In recent years, rental prices in Germany have steadily increased. New data reveals that rent is rising significantly not only in cities but also in suburban and rural areas. In this article, we explore where rental prices in Germany are increasing the most.
Rising Rental Prices in Germany
Renting is deeply ingrained in German society, with about half the population opting for long-term rentals. However, finding affordable housing has become more challenging due to the sharp rise in rental prices.
The Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs, and Spatial Development (BBSR) has published data showing where rental prices have increased the most in Germany. Surprisingly, major cities are not at the top of the list.
Leaders in Rental Price Increases
Potsdam, a city with just under 200,000 inhabitants on the outskirts of Berlin, has seen the highest increase in rental prices, with a 31.2% rise over the past year.
Berlin, with a population of about 3.5 million, comes in second with a 26.7% increase in rental prices. These figures reflect the market for apartments ranging from 40 to 100 square meters.
Rising Rental Prices in Rural Areas
The increase in rental prices is not limited to cities. Germany’s least populated district, Prignitz, also ranks in the top ten for rental price increases, with an 18% rise. However, living here remains more affordable than in many other regions, with an average rent of €7.08 per square meter, below the national average of €7.30 per square meter.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has also seen a significant rise in rental prices. In the Vorpommern-Rügen district, rents increased by 20%, and in Vorpommern-Greifswald, near the Polish border, rents rose by 15%.
Other Regions with High Rental Price Increases
Significant rent hikes have been recorded in several other regions:
- In Tirschenreuth, on the Bavarian-Czech border, rents rose by 23.9%, with an average rent of €6.86 per square meter.
- Kaiserslautern saw a 20% increase in rental prices.
- Kaufbeuren experienced a 17% rise.
- Trier-Saarburg and Wunsiedel in the Fichtelgebirge both saw rent increases of over 15%.
Berlin: The Second Most Expensive City for Rent
While the average cost of renting an apartment in Germany is €10.55 per square meter, in Berlin, this figure exceeds €16. This makes Berlin the second most expensive city for rent in Germany, following Munich, where rents are over €20.50 per square meter.
A recent study by the Berlin Tenants’ Association found that a third of Berlin families can no longer afford to rent at current prices.
Conclusion
The rise in rental prices in Germany is becoming increasingly noticeable, affecting both major cities and rural areas. For many residents, finding affordable housing is becoming more challenging, necessitating new solutions and support at both the governmental and societal levels.
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