Berlin
Berlin

Berlin

Population (AI)

3,850,000

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Last edited
Oct 9, 2024 3:04 PM
Category
Prio-10CapitalPrio-25
Local programs

The current city administration in Berlin is actively addressing the housing issue through various strategies and programs. The main target is to increase the supply of affordable housing and control rising rents. Key activities and programs include: - **Housing Strategy**: The city has developed an integrated urban development plan, "Living in Berlin," which combines various approaches to ensure housing is part of the city's overall development strategy. This includes promoting new residential construction and supporting developers. - **Rent Control Regulations**: Berlin has specific regulations to control rent and protect tenants from excessive increases. The Mietpreisbremse (rental price brake) limits rent increases to 10% above a local reference value. - **Expropriation Initiative**: Although a referendum to expropriate private real estate companies like Deutsche Wohnen was supported by 59% of voters, its implementation faces constitutional and legislative challenges. - **Alliance for Social Housing Policy and Affordable Rents**: The Senate has established an alliance with state-owned housing companies and over 80 housing associations to promote social housing and affordable rents. - **New Housing Construction**: The city aims to build 200,000 new units in the next 10 years, with a focus on expanding the affordable housing supply.

Housing Market

**Summary of the Housing Market in Berlin** Berlin's housing market is characterized by high demand and limited supply, leading to rising rental prices. The city's population grew by 0.7% in 2023, with 3.878 million residents, further exacerbating the housing shortage. - **Housing Units**: The total number of housing units in Berlin is not specified in the provided sources, but it is noted that 15,965 flats were completed in 2023, a decline of 7.8% compared to the previous year. - **Rental vs. Ownership**: Specific figures on the number of renters versus homeowners are not provided, but the high demand for rental housing suggests a significant proportion of renters. - **Median Prices**: - **Rental**: The median rental price per square meter is approximately €13.60. - **Purchase**: The median price per square meter to buy an apartment is around €5,750. - **Public, Social, and Cooperative Housing**: These sectors play a crucial role in providing affordable housing. In 2023, 4,340 subsidized flats were completed, indicating a significant share of the housing market dedicated to social housing. However, specific figures on the overall share of public, social, and cooperative housing in Berlin are not provided in the sources.

Further Actors?

Several individuals and organizations have expressed their desire to tackle the housing crisis in Berlin and build more affordable and sustainable housing. Here are some potential collaboration partners: 1. **Academia**: Researchers from universities such as Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) and Technische Universität Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) have participated in competitions like the Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge, proposing innovative design solutions for affordable housing. 2. **Real Estate Sector**: Entrepreneurs like Lakomski and Ulrich have been converting disused office spaces into affordable apartments, emphasizing the need for favorable conditions and proactive city policies to encourage such projects. 3. **NGO Sector**: The "Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & Co." campaign, supported by over 350,000 signatures, advocates for the expropriation of housing units owned by large corporate landlords to transform them into social housing. 4. **Startup World**: Companies and initiatives focusing on sustainable urban development, such as those involved in the Berlin Affordable Housing Challenge, could be valuable partners in creating innovative housing solutions. These diverse stakeholders offer a range of perspectives and expertise that could be leveraged to address Berlin's housing crisis effectively.

Cooperatives

Housing cooperatives play a significant role in Berlin, offering an alternative to traditional renting and owning. These cooperatives are democratic organizations where members acquire shares to live in the cooperative's housing stock, paying a monthly "use contribution" instead of rent. This model promotes affordable housing, community spirit, and joint decision-making. Berlin has around 80 housing cooperatives, with the largest three being WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG, bbg BERLINER BAUGENOSSENSCHAFT eG, and Berliner Bau- und Wohnungsgenossenschaft von 1892 eG. The city supports cooperative housing through various policies and programs, including regulations that ensure a fair and equitable distribution of housing resources. Notable cooperative projects include Spreefeld Berlin, a mixed-use development with affordable housing and public spaces, which was nominated for the European Mies-Prize. The city's approach to promoting cooperative housing includes fostering community engagement and providing financial support for new cooperative projects. Additionally, the cooperative model is regulated to prevent speculative practices and ensure long-term affordability and security for members. Overall, housing cooperatives in Berlin offer a stable and affordable housing option, contributing to the city's diverse and inclusive housing landscape.