Germany faces a growing crisis of affordable housing, prompting concerns about escalating space requirements and rising expectations, according to economist and housing expert Matthias Günther of the Pestel Institute.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Günther highlighted a stark increase in per capita housing space. “We currently have more living space per resident than ever before” he stated. “In the early 1950s, it was around 14 square meters; now we’re at approximately 50 square meters per person.
Günther attributes this trend, in part, to individuals maintaining ownership of properties even after their children have moved out. “This results in people living in significantly larger spaces than they actually need. In the current situation, we can arguably not afford this as a society” he explained.
To stimulate construction and alleviate the housing shortage, Günther proposes a substantial credit program. “This wouldn’t ultimately cost a great deal, but would provide immediate assistance” he asserted. The proposal aims to address the growing imbalance between housing availability and demand across the country.
