New study reveals the obstacles and opportunities for the provision of social housing in Thuringia
What actions would be necessary to establish and sustain affordable, high-quality housing for lower- and middle-income groups? This question is the subject of a study published today that was carried out at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar on behalf of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for those of lower and middle income to find affordable and high-quality flats or social housing. More and more state governments are therefore placing greater emphasis on the topic of housing. The recently published study entitled »The provision of social housing in Thuringia. Challenges and opportunities at the state level« (»Soziale Wohnraumversorgung in Thüringen. Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten der Landesebene«) suggests various solutions to the current situation, with a focus on creating a state-owned housing corporation in Thuringia. This company would tackle a wide range of tasks, such as new construction and property acquisition, renovation and management.
Dr. Lisa Vollmer, who authored the study and serves as a scientific employee at the Institute for European Urban Studies at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, elucidates the recommendations outlined in the study: »It is crucial that a state-owned housing corporation is established not in competition but in cooperation with the existing municipal and cooperative enterprises.« The study also addresses the aspects that should be taken into account when setting up a state-owned housing corporation. Initial suggestions for tasks and organisation are also provided. »The founding process should be structured to encourage the participation of all relevant stakeholders. These would include the Thuringian Association of Municipalities and Towns (Gemeinde- und Städtebund Thüringen), the Thuringian Housing and Property Association (Verband Thüringer Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft) and social welfare associations«, the author continues.
Vollmer recommends establishing co-determination structures for tenants and local authorities from the outset. At the same time, she draws attention to unresolved issues such as securing financing through equity, which would involve raising funds from the budget, or the contribution of state-owned land. The appropriate legal form has also not yet been finalised, but it is essential to secure lasting protection against privatisation as well as the long-term affordability of the state-owned housing stock.
»Housing is a human right. We have been experiencing a rampant housing shortage for many years. More and more people are committed to supporting affordable housing through public housing programs or by setting up new non-profit organisations focused on housing. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation supports this commitment with research and studies«, says Daniela Trochowski, Executive Director of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. The present study offers up specific courses of action to be taken by the Free State of Thuringia.
The study »The provision of social housing in Thuringia. Challenges and opportunities at the state level« is based on the analysis of documents and interviews with key stakeholders in Thuringia, including representatives from the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure (Ministerium für Infrastruktur und Landschaft, TMIL), the Thuringian Development Bank (Thüringer Aufbaubank, TAB), the Thuringian State Development Corporation (Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen, LEG) and the Thuringian Housing and Property Association (Verband Thüringer Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft e.V., vtw). Experts from other federal states were also consulted.
The research will be publicly showcased and deliberated upon at the Institute of European Urban Studies during an expert panel discussion with stakeholders at 5 pm on 18 March 2024. Susanna Karawanskij, who serves as the Minister for Infrastructure and Agriculture in Thuringia, will be among those taking part. Journalists are requested to register if they plan to participate. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar would be happy to arrange preliminary discussions with experts in the run-up to the event.
Public presentation of the study: Expert panel and discussion with stakeholders
Monday, 18 March 2024, 5 pm
Institute of European Urban Studies, Belvederer Allee 5, 99423 Weimar, Germany
Admission free
Link to the study: https://www.uni-weimar.de/fileadmin/user/fak/architektur/hauptseiten/bilder/05_forschung/Onl-Studie_Soziale_Wohnraumversorgung_Thueringen.pdf
For registration and queries, please contact Gabriela Oroz, Faculty Marketing Officer at the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, by telephone at +49 (0) 36 43 / 58 31 15 or by e-mail at gabriela.oroz[at]uni-weimar.de. You can reach the Press Officer of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Alrun Kaune-Nüßlein by telephone at +49 (0) 30 / 44 310 448 or by e-mail at alrun.kaune-nuesslein[at]rosalux.org.