German Tenants Demand Bureaucracy Cuts and Housing Subsidies

In a recent survey published by Aareal Bank, a significant majority of German tenants express concerns over the affordability of housing in urban areas. According to the Aareal Trend barometer, 91% of tenants find city rents unaffordable, and exploding running costs have led 57% to intentionally reduce energy and water consumption.

Property ownership is viewed as a luxury, with 82% of tenants unable to afford it. Tenants are increasingly calling for reduced bureaucracy and targeted housing subsidies to alleviate the situation. The law on rent control remains divisive; while tenants support it, three-quarters of decision-makers view it as an impediment to new construction.

The housing sector faces a shortage of skilled workers, negatively impacting construction and maintenance. Digitalisation is seen as essential for efficiency, particularly in tenant services and administration.