There is a significant shortage of suitable housing for seniors in Germany
According to an analysis by the German Institute for Economic Research, the country is facing a shortage of approximately 1.8 million apartments suitable for seniors. The analysis also revealed that the situation is most critical in Thuringia and Saxony.
The main reason is believed to be intense competition in the real estate market, with the institute emphasizing the crucial role of the federal government in supporting the conversion and construction of these apartments to a greater extent.
In detail, the analysis revealed that there are approximately three million homes in Germany inhabited by individuals facing mobility constraints due to illness or aging.
In contrast, there are only around 1.2 million apartments available with features to reduce barriers, and when considering apartments that include spacious rooms and corridors, the number decreases to just one million apartments.
A Crisis in Senior Housing Apartments in Germany
According to the report, two out of every three homes in Germany face challenges in finding suitable housing for seniors. Thuringia is the most affected, where only 16% of families in need of barrier-free apartments can benefit. This is followed by Saxony and Hesse with a rate of 20%.
Despite the relatively better situation in Brandenburg, where three out of every four homes can acquire suitable apartments, there is still a shortage of supply in the region as well.
Senior-friendly apartments are often designed without stairs, equipped with walk-in showers, and feature wide doorways, making them appealing to many other households as well.
Nevertheless, the institute anticipates an increase in demand due to demographic changes, with an estimated 3.7 million households needing barrier-free apartments by the year 2035.
The German Institute for Economic Research urges the federal government to increase its support for these projects, as living in senior-friendly homes is much more cost-effective than residing in care centers. This could help alleviate the financial burden on the public treasury.
The analysis was based on a specific evaluation of the Microcensus for the year 2022, where approximately 810,000 individuals were interviewed. The Pestel Institute had previously affirmed these findings in a separate study.
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