Following the repeat election in Berlin, the BFW Regional Association Berlin/Brandenburg e. V. addresses the elected parties with an appeal regarding housing policy. In light of the projected government involvement of Die Linke party, the association of the private real estate sector demands a fact-based housing policy. The BFW clearly positions itself against the socialisation of private housing companies discussed during the election campaign. It warns the prospective strongest political force against implementing these plans, as this would both contradict the expressed will of the population and hinder the urgently needed new housing construction.
The BFW interprets Die Linke's intention to make expropriations of large housing companies a central point of coalition negotiations as economically detrimental and a disregard for the will of the citizens. The association refers to the current rbb BerlinTrend, according to which 46 percent of Berliners reject socialisation. Only 37 percent support such measures. A political stance that makes expropriations a condition for government formation thus ignores the real societal consensus in the capital.
Negative impact on new housing construction
The ongoing uncertainty regarding potential expropriations has already had concrete negative effects on the Berlin housing market. A survey by the BFW Regional Association among its member companies shows that, as a result of the expropriation debate, the construction of 3,480 planned dwellings was either halted or the project planning was not even initiated. This development directly contradicts the goal of creating affordable housing.
Furthermore, 77 percent of the surveyed businesses report a tightening of financing conditions. This is reflected in more difficult access to loans and increased risk premiums from credit institutions. The discussion surrounding socialisation undermines the confidence of investors and developers in Berlin as a location, which adversely affects the overall development of the real estate market.
Demand for pragmatic solutions
Michael Kranz, Chairman of the Board of the BFW Regional Association Berlin/Brandenburg e. V., emphasised that a clear majority of Berliners reject socialisation and expect pragmatic solutions. He stated that a Senate leadership under Die Linke must not force an ideological debate that blocks housing construction and creates not a single new dwelling. A responsible government must recognise the economic realities and focus on accelerated approval processes and reliable framework conditions for new construction.
The BFW thus underlines the necessity of basing political decisions not on ideological premises, but on the real needs of the market and the population. Only in this way can the creation of urgently needed housing in Berlin be sustainably promoted and the attractiveness of the location for investments secured.
