The Bavarian state capital of Munich is intensifying its measures against the unauthorised vacancy of residential properties. During the current year, the municipal Social Services Department has so far brought an end to unlawful non-use in 380 residential units. This represents an increase of 150 flats compared to the whole of 2025. To enforce reoccupation, the responsible authorities have already imposed over EUR 300,000 in coercive and administrative fines during the same period.
The regulatory framework provides that property owners are initially issued with warnings of coercive fines to bring about the resumption of regular residential use. If the vacancy is remedied within the deadline, the payment obligation lapses. If no response is received, the amounts are recovered and escalated via higher subsequent penalties. In addition, the Social Services Department penalises unjustified vacancies with administrative fines once the respective review procedures have concluded.
Consistent sanctions for continued misappropriation
Mayor Verena Dietl emphasised that the administration has been using all available municipal means for years to combat unlawful vacancies. In many cases, an initial official notice is now sufficient to prompt owners to comply with their obligations. However, where owners resist, the city makes full use of its legal leeway, as living space in Munich is too scarce to be left unused.
Current cases from various city districts demonstrate how far-reaching the financial consequences can be. In Ramersdorf-Perlach, a new building comprising six units and around 484 square metres of living space has stood vacant since completion in 2022. As the owners were unable to substantiate any letting or sales efforts, coercive fines of EUR 62,500 were called due. Due to continued non-use, the imposition of a further EUR 125,000 is now imminent.
The Social Services Department has also recorded substantial individual penalties in terms of administrative fines. For a 76-square-metre flat in Au-Haidhausen that remained unoccupied for 16 months, a fine notice of EUR 11,400 was issued. A particularly severe case involves a 98-square-metre unit in Ramersdorf-Perlach, where an administrative fine of EUR 54,000 was imposed for an unjustified vacancy lasting more than five years.
Securing the inner-city housing stock
The Social Services Department announced that it will continue to systematically identify unauthorised vacancies across the entire urban area. All legally established enforcement and sanctioning powers will continue to be fully utilised to safeguard the existing housing stock and effectively prevent misuse.
