Gröner Group: No new construction projects in Berlin - a conversation with Christoph Gröner

Von NAG Redaktion

Christoph Gröner, one of the most famous builders in Germany, has his place of business in Berlin, but has not been building in the capital for two years. At the beginning of his engagement in Berlin in 2010, the land cost only 700 euros per square meter. At that time it was able to offer cheap living space between 3000 and 4000 euros per square meter. But within 15 years the property prices rose almost ten times. Today the property costs make up the majority of the rent in Berlin, with two thirds of the land and eight to ten euros for the construction.

At targeted locations such as Cologne, Leipzig and Karlsruhe, there is a lack of sufficient purchasing power in Berlin to meet rising rental prices. Berliners have a lower purchasing power compared to other cities in Germany. This development is reflected in the rising real estate prices that provide many residents with the difficulty of affording an apartment or even acquiring a condominium.

GRÖNER emphasizes the importance of a bourgeois class in Berlin. However, political decisions and ideological conflicts hinder the creation of affordable living space. The disregard for economic prosperity in favor of social justice leads to further challenges in housing construction. In order to combat the lack of living space, he suggests better use of the resources and quickly establish building rights. Ideas such as the covering of highways could create up to 60,000 new apartments and contribute to CO₂ neutrality.

GRÖNER speaks against ideological influences and for a master plan that enables all political parties to find solutions for the lack of housing together. He emphasizes the urgency of quickly creating new living space to prevent despair and housing shortage from radical political decisions. In times of rising rents and scarce living space, a holistic approach is essential to meet the needs of citizens and to strengthen democracy.