Overview

• The German government has introduced the 'Handlungsstrategie Leerstandsaktivierung' to tackle the issue of nearly two million vacant homes nationwide.
• The strategy includes measures like subsidized loans for families to purchase and renovate older homes and incentives to convert unused commercial spaces into housing.
• Vacancy rates are highest in rural and eastern regions, with some areas reporting rates exceeding 20%, while urban centers face severe housing shortages.
• A new online platform, 'Potenzial Leerstand,' has been launched to centralize information on funding opportunities, legal frameworks, and successful revitalization projects.
• Critics argue the measures may have limited impact on urban housing shortages and highlight the need for broader structural solutions, including job creation and infrastructure improvements in rural areas.