Student Housing Rents in Germany Soar, Threatening Educational Equity
The cost of student housing in Germany is rising, with rents often exceeding the monthly allowance provided by BAföG (€380). A recent report by MLP and IW highlights this issue, showing significant increases in cities like Freiburg and Constance.
In the past three years, rent for student housing has surged by over 6% annually in Freiburg and Constance. This trend is not isolated; rents have increased by more than six percent yearly in Leipzig and Konstanz as well. Only a few cities like Bochum, Rostock, Dresden, Magdeburg, and Chemnitz offer lower rents than Leipzig, where prices range between €9 and €12 per square meter.
Smaller apartments are feeling the pinch too, becoming increasingly expensive. The 'Student Housing Report' 2025 by MLP and IW reveals that student housing remains unaffordable overall, with an average increase of 2.3% across 38 university locations. International students face additional challenges due to lack of local knowledge and networks.
The rising rents threaten educational equity, as criticized by Matthias Anbuhl, chairman of the German National Association for Student Affairs. With student numbers expected to grow and construction activity low, MLP and IW warn of potential further rent increases.
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