Urgent housing crisis: Northwest Mecklenburg district needs 630 new apartments!

Urgent housing crisis: Northwest Mecklenburg district needs 630 new apartments!

The housing shortage is in full swing in the Northwest Mecklenburg district. A current study by the Pestel Institute shows that there is a serious shortage of living space here - around 1,700 apartments are currently missing. This represents an alarming situation for the region, which is characterized by stagnant construction activity. The analysis, which was carried out on behalf of the Federal Association of German Building Materials Trade (BDB), relates to the housing stock, population development and labor market forecasts.

A look at the numbers: A total of 2,330 apartments in the district have been empty for over a year. These apartments apparently have little prospect of being rented out again. This is a sign that housing construction is not only making slow progress here, but that there is simply a lack of supply. Matthias Günther, the chief economist at the Pestel Institute, puts it this way: the new building is progressing “with the handbrake on”. In order to really make a difference, he is calling for an interest rate program with a maximum of 2 percent interest for cheap building money.

Construction as a challenge

Construction companies and workers find themselves in a difficult situation: many construction companies are facing bankruptcy, which means jobs are falling by the wayside. Industry members complain that construction is perceived as complicated and expensive. Katharina Metzger, President of the BDB, criticizes the federal government for the inadequate measures in housing construction - a complaint that has met with approval from many local construction and housing companies. A reduction in circulation could help here, Metzger continued.

The results of a reader survey that was carried out as part of a home check show that there is still a need to catch up in the region: age-appropriate apartments and assisted living facilities are particularly in demand. In cities like Wismar and Grevesmühlen there are also repeated complaints about a lack of affordable housing. This shows that the needs of the population are not sufficiently taken into account.

A look ahead to the coming years

In order to meet demand and create sustainable living space, around 630 new apartments would have to be built every year over the next five years. But in the first half of 2023, only 140 building permits were issued. This development leaves a bad aftertaste and makes the future of the housing market in northwest Mecklenburg appear questionable.

Finally, it should be noted that a lot needs to be done in the Northwest Mecklenburg district to alleviate the housing shortage. The call for change, funding and a pragmatic approach from politicians is becoming louder and louder. A rethink is required because people need living space in which they can live and work. This is the only way northwest Mecklenburg can remain attractive as a place to live.