1. Cologne Cathedral's Construction: While the Cologne Cathedral is well-known, many might not realize that its construction began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. It was finally finished in 1880, making it a remarkable example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Cologne's Carnival: Cologne hosts one of the largest and most famous carnivals in Germany, known as "Kölner Karneval." It attracts millions of visitors every year, with vibrant parades, costumes, and festivities. The celebrations begin on November 11 at 11:11 AM and culminate in a week-long party leading up to Ash Wednesday. 3. Home of Eau de Cologne: Cologne is the birthplace of the famous fragrance known as Eau de Cologne, which was created in the 18th century by Italian perfumer Giovanni Maria Farina. The original scent was described as refreshing and light, and it has since become a staple in the perfume industry worldwide.
Cologne's housing market is experiencing significant pressure due to high demand and limited supply. The city has approximately 787,000 housing units as of 2023. Renting is more common than ownership, with about 51.5% of residents renting and 42.5% owning their homes. The median rent for new contracts in Cologne is around 13.65 euros per square meter per month, while the median purchase price for apartments is approximately 5,150 euros per square meter. Both rents and purchase prices have been rising, with rents increasing by about 4% over the past year. Social and cooperative housing play an important role in Cologne, but their share has decreased over time. The number of publicly funded social apartments has dropped from over 100,000 in the 1990s to about 40,000 currently. The city directly manages around 3,000 residences for urgent cases. Cologne has been working to increase housing supply, aiming to approve up to 6,000 new apartments annually. However, high land prices and market constraints make it challenging to meet this target. The city is collaborating with private investors to maintain and develop social housing, resulting in one of the highest rates of private investment in social housing in Germany. Despite these efforts, the housing market remains tight, with rising prices and a shortage of affordable units, particularly in the city center.
The city of Cologne is actively addressing housing challenges through various initiatives. The administration has set a goal of approving up to 6,000 apartments per year to meet demand, with a target of regularly approving over 4,000 apartments annually from 2023 onward. To create more affordable and sustainable housing, Cologne has implemented several programs: 1. Social Housing Policy: The city aims to build 1,000 new affordable housing units annually and works closely with the planning department to prioritize socially just land use policies. 2. Municipal Housing Supply: Cologne maintains around 3,000 residences for urgent cases and works with private investors to encourage investment in social housing. 3. Rent Control: The city has implemented rent control measures, with specific rates for different income groups and energy-efficient buildings. 4. SmartCity Cologne Initiative: This program focuses on climate protection, energy efficiency, and innovation, contributing to sustainable urban development. 5. Urban Strategy 2030+: This plan emphasizes diversity in districts, affordable housing, and various living arrangements. It promotes funded residential construction, urban construction companies, and cooperatives. 6. Köln Katalog: This guideline for future-proof urban development aims to direct the city's expansion through efficient and sustainable land use, focusing on high density and quality. These initiatives demonstrate Cologne's commitment to addressing housing affordability and sustainability challenges.