The municipal Munich housing companies GWG and Gewofag are working with Housing heroes The Munich-based startup's technology enables fair and transparent allocation of viewing appointments via a lottery system.
Munich's tight rental market has long since reached families whose incomes make them ineligible for social housing, yet who still struggle to find affordable housing. To address this, the city has developed the "Munich Model," which offers eligible families the opportunity to access subsidized housing. A family of three, for example, receives a corresponding eligibility certificate for up to a gross annual income of approximately €70,000. The problem: Demand for apartments under the Munich Model exceeds supply by twice as much.
Lottery with Wohnungshelden
Until now, municipal housing associations have managed the housing shortage with complex reservation lists. To simplify and digitalize the process, GWG and Gewofag are now working with the startup Housing heroes The young company, based in Plant1 develops a SaaS solution for tenant management.
Interested parties with a valid eligibility certificate can apply for a subsidized apartment with Gewofag and GWG as usual. After a deadline, the startup's software randomly selects five interested parties who will receive a viewing appointment. They are automatically notified by email and can choose a date. Süddeutsche Zeitung says Gewofag Managing Director Klaus-Michael Dengler:
“All applicants have the same opportunities.”
Only if there are still several interested parties among the five candidates after the viewing will a decision be made based on urgency and need. By improving communication with apartment seekers, the software has reduced customer inquiries and increased satisfaction, according to Wohnungshelden.
