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Housing crisis in Osterholz: renovation backlog and housing shortage are looming!
The article highlights the housing shortage and renovation backlog in the Osterholz district, based on current studies and investment needs for climate neutrality.
Housing crisis in Osterholz: renovation backlog and housing shortage are looming!
There is an urgent need for action on the housing market in the Osterholz district. The region could face a serious housing shortage, according to the Pestel Institute, which has been studying the state of real estate. Recent studies show that over half of the region's 54,700 homes were built before 1980, and of those, 29,100 homes are "ripe for redevelopment." Again Weser courier reported, the condition of many buildings is worrying, as old oil and gas heating systems as well as poorly insulated roofs and facades characterize the picture.
Another warning sign is the high energy costs: expenses for heating and hot water in Osterholz are well above the national average. In order to become climate neutral by 2045, annual investments of 238 million euros would have to be made. In addition, the residential buildings in the neighboring districts of Harburg and Emsland are significantly younger.
The need for new buildings
The situation is further exacerbated by a current estimate indicating a need for 1.2 million new apartments in western Germany. Around 700,000 apartments in the region have been empty for more than a year. The vacancy rate in the Osterholz district is between 3 and 4%, which means that almost every second apartment is considered unavailable. The costs for single households increased by 29 to 37% between 2015 and 2024. Another cause for concern is the declining ownership rate, which is due to the slow pace of new construction.
In order to counteract this situation, the Bundestag and Bundesrat decided on a construction boost in October, which is intended to make housing construction easier. Municipalities can now approve new residential buildings near existing development areas. This regulation is intended to remain in force until the end of 2030 and gives the authorities a right of veto to check the compatibility with public interests. However, critics criticize the discretion of the building regulations offices, as the regulation is interpreted as an optional regulation.
A look at the challenges in other regions
The need for renovation and construction work are in the context of the conditions in the surrounding districts. While the Verden district has 55% of residential buildings that are 45 years old or older, they still had better energy consumption. Districts such as Celle, Wesermarsch and the city of Delmenhorst face similar challenges, as around two thirds of the residential buildings there were built before 1980.
The discussion about the renovation backlog and the need for new buildings is not only important locally, but also reflects a trend that affects many regions in Germany. The demand for quick solutions and a clear plan of action is becoming louder and louder in order to create the urgently needed living space and at the same time meet the high energy demands.
For the future of the housing situation in the district, it is essential that both the necessary renovation and new construction come into focus. With the right measures, the Osterholz district could soon see a healthy housing market again - that's what residents and interested parties alike hope for.