Befristet, möbliert und teuer - Geschäftsmodelle am ‚Grauen Wohnungsmarkt‘

The document titled "Befristet, möbliert und teuer - Geschäftsmodelle am ‚Grauen Wohnungsmarkt‘" is a study commissioned by the Berliner Mieterverein e.V., authored by Dr. Armin Hentschel from the Institute for Social Urban Development (IFSS). It focuses on the practices of rental markets that have become increasingly significant in housing policy discussions, particularly in Berlin, highlighting the rise of short-term rentals and temporary housing solutions.

The report addresses the "grey housing market," characterized by temporary rentals without written contracts, unauthorized use of apartments for mass accommodations, and high rents for furnished rentals. Berlin's population has grown significantly, adding over 300,000 residents in the last decade, while the housing supply has not kept pace. This demand has intensified the focus on short-term rentals and their regulation, as they often operate within a semi-legal framework.

The growth of furnished rentals is not unique to Berlin; in 2022, approximately 14% of renters in Germany lived in furnished apartments, with major urban centers seeing even higher percentages. The study notes a 45% increase in furnished rental listings from 2013 to 2022. Factors contributing to this trend include a high demand for small households and increased mobility among renters.

The report points out that furnished rentals typically command higher prices, often double that of unfurnished options. For instance, the median price for furnished rentals in Berlin reached €24.44 per square meter in 2022, compared to €11.54 for unfurnished apartments. This disparity has implications for affordability, especially for low-income households who often find themselves forced into the furnished rental market due to a lack of available unfurnished options.

The document discusses the regulatory landscape and the challenges of enforcing existing laws. Despite the introduction of the rent control measures in 2015, the study indicates that these regulations have not effectively curbed the rise of furnished rentals. Many landlords circumvent these regulations, leading to a lack of transparency and inadequate protection for tenants.

The report highlights the upcoming EU regulation aimed at improving data collection and oversight for short-term rentals. This regulation would require all rental units, whether commercially or privately rented, to be registered, fostering greater accountability. It also emphasizes the need for a centralized digital infrastructure to facilitate this oversight.

In summary, the study presents a comprehensive overview of the grey housing market in Berlin, shedding light on the complexities of furnished rentals and the pressing need for effective regulatory frameworks. It underscores the importance of addressing these issues in the context of sustainable housing practices across Europe, as similar dynamics are observed in many urban centers facing housing shortages.