
German official calls for trust-building with new Hungarian government as domestic homeownership hits 20-year low
AI-generated summary
Relations between Germany and Hungary were strained under former PM Viktor Orban due to EU rule of law concerns. Germany's homeownership rate has declined over the last 20 years.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says Berlin and Budapest have a lot of diplomatic ground to make up.
Wadephul says he hopes Hungary's new pro-European government can help rebuild trust.
Germany's homeownership rate has fallen to 43.5%, its lowest level in 20 years.
A study blames high construction costs, higher interest rates and housing policy.
Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Monday, September 14, 2026:
Guten Tag from DW's newsroom in Bonn.
Germany is looking for a fresh start with Hungary after years of strained relations.
Relations had been difficult under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose nationalist Fidesz party faced years of criticism from the European Union over democracy and the rule of law.
In other news, fewer people in Germany are living in homes they own, according to research, with the country now ranking last in Europe for homeownership.
Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.

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