City needs stable framework conditions for social housing

Nationwide, the number of subsidized apartments is falling. Contrary to the trend, the city of Erlangen has succeeded in increasing the number of social housing units. This is the result of a consistent housing policy strategy over the past few years. However, the tense funding situation at federal and state level is now also threatening planned construction projects in Erlangen - with serious consequences.

Consistent strategy

"Having your own home is an existential prerequisite for a life in dignity and social participation," emphasizes Lord Mayor Florian Janik. "In Erlangen, we have deliberately improved the framework conditions for subsidized housing construction in recent years and have been able to increase the number of apartments despite the fact that many of them are tied up - only a few cities manage to do this."

In fact, the development in Erlangen shows a positive balance: since 2016, the number of subsidized rental apartments has been rising again after previously falling steadily. Over 1,000 subsidized rental apartments have been built during this time. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of subsidized apartments increased from 3,399 to 3,436 despite numerous expiries and the slump in construction. 111 new subsidized apartments are planned for 2025. At the same time, no further expiries are expected until 2032. This means stable conditions - for the time being. "Our target of setting a 30 percent quota for subsidized rental housing for newly created building rights and the intensive efforts of our municipal housing association GEWOBAU are having an effect," says Janik.

Funding pots are empty

However, the current situation in Bavaria and the federal government also presents Erlangen with massive challenges. As the Bavarian Association of Cities recently criticized, the funding pots for social housing are already empty - new funding commitments for 2025 are no longer possible. "This affects municipal housing companies as well as private construction projects," explains Janik. Planning and construction officer Harald Lang explains: "Major new construction projects with a significant proportion of subsidized apartments are planned on the former Siemens-Mitte site and, in the medium term, on the Siemens Campus and in Regnitzstadt. The deterioration in the funding situation now makes their realization uncertain," says Lang.

Demand for social housing is increasing

As social welfare officer Dieter Rosner emphasizes, the need for affordable housing in Erlangen continues to rise at the same time. The number of open housing applications from low-income households is growing continuously. "If housing construction comes to a standstill, this will have a direct impact on social cohesion in our city," warns Rosner. "We must prevent social inequalities from becoming even worse."

Solutions required

The city of Erlangen, together with the Bavarian Association of Cities and Towns, is therefore calling on the federal and state governments to quickly provide additional funding for social housing. Janik: "There is an urgent need for a strong boost for the municipal housing sector. The local authorities are ready - but they cannot deliver without reliable funding." At the same time, Erlangen is also working on its own solutions: "We are currently developing instruments that will come into play when traditional EOF funding cannot be implemented," says Janik. Among other things, alternative models such as redemption payments or individual occupancy commitments are planned in order to continue to secure social housing. "Similar models have already been implemented in other cities. We are in close contact with the government of Middle Franconia in order to have corresponding regulations in place in Erlangen by the end of the year."

Photo schmitt photodesign - Refurbishment of residential complex in Büchenbach Nord.