Study: Immigrants disadvantaged in German housing market

"In May 2026, a major rental platform is listing a unit of just over 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) for just over 4,000 ($4,680) per month, including heating and other additional costs. The lowest offer is just under 1,000 for 80 square meters but that unit requires renovations and is located on the outskirts of the city."

"Renters are currently finding it almost impossible to find an attractive and affordable apartment in a good location in large parts of Germany. This is especially true both in metropolitan areas and in economically strong rural regions. Across the nation, there's a shortage of around 1.4 million apartments in the lower and middle price ranges, and this limited availability, combined with high demand, is driving prices up."

"More than half of Germany's population lives in rental housing. Tenantprotection laws safeguard existing contracts relatively well, but the situation is different when it comes to new rentals. According to the latest annual report by the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR), immigrants and people of immigrant background are disproportionately disadvantaged in this process."

"The nine-member council is devoting its work this year to the topic "Room for Development: Housing and Participation in an Immigration Society." SVR chair Winfried Kluth, migration researcher and professor of public law at HalleWittenberg University, explained during the report's presentation in Berlin that the data evaluated by the Expert Council revealed stark differences between those with and without immigrant background."

A major rental platform lists a Berlin apartment of just over 100 square meters for just over 4,000 per month including heating and additional costs. The lowest offer mentioned is just under 1,000 for 80 square meters, but it requires renovations and is located on the outskirts. Renters in many parts of Germany find it almost impossible to secure attractive and affordable apartments in good locations. Across Germany, a shortage of around 1.4 million apartments exists in lower and middle price ranges. Tenant protection laws safeguard existing contracts, but new rentals are different. Immigrants and people with immigrant backgrounds are disproportionately disadvantaged in accessing new housing, with data showing stark differences between those with and without immigrant background.

Read at www.dw.com