Berlin’s housing crisis is putting a possible transfer of large privately owned housing portfolios into public ownership back at the centre of political negotiations. The proposals could cover more than 140,000 apartments, but they remain plans under discussion rather than a completed transfer.
Who could be affected
The approach described in coalition talks would target companies holding more than 10,000 apartments in the city. Preliminary calculations put the potentially affected stock at about 144,000 homes. Vonovia, Europe’s largest residential landlord, warns of a potential financial impact exceeding €8 billion.
The argument over compensation
The proposals envisage compensation below market value. Property companies challenge the constitutional basis of such a move and warn that it could discourage investment. Those are the companies’ objections, not a court ruling that the plans are unlawful.
The shortage behind the dispute
Berlin’s housing shortfall is estimated by local authorities at around 100,000 apartments. Supporters of public ownership want stronger control over rents; opponents argue that discouraging construction would deepen the shortage. Changing who owns existing apartments and adding new homes address different parts of the same problem.
What remains unresolved
The scope, compensation arrangements and legal route remain central questions. Until political negotiations produce a concrete decision, the figures describe possible exposure rather than realised losses. Tenants should not read the proposals as notice that their landlord or tenancy has already changed.
