The number of building permits in Germany fell in the first half of 2022. The authorities approved the construction and conversion of 185,772 apartments. That was 2.1 percent less than in the same period last year, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. In June alone, a decline of 4.5 percent was recorded compared to the same month last year. The trade union construction, agriculture, environment (IG BAU) speaks of an alarm signal. The number of building permits is an important indicator of the housing shortage in many cities. However, approved apartments are often not built at first because craftsmen and construction companies do not have the capacity due to high demand. In addition, there are rising prices for building materials, rising interest rates and impending supply bottlenecks, said IG BAU boss Norbert Feiger. “There is a significant shortage in large parts of Germany, especially when it comes to social housing and affordable housing,” he said – and called for alternatives to new construction. Up to 1.9 million apartments could be created just by converting offices that would no longer be needed due to the home office.
Federal Statistical Office – Fewer building permits – Economy
