Property developer NORD PROJECT is constructing a residential building project in Barsinghausen near Hanover for an investment sum of EUR 11 million. The undertaking comprises 44 subsidised new-build flats, which will be transferred to the portfolio of provider MMW NORD Wohnungsbau. Construction at Wilhelm-Heß-Straße 11 and 11a officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony following the completion of demolition and civil engineering works, which started in April 2026. Completion is planned for mid-2028.
The 2,934 square metre plot, on which two buildings with flats are being erected, previously housed a multi-family building, garages, and a lorry depot belonging to a forwarding company. The project envisages the creation of 2,424 square metres of living space, with rents fixed at EUR 6.60 or EUR 8.10 per square metre thanks to public support. These prices are approximately 30 to 40 percent lower than those for privately financed housing in Barsinghausen. Additionally, around 20 parking spaces will belong to the new residential complex.
NBank is supporting MMW Nord Barsinghausen GmbH & Co. KG with funding in the form of loans and grants to enable long-term affordable rents in Barsinghausen. At the groundbreaking ceremony, NBank's Chairman of the Board, Michael Kiesewetter, emphasised that his institution also finances construction projects in medium-sized centres and extended metropolitan areas to promote affordable rents. He stressed that affordable housing is relevant for a broad segment of society and that subsidised flats contribute to the social stability of towns and municipalities by enabling people to remain in their local environment. A collaboration between NBank and NORD PROJECT or MMW NORD already exists for nine subsidised housing projects in Lower Saxony.
The new City Building Councillor, Daniela Catalán, expressed her delight at the groundbreaking ceremony about the urban development upgrade of a formerly commercially used area through affordable housing. Michaela Klank, head of the Planning and Building Department in Barsinghausen, underlined the significance of the 44 flats in meeting the growing demand for affordable housing and proactively responding to future developments, particularly when other subsidised flats fall out of price control. These measures are necessary as Hanover's attractiveness is driving up housing costs in the region.
By the end of 2025, according to the new housing supply concept, there were a total of 302 price-controlled flats in Barsinghausen, representing 1.7 percent of the total property supply and four percent of the housing stock in multi-family buildings. The new MMW NORD development will increase the number of price-controlled units by more than a tenth, counteracting the decline in subsidised housing in the coming years. City Building Councillor Catalán emphasised the city's continued support for such projects and highlighted that the micro-location within the city must be right for future residents to have good access to the advantages of urban life.
- —The rent control for the flats is secured for 30 years.
- —Rent increases within this period are only permissible within specified legal limits.
- —The flats are aimed at households in the low and middle-income brackets.
- —They will comprise two to four rooms and a balcony, offering space for different generations.
Gerrit M. Ernst, Managing Director of NORD PROJECT, mentioned in his groundbreaking speech that the mix of families, singles, and older people should enable a lively area. Lettings will begin in 2028, with the exact occupancy date and allocation rules expected to be announced in late 2027 in consultation with Barsinghausen's housing office. The construction project is being implemented by general contractor Nordis from Seelze. Its Managing Director, Alexey Kusmin, highlighted the social benefit of the property and the construction of an energy-efficient building.
