On average, older people in Germany have significantly more living space per capita than younger people. In 2022, households in which the main income earners were at least 65 years old used an average of 68.5 square meters of living space per person, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. For the 45 to 64 year olds, on the other hand, it was 54.8 square meters of living space. Households aged 25 to 44 had the least living space per capita at 44.7 square meters. Those under 25 had 45.4 square meters.
“In six out of ten cases, older people have been living in their home for more than 20 years and particularly often alone – this is one of the reasons why this group has the largest living space on average per capita,” explained the statistical expert responsible for housing Federal Office, Daniel Zimmermann. Those living alone – who make up around 39 percent of all households in Germany – had an average of 73.4 square meters available in 2022.
In contrast, the per capita living space in households with at least four people was only 29.9 square meters. About a quarter of those living alone in the 65+ age group lived in at least 100 square meters. For comparison: In the age group of 45 to 64 year olds, that was only 19 percent. How much living space is available to a household depends in particular on the ownership structure. Those who own property had an average of 65.1 square meters at their disposal in 2022, while in a rented apartment it was significantly less at 48.5 square meters.