Overview of the Study
The working paper “Wie viele (und welche) Wohnungen fehlen in deutschen Großstädten?” is a research report published by the Hans‑Böckler‑Stiftung. It investigates the shortfall of housing units across major German cities, focusing on affordability and the distribution of rent‑burden among different income groups. The study is part of a broader series of policy‑relevant analyses produced by the foundation, which is known for its work on labour market and social welfare issues.
Scope and Methodology
The analysis covers 77 German cities, including Nuremberg, and quantifies the gap between existing housing stock and the demand for affordable homes. It distinguishes between income brackets to reveal how rent‑burden varies across low‑, middle‑ and high‑income households. Data are drawn from official municipal registers, household surveys and regional statistical offices, allowing a detailed comparison of supply deficits and price pressures.
Key Findings on Housing Shortage
Across the examined cities, the report finds a persistent shortage of dwellings that meet affordability criteria. On average, the deficit amounts to several thousand units per city, with the largest gaps observed in the most populous metropolitan areas. The shortage is especially acute for low‑income households, who face the highest rent‑burden ratios.
Rent‑Burden by Income Group
The study reports that low‑income households in the sampled cities spend, on average, more than 40 % of their disposable income on rent, surpassing the commonly used affordability threshold of 30 %. Middle‑income households typically allocate between 30 % and 35 %, while high‑income households remain below 25 %. These disparities highlight the unequal impact of the housing shortage on vulnerable groups.
City‑Specific Illustrations
Nuremberg, for example, exhibits a rent‑burden of 38 % for low‑income residents, reflecting a significant mismatch between supply and demand. Similar patterns are observed in other major urban centres such as Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, where the scarcity of affordable units drives up rental costs and intensifies social segregation.
Policy Implications
The paper stresses that addressing the housing deficit requires coordinated action at municipal, state and federal levels. Recommendations include expanding social‑housing construction, incentivising the conversion of existing stock into affordable units, and implementing rent‑control measures targeted at the most affected income groups. The authors argue that without such interventions, the risk of deepening housing inequality and associated social tensions will increase.
Relevance to Sustainable Housing
From a sustainability perspective, the report links the housing shortage to broader environmental goals. By promoting higher‑density, energy‑efficient construction and the reuse of underutilised buildings, cities can simultaneously alleviate the affordability gap and reduce carbon emissions. The authors highlight that integrating sustainable design standards into new housing projects is essential for meeting both climate and social objectives.
Conclusion
Overall, the Hans‑Böckler‑Stiftung working paper provides a comprehensive picture of the magnitude and distribution of housing deficits in German metropolitan areas. Its data‑driven analysis underscores the urgent need for policies that expand affordable, sustainable housing, particularly for low‑income households, to foster more equitable and resilient urban environments.