Urban Development
Howoge construction report 2015
2015 construction report: senior friendly apartments concentrated in east Berlin
A Howoge commissioned study shows that new senior friendly apartments are being built mainly in Berlin's eastern boroughs. The largest demographic increase among over 65s is expected in Marzahn-Hellersdorf.
Peter Guthmann
The "Berlin Construction Report", commissioned by housing company Howoge, provides data on where senior friendly housing is being built across the city. The finding: construction is concentrated in boroughs outside the S-Bahn ring, particularly in the east.
Treptow-Koepenick and Lichtenberg lead
There are few new developments for older residents in central locations. Activity is focused on Lichtenberg and Treptow-Koepenick. Larger available plots and the strong presence of municipal housing companies explain this pattern.
Municipal companies drive construction
The study shows that about 20 percent of senior friendly new construction projects are managed by municipal housing companies. Housing cooperatives and private building groups play only a minor role so far.
Care facilities dominate, but smaller apartments are coming
Among projects planned through 2019, care facilities and senior residences make up the largest share. Market researchers expect demand to shift toward smaller, well equipped apartments that can be flexibly adapted or retrofitted for older residents. Barrier free design from the outset is becoming a key quality criterion.
Population forecast: Marzahn-Hellersdorf at 76.8 percent growth
The demographic data is clear. Current population projections put the highest growth in the over 65 age group in Marzahn-Hellersdorf at 76.8 percent. The lowest growth, 15.1 percent, is projected for Treptow-Koepenick, despite it being the most active construction area today. Anyone considering investment in this segment should pay close attention to these borough level differences.