €40, full-day €70 (net plus VAT).
6. Cooperative Share Capital: Members purchase shares upon joining (€200 for residential membership; additional shares for garages at €400; commercial units: €3,000 for <100 m² or €5,000 for larger units). Shares are returned upon exit after annual meeting approval.
7. WEG and Third-Party Property Management: 685 apartments in property management (WEG-/Fremdverwaltung) for external owners. Revenue from management fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

PWG 1956 is a registered housing cooperative (Wohnungsgenossenschaft) that manages approximately 4,400 residential apartments and 65 commercial units across Potsdam and surrounding areas, providing members with lifelong housing rights and eviction protection. Members pay monthly usage fees in lieu of traditional rent. The cooperative also operates a regulated Spareinrichtung (savings facility) offering multiple savings products with roughly €89 million in deposits, plus ancillary services including event venue rental, guest apartments, and third-party WEG property management for 685 additional apartments.

Product overview

PWG 1956 is a housing cooperative (Wohnungsgenossenschaft) offering residential and commercial property management across Potsdam. The core portfolio includes approximately 4,400 residential units and 65 commercial spaces, with a savings facility managing approximately 89 million EUR in deposits. Supporting services include four local service offices, a member self-service portal (Meine 1956), event venue rentals (Plögerscher Gasthof, Hebbelstraße 1), and five guest apartments. The cooperative operates with democratic member governance including representatives, supervisory board, and management board structures.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Apartment Management (Wohnungsverwaltung) Management of approximately 4,400 residential apartments across Potsdam and adjacent communities (Caputh, Saarmund, Bergholz-Rehbrücke). Members acquire cooperative shares and sign a Nutzungsvertrag (usage contract) granting lifelong Wohnrecht (right to live) and absolute Kündigungsschutz (eviction protection).
• Commercial Unit Rental (Gewerbeeinheiten) Rental of approximately 65 commercial units for retail, office, and service businesses in Potsdam. Commercial membership requires 15 shares (€3,000) for units under 100 m² or 25 shares (€5,000) for larger units, plus monthly rent.
• Garage and Parking Rental Members can rent garages and parking spaces (Stellplätze). Requires acquisition of two additional cooperative shares (€400).
• Guest Apartments (Gästewohnungen) Five guest apartments (two-room and three-room) rented to members and their guests at nightly rates of €80–€100 plus a €65 final cleaning fee. Accommodates 2–6 persons.
• Event Venue Rental (Plögerscher Gasthof & Hebbelstraße 1) Rental of event spaces including Plögerscher Gasthof (Anna-Zielenziger-Str. 7) and a cultural room at Hebbelstraße 1 (~60 m², up to 30 persons). Rates: €14/hour, €40/half-day, €70/full-day net plus VAT.
• Savings Facility (Spareinrichtung) Member-only savings deposit facility with approximately €89 million in deposits, offering Sparbuch (passbook savings), Festzinssparen (fixed-term savings 1–10 years), Wachstumssparen (growth savings), Treuesparen (loyalty savings), Jubiläumssparen (anniversary savings), Projektsparen (project savings), and E-Mail-Banking services. Rates range from 0.75% p.a. variable to 4.00% p.a. fixed.
• Third-Party Property Management (WEG-/Fremdverwaltung) Professional property management for external owners covering 685 apartments under WEG (condominium) and third-party management arrangements, including cost accounting and maintenance coordination.

Quantifiable outcome

• No speculative sales of apartments — all housing remains in cooperative ownership
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ProCurandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020ProCurand operates an ambulatory care service (Ambulante Pflege) and a social service (Sozial-Service) at Französisches Quartier 7, within PWG 1956's building stock. They provide free consultations on nursing degrees, emergency alert systems, senior-friendly home modifications, and financial subsidies for housing adaptations. This partnership directly serves the cooperative's elderly members.
• GenossenschaftsforumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPWG 1956 is listed as a member/partner on the Genossenschaftsforum (Berliner Genossenschaftsforum) website. The forum connects housing cooperatives across the Berlin-Potsdam region, facilitating knowledge exchange and best practices sharing among cooperative housing providers.
• Stadt Spuren PotsdamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on the PWG 1956 website. Stadt Spuren Potsdam documents and promotes historical buildings and urban development in Potsdam, reflecting PWG 1956's engagement in the city's architectural heritage.
• DeswosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a partner on the PWG 1956 website. Deswos (Deutsche Entwicklungshilfe für soziale Wohnungsunternehmen) is a development organization supporting social housing enterprises, suggesting a shared mission of affordable housing provision.
• BBA – Akademie der Immobilienwirtschaft e.V. BerlincoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBBA Academy is the theoretical training partner for PWG 1956's Immobilienkaufleute apprenticeship program. PWG 1956 pays the school fees for its apprentices. The BBA is one of the leading academies for residential and real estate economics in Germany, providing classroom training that complements PWG 1956's practical on-the-job training.
• AckerpauseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPWG 1956 collaborates with the 'Ackerpause' team to maintain bio-meadows (Biowiesen) and conduct urban gardening projects in two residential quarters. Part of the cooperative's sustainability and community-building initiatives.
• WG 'Karl Marx' (Wohnungsgenossenschaft)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partner for the Krampnitz project — a large-scale new urban district on a former barracks site. PWG 1956 and WG 'Karl Marx' plan to build over 700 cooperative apartments together, along with the pbg cooperative. Collaborative participation in the city's Bebauungsplan (development plan) process.
• pbg (Wohnungsgenossenschaft)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partner for the Krampnitz project alongside WG 'Karl Marx' and PWG 1956. Three cooperatives collaborate on the Schlaatz 2030 masterplan and the Krampnitz urban development to create over 700 new affordable cooperative apartments.
• ProPotsdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPWG 1956 works constructively with ProPotsdam as part of the Schlaatz 2030 urban development process. ProPotsdam is the municipal housing and urban development company of the city of Potsdam, involved in the masterplan implementation.
• Stadt Potsdam (Planning Authorities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPWG 1956 is actively involved in the Bebauungsplanerstellung (development plan preparation) process for Schlaatz, working with the city's planners to secure building rights for barrier-free access, rooftop extensions (Aufstockungen), and supplementary buildings (Ergänzungsbauten) for future generations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• degewo AG: Major Berlin housing cooperative with ~75,000+ units. Larger scale but comparable cooperative/mission-driven governance and member service model in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
• Vonovia SE: Germany's largest residential real estate company with ~550,000 units. While a for-profit publicly-listed company operating at national scale, it competes for tenants in the broader Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan housing market.
• HOWOGE Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH: Berlin municipal housing company with ~80,000 units providing affordable housing under a different (municipal) ownership structure, but a comparable mission and overlapping Berlin-Potsdam metropolitan operating area.

Direct peers

• GESOBAU AG: Berlin-based housing cooperative with ~50,000+ units, similar Genossenschaftsstruktur providing lifelong Wohnrecht and eviction protection. Comparable cooperative governance model and member service orientation, though larger scale.
• Berliner Bau- und Wohnungsgenossenschaft von 1892 eG: Historic Berlin housing cooperative with a similar Genossenschaftsstruktur and member-owned ethos. Comparable in operating model though serving Berlin rather than Potsdam directly.
• pbg - Potsdamer Baugenossenschaft 1956 eG: Cooperative partner in the Krampnitz joint development and another major Potsdam housing cooperative with a similar member-owned structure and Gebiets presence across the city.
• ProPotsdam GmbH: Municipal housing company of the City of Potsdam, managing over 20,000 units. Direct collaborator on Schlaatz 2030 masterplan and primary local competitor for affordable housing tenants in the same districts.
• WG 'Karl Marx' eG Potsdam: Direct cooperative partner in Potsdam, jointly developing the Krampnitz project for 700+ apartments. Both are registered Wohnungsgenossenschaften operating in overlapping Potsdam districts with similar member-owned governance models.

Others

• Berliner Genossenschaftsforum: Industry association/network that connects Berlin-Potsdam housing cooperatives including PWG 1956. Thematically related infrastructure for cooperative knowledge exchange and shared advocacy across the regional sector.

Regional players

• Drewitz Gartenstadt Project (Stadt Potsdam): Multi-stakeholder urban regeneration project in the Drewitz district where PWG 1956 is a primary housing cooperative partner. Comparable as a regional collaboration framework for sustainable neighborhood development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PWG1956eg
• Instagraminstagram.com/PWG1956eg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pwg-1956

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PWG 1956