Berlin housing market under strain as rents rise and supply gaps widen

The Architects and Engineers Association for Berlin‑Brandenburg (AIV) warns that Berlin’s housing market is facing a structural and distributional crisis rather than a simple shortage of units. Chairman Christian Müller notes a rising per‑capita floor‑area consumption, an ageing population staying in large apartments, and the conversion of rentals into owner‑occupied homes that further reduce stock. Uneven construction activity across districts leaves some areas expanding while others stagnate, prompting around 15,000 residents to move to Brandenburg each year. The AIV calls for uniform development targets, higher floor‑area ratios in suitable locations, and the use of state‑owned land for new housing, stressing that political willingness is needed to address the issue.

A personal account from a resident of Berlin‑Altglienicke illustrates the everyday impact. She reports rent increases from €750 to over €1,000 for a three‑room apartment, deteriorating neighbour relations, a recent rat infestation, and a lack of nearby amenities such as a pharmacy. Amid health challenges and limited housing options, she considers relocating. The narrative reflects broader concerns about affordability, quality of life, and the social fabric of Berlin’s neighbourhoods.