350-euro living

A beautiful home, despite lower rental costs

This is what the residential complex in Friesach will look like. Construction will take place in two stages. The second construction phase will be completed by 2028.(Bild: LWBK)

Cost-effective, barrier-free and comfortable: the pilot project in Friesach, where 28 new rental apartments are being built using the reconstruction method, shows that it is possible. The town, the province and the Landeswohnbau Kärnten housing cooperative are pulling together. The "Krone" took a look at the concept.

When the city, state and non-profit cooperative pull together, affordable rents are possible. As reported, the pilot project in Friesach is already being implemented: The total monthly costs for tenants there are just 350 euros. Several factors make this possible:

24 affordable apartments
"Normally, we charge 9.50 euros per square meter. In Friesach, we charge 7.50 euros," says Landeswohnbau boss Harald Repar. The town of Friesach also played its part and contributed the land at a symbolic price of just one euro. Mayor Josef Kronlechner: "In this way, we have succeeded in making affordable housing possible. 24 barrier-free apartments will be built in Hubert-Hauser-Straße by 2028."

Mayor Josef Kronlechner, LHStv. Gaby Schaunig and LWBK bosses Wolfgang Ruschitzka and Harald Repar.(Bild: GERD EGGENBERGER)

Efficient heat and green electricity
As there is no basement or underground garage during construction, a low-temperature heating system was integrated and the electricity is partly self-generated by a PV system, the costs can be kept so low. In addition, 80 percent of the investment is subsidized for 58 years with a fixed interest rate of 0.5 percent.

High-quality living does not necessarily have to be expensive. Among other things, an in-house photovoltaic system guarantees savings potential.

Harald Repar, Geschäftsführer der Landeswohnbau Kärnten

Bild: GLEISSFOTO.AT

"During planning, we looked for savings potential everywhere, but without compromising on living comfort," explains Provincial Vice-President Gaby Schaunig: "The housing offer is aimed at people with low incomes, for whom we are also providing greater financial relief than before through the new housing subsidy." In future, for example, a single tenant of a 350-euro apartment with a net income of 1,200 euros per month will be entitled to housing benefit of 265 euros.