Market Insights and Analysis

Analysis of Q1 2016 building projects

New data from the statistics office showed a clear shift in early 2016: permits for new-build apartments rose by over 22%, while loft conversions fell by more than half.

Official inflation data for Berlin's housing market

Gross rents in Berlin were flat in April 2016 compared to the previous year. But a closer look at the data reveals two opposing forces at work.

Historical market analysis

In mid-2016, the German Real Estate Association IVD warned that Berlin's housing construction targets of 15,000 to 20,000 apartments per year fell far short of actual demand.

Structural shift: housing +17.7%, total revenue -3.5%

February 2016 data revealed two opposing trends in Berlin's construction sector: total revenue fell by 3.5 percent, but housing construction surged by 17.7 percent.

Real estate law in Berlin

A 2016 Berlin court ruling created uncertainty for investors: the 10-year waiting period for owner-occupancy evictions also applies to apartments purchased before the law changed.

IW study on small apartments

No other major German city saw student apartment rents rise as sharply as Berlin. A study by IW Cologne shows why, and what it meant for the local housing market.

Berlin vacation rentals 2016

Short term rental ban in Berlin: Airbnb drops hosts as vacation apartment numbers fall sharply

Ahead of the 1 May 2016 deadline, Airbnb is terminating numerous Berlin hosts. The number of fully rented apartments fell from 11,000 to 6,700. Fines rise to up to EUR 100,000.

Population growth and economic strength in Berlin

By late 2015, Berlin had crossed the 3.5 million resident mark. Combined with rising wages, this fueled strong demand on the housing market.

Berlin urban development 2016

Berlin plans twelve new urban quarters: locations, mixed city concept, and 30 percent social housing

Building senator Geisel has announced twelve sites for new urban quarters. Each will hold 3,000 to 5,000 apartments, with 30 percent subsidized housing. Builders include state companies, cooperatives, and private developers.

Berlin tenancy law 2016

Berlin Regional Court confirms rent index 2013: Private appraisal not sufficient for rent increase

Berlin's Regional Court has confirmed the indicative effect of the 2013 rent index. A private expert opinion commissioned by Deutsche Wohnen could not override it. What the ruling means for landlords.