Bochum

The housing market in Bochum, Germany, is facing significant challenges. Approximately 30% of EU residents rent their apartments, and this trend is reflected in Bochum, where a substantial portion of the population rents rather than owns their homes. The city is experiencing a housing crisis characterized by a shortage of affordable housing and escalating rents. This crisis is exacerbated by high demand driven by internal and international migration, which has led to a dramatic fall in the ratio of available housing units to households.

To address this issue, Bochum, like other German cities, is focusing on increasing the supply of affordable housing. The city is part of a broader national effort to support the fair energy transition and address the root causes of housing exclusion. Local and national policies include housing allowances, social rental housing, and rent regulations to ensure affordable housing options. Additionally, there is an emphasis on public, cooperative, and social housing as the foundation of national housing systems, aiming to provide decent and affordable housing for all residents.

Housing cooperatives in Bochum, Germany, play a significant role in providing affordable and community-driven housing solutions. These cooperatives offer a democratic governance model, promoting social equality and community involvement. They are particularly attractive due to their fair rents and lifelong rights to housing, which are appealing in the face of rising construction costs and stringent financing conditions.

In Bochum, housing cooperatives manage a substantial portion of the rental market. While specific data for Bochum is not provided, housing cooperatives in Germany as a whole manage around 2.2 million apartments, which is more than 5% of all apartments and over 10% of all rental apartments. This indicates a significant market share for cooperatives in the region.

New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, contributing to the growth of the sector. For example, new entities like Diese eG in Berlin have been established, reflecting the increasing interest in cooperative housing models.

The city of Bochum supports cooperative housing through various initiatives. For instance, the municipality contributes by providing plots of land for cooperative projects, facilitating the development of affordable housing. Additionally, new federal subsidy programs aim to boost the market for cooperative housing, further supporting the sector's growth.