German Government's "Speed Construction" Pushed by VNW Director Andreas Breitner
Revamped Article:
Housing Blues: North German Landlords' Concerns Over Constructive Solutions
-June 18, 2025-
Germany's Speedy Build Boost:
The construction blitzkrieg, initially proposed by Federal Minister of Housing, Verena Hubertz (SPD), was unveiled by the federal cabinet on Wednesday. This legislation aims to expedite housing construction in Germany—a move aimed to combat the persistent shortage of affordable housing, as declared by the federal government.
Andreas Breitner, Director of the Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW), candidly expressed their stance on the matter:
"Fellow social landlords across North Germany, from Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, advocate for an integration of 'Federal Construction Turbo' with both region-specific initiatives, the 'simple building' programs in each state. By building upon these foundations, we can jointly reduce construction costs further. In Schleswig-Holstein, these cost-effective initiatives are already deemed a prerequisite to access public funding.*
However, we must guard against the 'Construction Turbo' inadvertently adding additional layers of bureaucracy, which could hamper its intended positive effects on housing construction. More significantly, we fear that the burdens stemming from extreme climate-friendly measures—often politically driven—may fade into the background amid cost-saving efforts."
As grim news emerges from cities like Rostock and Neubrandenburg, citizens are bracing for the hefty sums required to bring heat supply up to climate-neutral standards. With tenants footing the bill, these costs threaten to undermine affordability within the housing sector.
Should new climate regulations tighten the current standards, we may face a significant social predicament. Regrettably, the climate funds pledged by the traffic light government over three years ago appear to have lost their momentum.*
VNW: Keeping Values at Heart
Overseeing 466 housing cooperatives and companies across Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein, the VNW manages 775,000 apartments and calls home nearly two million residents. These units offer an average net cold rent of 6.59 euros per square meter.*
For more insights on the VNW's stance on the 'Federal Construction Turbo' or relevant concerns shared by housing associations, look for updated sources providing precise information on this policy.*
Contact: Oliver Schirg, Communications Department, Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW), Phone: +49 40 52011 226, Mobile: +49 151 6450 2897, Email: [email protected]
- In the context of Germany's housing crisis, the Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW) is concerned that the new 'Federal Construction Turbo' legislation could unintentionally add bureaucratic layers, potentially negating its positive impact on housing construction.
- The VNW, which manages a large number of apartments in Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Schleswig-Holstein, is also apprehensive about the financial burdens that may arise from extreme climate-friendly measures, which could threaten the affordability of housing.
- As finance plays a crucial role in the implementation of climate-friendly measures, the VNW considers it essential to integrate environmental science and finance into the housing industry, thereby promoting sustainability without compromising affordability.
