Overview of the Housing Action Plan
The document presents the updated “Handlungskonzept Wohnen” adopted by the City Council of Bochum on 10 October 2024. It is a municipal policy paper produced by the city’s housing department and endorsed by senior officials such as Stadtbaurat Dr Markus Bradtke. The plan builds on the original 2017 concept and aims to guide Bochum’s development as a livable residential city.
Targeted Housing Output
The core quantitative target is the creation of roughly 800 new dwellings each year, of which 300 are to be subsidised units. The strategy also emphasises inner‑city development, seeking additional housing through infill, roof‑top extensions and the optimisation of existing quarters.
Evaluation of Recent Building Activity
An evaluation of measures implemented since the end of 2017 shows a marked increase in residential construction. This intensified building effort is linked to a slight reduction in the average rent‑burden of households between 2018 and 2022, despite a historically tight market.
Forecast of Future Demand
Projections indicate that the demand for new homes will persist at the level of about 800 units per year. Because of the ongoing construction crisis, the plan anticipates that only a portion of this need can be met by new builds, necessitating a strong focus on the redevelopment of existing stock.
Inner‑Development Programme
A dedicated “Potenzialanalyse” identifies opportunities for housing creation within current neighbourhoods. The programme proposes measures such as closing building gaps, converting attic spaces, and adding extra floors to existing structures. It is intended to complement the 2018 housing‑area programme and to be supported by a new housing‑protection ordinance.
Sustainability and Modernisation
The plan aligns with broader sustainability objectives by promoting the modernisation of existing buildings and the purchase of binding agreements from the state to preserve affordable rent levels. The municipal modernisation programme, launched in 2020, will continue under this framework.
Inclusive Housing for Demographic Change
Recognising demographic shifts, the concept highlights senior‑friendly and inclusive housing as a priority. It also addresses the needs of families, students, apprentices and new labour migrants, aiming for a balanced mix of accommodation types.
Role of the Bochum Alliance for Housing
Implementation relies on close cooperation with the Bochumer Allianz für Wohnen, founded in 2021. The alliance’s members have been credited with driving the recent surge in construction activity and will remain central to realising the plan’s measures, including tackling the energy transition at the neighbourhood level.
Access to Further Information
Additional details, including the full 200‑page report, are available on the city’s website under the search term “Handlungskonzept Wohnen”. The document is publicly accessible and was automatically extracted from the official press release.