Germany records rise in housing permits amid falling social‑housing stock

In April 2026 German authorities granted 20,200 building permits for new and conversion housing, a 9.2 % increase over the same month in 2025. Over the January‑April period, 83,700 permits were issued, up 13.2 % from the previous year, with new‑build apartments rising 10.3 % to 16,900 and conversions up 4.0 % to 3,200. Multi‑family houses accounted for 44,300 new‑build permits, an increase of 14.7 %, while single‑family units grew 11.7 % to 15,900.

At the same time, the German government reports a net loss of about 20,000 social‑housing units in 2025 as existing subsidies expired faster than new units were created. While 27,000 new rental homes received promotion, the overall stock fell, with North‑Rhine Westphalia losing 18,538 units, Berlin 2,957 and Bavaria 2,790. Gains were recorded in Baden‑Württemberg (+3,046), Lower Saxony (+1,240) and Saxony (+944). Officials warn that the decline could pressure rent‑aid programs and highlight the need for clearer, investment‑friendly housing policies to translate permits into completed projects.