The City of Munich has established a new housing offering for young adults called 'StarterWohnen'. This programme is designed to facilitate the entry of individuals aged 18 to 32 into professional life by providing affordable housing. The Social Committee of the City Council passed the necessary basic resolution for this. The concept envisages predominantly offering one-room apartments. The tenancy agreements for these units will be open-ended to allow users a long-term perspective.
The design of the housing units is focused on functionality and compactness. The aim is to ensure rental price efficiency, even for new professionals in their first few years of employment. A clearly defined allocation procedure ensures the prioritisation of young people working in shortage occupations within public services and independent welfare care. This approach underscores the intended social orientation of the project.
Currently, 72 new housing units are planned as part of the 'StarterWohnen' programme. Additionally, 22 existing housing units from the 'Junges Wohnen' (Young Living) programme will be transferred into the new format. The city administration continuously evaluates further potential locations for expanding the offer. An initial pilot location will be realised in Lilli-Kurowski-Straße in the Feldmoching-Hasenbergl district and is set to comprise twelve housing units.
Mayor Verena Dietl commented on the importance of the project, emphasising that the availability of affordable housing significantly influences young people's decision to build a future in Munich. She highlighted that 'StarterWohnen' provides affordable housing for professionals in essential areas, such as in care homes, emergency services, as bus drivers, or in refuse collection. Furthermore, it was communicated that the programme supports individuals transitioning to independence after a period in foster care or supported living. Having one's own key and a fixed tenancy agreement serves as a fundamental element for personal life planning.
The programme also addresses the city's social responsibility by enabling young people facing difficult starting conditions to achieve independence. Up to 45 percent of the flats are reserved for this group. This includes young adults making the leap into independent living after a youth welfare institution, as recognised refugees, or after 'AzubiWohnen' (apprentice living). The provision of these flats aims to give everyone a comparable chance for a secure start in their own home and thus sustainably strengthen the city's future.
