Germany Launches Strategy to Address Housing Vacancy Crisis

Nearly two million homes sit vacant across the country, with new measures aimed at revitalizing underused housing and rural areas.

The German government has introduced the 'Handlungsstrategie Leerstandsaktivierung' to tackle the issue of nearly two million vacant homes nationwide.
The strategy includes measures like subsidized loans for families to purchase and renovate older homes and incentives to convert unused commercial spaces into housing.
Vacancy rates are highest in rural and eastern regions, with some areas reporting rates exceeding 20%, while urban centers face severe housing shortages.
A new online platform, 'Potenzial Leerstand,' has been launched to centralize information on funding opportunities, legal frameworks, and successful revitalization projects.
Critics argue the measures may have limited impact on urban housing shortages and highlight the need for broader structural solutions, including job creation and infrastructure improvements in rural areas.