Shortly before Christmas 2015, Berlin's municipal housing company "Stadt und Land" announced the acquisition of 287 planned new apartments in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in mid-December. The project is located directly adjacent to the "Gardens of the World" and forms part of the company's strategy to add 15,000 units to its portfolio.
2.5 billion euros over ten years
To reach that target, Stadt und Land plans investments of roughly 2.5 billion euros over the next decade. Berlin's municipal housing companies face political pressure to deliver affordable housing. The Marzahn-Hellersdorf acquisition is one building block in that effort.
Marzahn-Hellersdorf: a growing family borough
The borough of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is changing. Long regarded as a prefab housing estate, it now attracts a growing number of young families. Borough mayor Stefan Komoss put it plainly: "Marzahn-Hellersdorf is an attractive and sought-after place to live, especially for young families with children who are increasingly moving here." The International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2017 is expected to further improve the area's infrastructure and reputation.
Apartment mix for different households
The project offers a broad mix: the focus is on three-room apartments, supplemented by two-room and four- to five-room units. All apartments will have a balcony or terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows and lifts for barrier-reduced access.
The layout addresses Berlin's strong demand for family-friendly housing while also serving seniors and people with limited mobility.
What it means for Berlin's market
The acquisition shows that the city is serious about municipal new construction. Berlin's market development in outer boroughs benefits from projects like these: they bring infrastructure investment and can influence the value of surrounding existing properties. For private investors, the strong demand for family apartments in this price segment is a relevant signal.
