Germany's housing crisis hits immigrants hardest
Key takeaways
- The German housing market crisis is deepening social inequality.
- In May 2026, a major rental platform is listing a unit of just over 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) for just over €4,000 ($4,680) per month, including heating and other additional costs.
- Renters are currently finding it almost impossible to find an attractive and affordable apartment in a good location in large parts of Germany.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The German housing market crisis is deepening social inequality. Newcomers in particular are struggling to find affordable housing — with consequences for integration, education, and the labor market.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Dnjm In big German cities, dozens of people will appear at multiple viewings for coveted apartments Image: Friedrich Stark/IMAGOAdvertisement Finding a rental apartment with three or four rooms in Berlin? No problem for top earners. In May 2026, a major rental platform is listing a unit of just over 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) for just over €4,000 ($4,680) per month, including heating and other additional costs. The lowest offer is just under €1,000 for 80 square meters — but that unit requires renovations and is located on the outskirts of the city.
Renters are currently finding it almost impossible to find an attractive and affordable apartment in a good location in large parts of Germany. This is especially true in both metropolitan areas and in economically strong rural regions.