Overview

• Federal Building Minister Verena Hubertz called for fines that “really hurt” for violations of the Mietpreisbremse, arguing it is currently too easy to ignore the rules.
• She wants furniture surcharges itemized in leases for furnished units and closer scrutiny of inflation‑linked contracts, while noting abusive sublets remain hard to police.
• The rent cap for new leases in designated areas remains in force through 2029, limiting initial rents to 10 percent above local reference levels.
• The government plans to advance a “Bauturbo” law to accelerate permits in October, alongside a 2025 building budget of €7.4 billion plus €11 billion from a separate investment fund.
• A justice ministry commission has started work on proposals due by end‑2026, as commentators urge public rent registries, legally robust Mietspiegel, and even municipal build obligations.