German cities' rents rise 51% in ten years, DGB urges rent stop

German rent increase DGB rent freeze housing costs Berlin rent surge

A study by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) using Empirica data shows that offered rents in the 40 largest German cities have increased by 51 % between 2016 and 2026. Berlin’s average rent jumped from €8.93 to €15.80 per square metre (+76.9 %), Hamburg to €16.18 (+54.2 %) and Munich to €23.26 (+51.6 %). The steepest rises were recorded in Rostock (+83 %) and Lübeck (+71.3 %).

The DGB calls for a six‑year rent‑freeze and greater investment in social and public housing, tighter rent‑cap rules and stronger action against rent‑gouging. Vice‑chair Stefan Körzell criticised the governing coalition for plans to cut housing benefits, saying it “places the red pen on the weakest again.” The union has launched nationwide rent‑stop action days from Friday to Sunday.

Regional data echo the national trend: in the Munich district, the suburb of Haar saw a 76.5 % surge, while Dresden’s rent growth reached 66 % over the decade, amplified by inflows linked to the semiconductor hub Silicon Saxony.