Potsdam is planning 15,000 new apartments by 2040 – what does that mean for tenants?

Potsdam is planning 15,000 new apartments by 2040 – what does that mean for tenants?

The city of Potsdam is faced with a significant challenge by 2040: the construction of up to 15,000 new apartments. According to a forecast by the BBSR, the population will increase from the current 188,000 to around 200,000 people. By 2045, the population could even rise to 206,000. But despite this comprehensive new construction plan, there remains an unsatisfied need for 4,800 apartments, which underlines the urgency of the construction projects. This is reinforced by the growing trend towards smaller households, particularly one- and two-person households. It is estimated that by 2040 such households will account for 80% of all new businesses.

A promising living model in this scenario is micro-apartments, which are considered a useful form of living with an area of ​​up to 30 square meters. Of the total of 15,000 apartments planned, around 2,200 small apartments, for which building rights exist, have already been planned. In addition to Krampnitz, where 4,800 new apartments are planned, the focus of housing construction is also Kirchsteigfeld with around 1,000 apartments in the long term and the Stern Center in Drewitz with 950 apartments in four high-rise buildings, although implementation is still uncertain. Around 750 apartments are also planned in various projects in the area around the main train station.

New construction and tenant protection

Another point on the Potsdam City Hall agenda is the protection of tenants. The city administration should check whether new small, furnished and temporarily rented apartments can be approved. This is done as part of a resolution by the building committee, which was passed with a large majority and was initiated by the SPD. There are particular concerns about micro-apartments, which are seen as exacerbating the already tense housing situation in the city.

City politicians plan to no longer approve microapartments in so-called environmental protection areas. Such an area extends, among other things, over parts of the Teltow suburb, where luxury renovations are already prohibited. The SPD parliamentary group argues that the rental price level could rise as a result of these offers, which could not only affect micro apartments, but also other rents.

Construction trends and challenges

All of these developments are taking place in a complex environment that is also shaped by the general conditions on the German housing market. New residential construction has had to contend with increased interest rates and construction costs since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, current figures show that building interest rates have fallen since the end of 2023, which could potentially provide the first positive impulses for future construction projects. In the fourth quarter of 2024, prices for new residential buildings rose by around 3.1% compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

The federal government has taken measures to support housing and the construction industry, which is reflected in increased new mortgage signings. Residential construction accounted for 57% of the total construction volume in 2023, which is an indication of dynamic development in the industry.

With this comprehensive planning and the necessary measures, Potsdam will attempt to meet the challenges of housing supply - even if major challenges and questions still remain unanswered. The next few months could be decisive in determining whether the ambitious goals that the city has set itself can be achieved.