Amid soaring rents, the Union has called on the SPD to expedite the implementation of the Type E building standard. According to the “Rheinische Post”, Jan-Marco Luczak, spokesperson for the Union faction on construction and housing (CDU), told the newspaper, “Instead of a costly gold standard, we must make simple and inexpensive construction the new norm.” He stated that the relevant ministries, led by the SPD, should finally introduce a draft law. Luczak argued that simplifying construction methods could break the “spiral of increasingly stringent and cost-driving standards.” Type E buildings represent construction projects that minimize bureaucracy and omit particularly fine-grained specifications, thus reducing costs.
The CDU politician further dismissed the demand for a nationwide rent freeze-often characterized by opponents as a ritualistic claim-calling it ignorant and irresponsible. He warned that such a policy would be a fatal blow to housing construction, ultimately harming the hundreds of thousands of people who are struggling to find affordable accommodation. Luczak concluded by adding, “We can only tackle rising rents in a sustainable way by progressing with the construction of affordable homes.”
This political debate comes against a backdrop of significant cost increases, as a survey conducted by the German Tenants’ Association (DMB) revealed that 58% of respondents reported an increase in their housing costs over the past twelve months. Furthermore, every second person surveyed expressed concern that they would be unable to find an affordable replacement home in case of necessity.
