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). South side flats 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 share the cost of the common room and other common expenses.
5. Can I reserve a Wohnen+ Basel flat?
All flats are currently occupied and can not be reserved. Contact us to learn more.
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?
Our bylaws are taken from those published by wohnen&mehr. A copy will be made available prior to move in.
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.
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 is 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 does not have an emergency entrance and therefore sirens are not an issue.
6. What shops and businesses will be located at Westfeld?
Existing commercial spaces in the Felix Platter Areal currently include the following businesses and other facilities (more are to be added):
- 24/7 Fitness Club (700 m2)
- Denner Supermarket
- Neighborhood meeting point
- Rentable meeting rooms
- Rentable guest rooms
- Restaurants/café
- Workshops
- Neighbor garden
- Kita / Kindergarten
- Quiet room
- 9th Public Common Room and terrace
- Iselin Quartier Center
7. Can I have a car?
A limited number of parking spaces will be available to rent.
8. Is it possible to own a flat?
No. All flats are offered on a rental basis only.
9. Is subleasing be allowed?
Subleasing is allowed with limitations. The limitations are described in detail in the wohnen&mehr lease agreement.
10. Are 3 elevators be sufficient for 130 flats?
Yes, 3 are more than enough. Standard calculation is one elevator for every 60-90 units.
11. Are the number of washing machines sufficient?
There are enough washing machines and drying facilities on several floors of the Schiff.
12. Any rules on notice period for eviction?
All matters relating to eviction are covered in the wohnen&mehr House Rules.
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 are based on the planned cost to build, operate and maintain the site. These costs follow 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.
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 is the case in Westfeld. However, as there are no pressure for profits, the rents are expected to develop at a significantly lower rate over time than the market rent for comparable properties.