New government data reveals a significant surge in rental costs across Germany, with Zweibrücken in the Palatinate region experiencing the most substantial increase at 15.9% between 2023 and 2024. Schweinfurt and Pirmasens followed closely, reporting increases of 13.4%.
The figures, released by the German government and reported by the “Frankfurter Rundschau” through Ippen-Media, stem from a formal inquiry initiated by Caren Lay, a politician from the Left party. The inquiry sought to identify the ten cities with the highest rental increases during the specified period.
Kaiserslautern ranks fourth with a 12.6% rise, followed by Rosenheim (12.3%) and Schwabach (11.9%). Offenbach am Main and Leipzig tie for seventh place, both recording increases of 11.3%. Frankfurt am Main follows with an 11.1% increase and Brandenburg an der Havel completes the top ten with a 10.9% rise.
The data is compiled from observations by the BBSR Housing Market Observatory, IDN ImmoDaten and microm Wohnanlagen, which analyzed initial and subsequent rentals of apartments advertised online.
Caren Lay emphasized that the impact of rising rents is now extending beyond major urban centers. “The rent crisis does not only affect metropolitan areas” she stated. “Individuals seeking to rent an apartment today face paying up to 16% more than they would have a year ago.
Lay further expressed concern that the widening gap between wage growth and rental increases is financially straining both low-income renters and the middle class. She highlighted the increasing burden on the state, which must subsidize higher rent payments to landlords through housing and citizen’s allowance programs.
The politician advocates for a change in governmental approach, specifically proposing a nationwide rent cap with local limits and restrictions on rent increases upon re-letting.
Overall, average rental costs for apartments between 40 and 100 square meters across Germany have risen from €10.55 per square meter (net cold rent) in 2023 to €11.17 per square meter in 2024, representing an increase of nearly six percent.
