Frankfurt a.d. Oder is known for having one of the oldest universities in Germany, the Viadrina European University, which was founded in 1506.
The current situation of the housing market in Frankfurt a.d. Oder, Europe, is characterized by a significant housing crisis. Approximately 70% of the EU population owns their homes, while 30% rent, with Germany and Switzerland having higher rental rates compared to other EU countries. In Frankfurt, the housing market faces challenges such as rising rents and a shortage of accommodations. To address this, the city has implemented various measures to support affordable housing, including housing allowances, social rental housing, and rent regulations. Frankfurt's housing stock is predominantly composed of older buildings, with over 37% built before 1949 and only 13% constructed after 1979. The city's Housing Office manages a significant portion of social housing units, providing housing for those unable to afford it on the market. Despite these efforts, the city still grapples with overcrowding and a high demand for affordable housing. The city's initiatives aim to ensure decent and affordable housing for all residents, emphasizing the importance of public, cooperative, and social housing in addressing the housing crisis.
Housing cooperatives in Frankfurt a.d. Oder play a significant role in providing affordable and community-driven housing solutions. These cooperatives offer democratic governance, social equality, and sustainability, aligning with the values of the New European Bauhaus. In Germany, housing cooperatives have a long history, dating back to the 19th century, and have seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly in large metropolises like Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, housing cooperatives manage a substantial portion of the rental market, with one in ten rental apartments being part of a cooperative. New cooperatives have emerged in recent years, often through collaborations between traditional cooperatives and smaller building communities to manage large-scale projects. The city promotes cooperative housing by providing public land concessions for accessible building projects, supporting innovative strategies to engage residents and ensure affordability. The city's support for housing cooperatives includes public-private partnerships and legal frameworks that facilitate the development of cooperative housing projects. This approach helps address housing challenges, such as affordability and social exclusion, while fostering community involvement and sustainable housing solutions.