Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft

Wohnungseigentum refers to a form of property ownership in Germany that combines individual ownership of a specific apartment with co-ownership of the common areas of a building. This legal framework is governed by the Wohnungseigentumsgesetz (WEG), or Condominium Act. When a person owns a Wohnungseigentum, they possess exclusive rights to their individual unit, meaning they can use, modify, and sell it independently. However, they are also a co-owner of the land, the building's structure, and shared facilities such as stairwells, roofs, and gardens.

Each owner contributes to the costs associated with maintaining and repairing these common areas, typically based on their share of ownership. This is often managed through a homeowners' association, known as the Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaft (WEG). The WEG is responsible for collective decisions regarding the property, including budgeting, maintenance, and rule-setting for the building. Regular meetings are held where owners vote on important matters. The concept aims to balance individual property rights with the collective responsibility for maintaining the shared living environment.