The future of housing: How we want to live

When it comes to the future of living, it is not just the question of „where“ that is relevant, but also „how“. Or to put it another way: what requirements need to be met in order to feel completely at ease?

One in three Germans would like to have all everyday amenities close by. This ranges from supermarkets, doctors' surgeries, cinemas and theatres to schools and restaurants. However, only eight per cent are prepared to pay higher rents for quick access to these places and shorter commuting times. Accordingly, one in five people hope for an end to rising rent and property prices and would like to live in a central location that is also affordable.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, German citizens currently spend an average of 27 per cent of their net income on rent, with this proportion increasing with the size of the location. At the same time, 14 per cent of households now have to spend more than 40 per cent of their disposable income on rent and are therefore classified as overburdened.

Living in the countryside is not only becoming more affordable, but also increasingly popular. However, in order to enjoy country life to the full, two conditions are particularly important. Firstly, a regular and good public transport connection to a larger city. The second is a fast internet connection.

There is currently still plenty of room for improvement: Germany ranks 42nd in the world with an average speed of 42 Mbit/s (2019). In comparison, connections in tenth-placed Hungary (99 Mbit/s) are more than twice as good and in first-placed Liechtenstein they are even five times faster (230 Mbit/s). In addition, there is an average difference of more than 30 per cent between urban and rural areas in Germany. The reason for this is the lack of the so-called „last mile“. In these areas, copper lines that are up to 100 years old are often still being used.

There are major differences between the generations within the population: What the family-friendly home is for the younger generation, the age-appropriate home is for the generation over 60. Both do not want to do without the advantages of a garden to enjoy life in nature outside their own four walls.

Increasingly popular, but still at a low level, is living in a gated community. One in twenty Germans is interested in this form of housing, which is familiar from South and North America. The main argument in its favour is the greater sense of security provided by enclosure and surveillance.

Outlook

Across all age groups, the desire for a piece of land of one's own is already being emphasised - whether in the form of a garden, a terrace or a balcony. In the future, this desire will continue to grow and lead to major changes in cities and communities. Instead of streets and car parks, more parks, gardens and green spaces will be created (again). Especially in city centres and shopping streets, these green oases - in combination with shopping, gastronomy and culture - will invite people to linger.

However, the future of living is no longer confined to the city. Many people are increasingly looking for affordable living space in the countryside, want peace, tranquillity and originality as well as a contrast to the congestion, hectic pace and anonymity of the city. The frequently cited advantages of city life - e.g. proximity to the workplace, a wide range of cultural and shopping facilities or good local public transport - are becoming less important in times of a changing world of work and life (working from home, streaming services, online shopping, etc.). Small communities and towns can therefore become more attractive in the future if basic services such as schools, doctors, public transport connections and fast internet are available.