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Anna Schulte suchte fünf Jahre lang mit ihrer Familie eine größere Wohnung zum Kauf in Köln. Dabei stellte sie fest, dass die Immobilienpreise stark gestiegen sind und eine bezahlbare Wohnung schwer zu finden ist.
Als eine Freundin ihr vor einigen Jahren davon erzählte, eine Wohnung für 700.000 Euro in Köln gekauft zu haben, dachte Anna Schulte*: »Sie ist wahnsinnig, so viel Geld!« Dann suchte sie mit ihrer Familie selbst eine größere Wohnung zum Kauf in der gleichen Stadt. Mindestens vier Zimmer, in der Nähe der bisherigen Mietwohnung – »und idealerweise für einen mittleren sechsstelligen Betrag«, so erinnert sich die Juristin. Insgesamt fünf Jahre lang suchten sie, ihr Mann und ihre Kinder (erst war es eines, später kam das zweite hinzu). Sie merkte schnell: Nicht ihre Freundin war wahnsinnig, die Preise sind es.
In Berlin, rents are rising sharply while the socialization of housing groups is being discussed. According to an analysis, however, it is not so much a lack of space as a lack of rapid implementation of construction measures and efficient use.
According to a Hans Böckler Foundation study, socializing large housing stock would not solve Berlin's housing shortage. New construction is necessary, but socialization could serve as a supplement to combat rising rents.
In the first half of the year, sales figures in Hamburg's upscale residential areas remained stable, but sales fell by 14.3 percent. Buyers examine prices and quality more closely. Houses in the premium segment, on the other hand, were more robust.

In Germany, more and more cities and municipalities are taking action against owners who leave apartments unused, especially in tight housing markets such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Fines of up to 500,000 euros per residential unit can be imposed if living space is empty for more than three to four months. Owners can avoid legal disputes by documenting vacancies and providing evidence of understandable reasons such as renovation, sale or personal hardship.

Climate change is driving up the costs of natural disasters in Germany to 2.4 billion euros annually. Experts advise owners to take protective measures such as roof insulation, roller shutters or backflow protection to maintain property value and minimize damage.

Marseille is transforming from a port city that is considered a crime scene into a sought-after place to live. Parisians and international investors in particular are driving up real estate prices while the city struggles with gentrification, stricter Airbnb rules and dilapidated buildings.