Central German housing associations demand help from the federal government

The Central German associations of the socially oriented housing industry have called for greater political support from the federal government in order to secure affordable housing in the long term. "A close alliance between society, politics and the housing industry is needed in order to approach the transformation processes in our states with optimism for the future," said Matthias Kuplich, Director of the Association of Housing Cooperatives in Saxony-Anhalt, in Leipzig.

The associations from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia expressed concern about rising construction costs, high interest rates and growing climate protection requirements. These developments jeopardized the economic stability of many housing companies and thus affordable housing for broad sections of the population.

Between climate targets and construction costs: housing industry under pressure

A new practical path to CO2 reduction could offer a socially just and economically feasible alternative to rigid efficiency standards, according to the director of the housing industry in Saxony, Alexander Müller. The focus would be on renewable heat and sensible renovations. At the same time, Müller warned of a growing "gray housing shortage" - in Dresden alone, around 27,400 age-appropriate, barrier-free apartments for senior citizens would be needed by 2045.

The board member of the Association of Saxon Housing Cooperatives (VSWG), Mirjam Philipp, called for reliable funding for new and existing buildings: "We not only need to maintain our housing stock, but also courageous and affordable new construction." Rents of 18 to 20 euros per square meter are currently economically necessary - but unaffordable for many.

Without fair burden sharing, there is a risk of standstill

Energy suppliers also need to be more involved, demanded Frank Emrich from the Thuringian Housing Association. Only a fair distribution of the burden between all players could overcome the challenges on the housing market.

For rural regions, Jens Zillmann from the Saxony-Anhalt Housing Association called for targeted urban development funding and more financial leeway for local authorities. The provision of sustainable urban development and housing subsidies was urgently needed.

The associations declared their willingness to take responsibility - but said they needed a reliable political framework for this.