Mediates real-estate purchases prioritizing social responsibility and tenants' interests.
GIMA Berlin-Brandenburg eG is a cooperative real-estate agency based in Berlin, Germany, that operates on the principle of Gemeinwohl, or social responsibility. Established in November 2021, it is the first such cooperative in the region, drawing inspiration from similar models in Munich and Frankfurt. The organization's primary goal is to mediate real-estate purchases by its members from prospective sellers and title holders, focusing on integrating tenants' interests and engaging them in the process. Unlike traditional real-estate agencies, GIMA Berlin-Brandenburg eG uncouples purchases from market prices and connects them to Gemeinwohl principles. This approach is reflected in its mediation fee, which is significantly lower at 1% of the selling price compared to the common 7% rate. By early 2023, the cooperative had grown to include 15 member organizations with a housing stock of approximately 4,000 units. The foundation for GIMA Berlin-Brandenburg eG was laid by a tenant initiative called "Häuser Bewegen" (Moving Houses), which experimented with and piloted the founding of a Gemeinwohl real-estate agency between 2018 and 2021. This project was partially funded by the City District Council of Berlin Mitte. The cooperative's unique approach and commitment to social responsibility make it a notable player in Berlin's real-estate landscape.