Overview

• The law creates a five‑year special regime through 2030 that lets municipalities approve additional housing after a three‑month review without a full development plan.
• In justified cases, projects may deviate from noise limits and include building in second rows or on supermarket rooftops, with approval deemed granted if a municipality does not object within three months.
• The measure passed with votes from the Union and SPD, while AfD, the Greens and The Left opposed it after their own motions failed.
• The package extends protections against converting rentals into condos in tight markets through the end of 2030.
• Final approval now moves to the Bundesrat, and the impact will depend on whether municipalities opt into the fast track, as industry and environmental groups argue cost, financing and land constraints still impede building.