Aachen

The city of Aachen, like many other European cities, is grappling with a housing crisis marked by shortages and escalating rents. Approximately 70% of EU residents own their homes, but in Germany, where Aachen is located, more than half of the population rents their homes. This trend is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where the demand for housing far exceeds the supply, leading to higher rents and increased housing costs.

Aachen faces significant challenges in providing affordable housing, with many residents struggling to find suitable and affordable accommodations. The city is implementing various strategies to address this issue, including the development of social rental housing and the enforcement of rent regulations to cap rent increases. Additionally, there is a focus on supporting cooperative and community-led housing initiatives to ensure that housing remains accessible to all segments of the population.

Efforts to build affordable housing are ongoing, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive housing solutions. The city aims to create a more balanced housing market by increasing the availability of affordable housing options and ensuring that housing policies support both renters and owners.

Housing cooperatives in Aachen, Germany, play a significant role in providing affordable and community-driven housing. These cooperatives offer democratic governance, social equality, and sustainable living options, aligning with the New European Bauhaus principles of inclusivity and environmental awareness. In Germany, housing cooperatives account for more than 5% of all apartments and over 10% of rental apartments, with around 2.2 million cooperative apartments nationwide.

While specific data for Aachen is not provided, the city likely benefits from the broader national trends. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, contributing to the growth of the sector. The city promotes cooperative housing by supporting new projects and providing favorable conditions for their development. For instance, the municipality may contribute land as a contribution in kind to support cooperative housing initiatives. This support helps in managing large-scale projects and ensuring affordable housing options for residents.