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Housing shortage in Kaufbeuren: 800 missing apartments, what now?
There is an urgent need for 800 apartments in Kaufbeuren. Experts are calling for measures to boost housing construction and avert economic consequences.
Housing shortage in Kaufbeuren: 800 missing apartments, what now?
In Kaufbeuren, the situation on the housing market is tense and there are great concerns about the housing shortage. According to a study by the Pestel Institute, there is a shortage of around 800 apartments in the city. This is not an insignificant number, and it is emblematic of how challenging the situation is. In fact, over 420 of the existing apartments have been empty for more than a year. This means that these apartments are rarely rented out again.
A look at building permits also shows alarming figures. Only 44 new apartments were approved in the first half of 2023. In order to meet demand, around 180 new apartments will have to be built every year within five years. However, those responsible in Kaufbeuren see the new building as “hardly feasible”. These difficulties in construction are not new: the chief economist at the Pestel Institute, Matthias Günther, points out that the complicated regulations and rising costs in construction are among the obstacles. He is therefore calling for federal policy measures to stimulate housing construction and has brought an interest rate program with a maximum of two percent interest into play in order to attract private builders and investors.
Long-term consequences and possible solutions
The consequences of the housing shortage are not only felt in the short term. A lack of housing has long-term economic impacts on the city. If more people want to live or work in Kaufbeuren but cannot find housing, this could have negative effects on the local economy. Günther suggests withdrawing all requirements and regulations from the last ten years in order to speed up construction in Kaufbeuren. This measure could potentially create greater access to housing and reduce pressure on the market.
An important element will also be to counteract the rise in construction prices. In recent years it has become more expensive and complicated to build new housing. This means that not only will less housing be created, but demand could also increase over the years as the population continues to grow.
The outlook for Kaufbeuren
So what remains to be done for the city of Kaufbeuren and its decision-makers? It is essential that they act urgently and find solutions to counteract the increasing housing shortage. With the right political measures and financial incentives, Kaufbeuren could perhaps soon find itself on the green path to liveability - a goal that is of utmost importance to many in the city.
For more detailed information and background information, readers can read the full reports in detail at Allgäu newspaper and that Yahoo Company Read it to get a comprehensive picture of the topic.