Halle (Saale)

Halle (Saale)’s city administration faces growing challenges in affordable and sustainable housing, prompted by high demand, limited rental stock, and sluggish construction. In response, the city has recently emphasized two main strategic directions: modernizing existing housing with sustainability standards and supporting targeted new construction. The city aims to increase both affordable and energy-efficient housing options, aligning with broader EU and national sustainability and climate goals.

Key recent activities include promotion of new residential projects such as “Wohnen an der Alten Heerstrasse.” This development—comprising 178 homes—adheres to the KfW55 energy efficiency standard, which reduces energy consumption by nearly half compared to traditional buildings. Features like underfloor heating, high-quality windows, and green spaces contribute both to ecological and social sustainability. While this project mainly targets homebuyers, the city is also encouraging construction of similar energy-efficient, mixed-income developments elsewhere.

Additionally, municipal housing companies like Hallesche Wohnungsgesellschaft mbH (HWG) are actively involved in upgrading older building stock to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and limit rent increases. These retrofits integrate environmentally friendly systems and materials, in line with European best practices such as those promoted by the EU’s Affordable Housing Initiative.

City-wide communicated targets focus on expanding affordable rental stock, boosting the energy efficiency of municipal housing, and protecting vulnerable populations from displacement due to rising rents. By supporting both new sustainable construction and deep retrofits of existing units, Halle (Saale) aims to offer more equitable, climate-friendly housing solutions in the years ahead.

In Halle (Saale), around 80% of residents rent their homes, with home ownership at about 20%. The rental market is dominant, reflecting patterns common to many East German cities. As of early 2025, the median rent for apartments in Halle is approximately 8 to 9 Euros per square meter per month. For those wishing to purchase, the average price for an apartment is roughly 2,400 to 2,800 Euros per square meter.

Publicly owned housing plays a significant role in Halle’s housing landscape. The city’s main provider, Hallesche Wohnungsgesellschaft mbH (HWG), is among the largest landlords, controlling a substantial share of the housing stock. Public housing, provided by such municipal companies, makes up an estimated 20–25% of the total housing supply. In Halle, public housing is not synonymous with social housing. Public housing refers broadly to city-owned apartments rented at market or near-market rates, while social housing is reserved for individuals and families with legal entitlement based on income, offering lower rents and special tenancy protections. In summary, the rental market is strong, apartment prices remain moderate by German standards, and municipally owned housing forms a vital buffer against market pressures, even as targeted social housing remains a smaller, more regulated segment.