Gemeinwohlorientierte Wohnungspolitik - eine Studie

The study titled "Gemeinwohlorientierte Wohnungspolitik - eine Studie" was published by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) on February 8, 2023. It addresses the increasing importance of the "common good" within housing policy discussions, particularly against the backdrop of tightening housing markets and the shortage of affordable housing in numerous cities across Europe. The study emphasizes the social impacts of these issues, including the lack of suitable housing for individuals with care needs or disabilities.

The research highlights the evolving residential requirements that are emerging, such as a growing demand for communal living arrangements and the integration of living and working spaces. In response, new players in the public welfare and non-profit sectors are gaining attention, alongside renewed interest in foundations as significant contributors to the housing market. The focus of this study is on understanding the role of these foundations and other public interest players in the housing market.

The study reveals that non-profit foundations have a notable impact on the housing market, particularly in two areas: providing housing for individuals with care needs, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, and acquiring real estate to remove it from the speculative market. However, foundations cannot solely pursue housing provision as a non-profit objective under tax law. They adopt various "business models" for managing real estate to fulfill their missions, although mission-based investing remains relatively uncommon among them.

Foundations are characterized by their long-term commitment to specific purposes, which allows them to remain independent from current housing policy trends. This independence positions them well to secure sustainable land use for the common good. Additionally, the "Mietshäuser Syndikat" (syndicate of tenement houses) offers a sustainable legal framework for housing projects, promoting collective ownership and management that counters the sale of residential properties.

While the quantitative impact of foundations and similar players in the housing market is currently limited, they significantly influence neighborhoods by providing spaces for community engagement and organizing events. Their contributions extend to developing new forms of housing, alternative financing options like crowdfunding, and fostering strategic partnerships with housing cooperatives.

The report outlines various municipalities employing urban land concepts as tools to promote housing policies oriented toward the common good. These concepts include cooperation specifications with social institutions and apartment quotas with occupancy commitments, fostering collaboration among various housing providers. The study also notes the increasing interest of municipalities in establishing their foundations and supporting community land trusts.

The study examines successful models from other European cities, such as Zurich's foundation for preserving low-cost residential and commercial spaces, which benefits from municipal support. Similarly, examples from London and Milan demonstrate successful community land trusts funded by local governments. These cities show a level of professional community support and development not commonly found in Germany.

In conclusion, while there is a diverse array of approaches and a trend toward convergence in organizational models and financing instruments, the study indicates significant potential for further experience sharing, model development, and long-term commitment to common good-oriented housing strategies across Europe.