The German government has introduced new measures to speed up construction planning and land allocation for housing. This move comes in response to the widespread housing shortage across the country.
Reform to streamline building processes and protect tenants
Housing Minister Klara Geywitz (SPD) has successfully passed a reform of the Building Code through the Federal Cabinet. This reform aims to accelerate the sluggish construction of new housing that has persisted for years. The new legislation is designed to make building on private property easier, provide better protection for tenants against displacement, and promote greener urban and rural development.
Under the new reforms, building on one’s own land will become simpler. The concept of “Hinterlandbebauung” (backland development) will allow for more construction in second rows on existing properties or courtyards, potentially making the “dream of homeownership” more achievable for families.
In areas with housing shortages, it will be easier to add additional floors to existing buildings. The reforms also maintain protections for tenants against the conversion of rental properties into owner-occupied apartments.
Geywitz described the revised Building Code as “more systematic, efficient, and modern.” She emphasized that these changes would make it possible to build more densely in urban areas.
Accelerating planning and construction processes
The reforms aim to speed up planning and construction processes. In tight housing markets, separate development plans may no longer be required as frequently for residential construction. New time limits will be imposed on development plans, requiring them to be submitted within twelve months after the end of the participation process, with shorter environmental reports.
Additional measures include:
- Encouraging the unsealing of surfaces to enhance heat protection and flood prevention
- Creating a separate usage category for music clubs to facilitate new club locations in commercial areas and better preserve existing ones
- Mandating digital publication of land use and development plans
- Allowing geothermal plants to be built in areas without existing development plans
The legislative process for these reforms is expected to be completed in the Bundestag by the end of 2024. Notably, the legislation does not require approval from the Bundesrat.
These comprehensive changes reflect the government’s commitment to addressing Germany’s housing crisis by simplifying bureaucratic processes and encouraging more efficient land use and construction practices.
