When it comes to the criteria for choosing a flat or house, Germans are quite willing to forgo a balcony: On a scale of 0 (‘not at all important’) to 10 (‘very important’), a balcony scores 6.4, putting it in 6th place among the most relevant features. This is shown by the ‘TechnikRadar 2023: What Germans think about technology’ with a focus on “Sustainable building and living”.
In return, the location of a new home has become more important. Peace and quiet (7.7) and proximity to nature and forests (7.3) emphasise the desire for recreational areas and a green living environment. Housing researchers1 attribute this to the lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic, among other things.
Regardless of age, the ongoing housing crisis and the increasing shortage of affordable housing in German cities make price (8.1) and energy efficiency (8.0) decisive factors. Younger people (16–34 years) are more focused on larger living spaces and flexible room layouts, while older people (65+) place higher demands on living quality – such as amenities or a balcony. Additionally, the latter group values social meeting spaces, public areas for interaction, and good connections to the city center.
These preferences highlight the need to specifically further develop existing buildings and neighborhoods. Densification, reuse, and sustainable modernisation offer enormous potential to create affordable, needs-based, and sustainable housing.
1 Cities in a post COVID world. Urban Studies, Florida et al 2021
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