Strategic Concepts for Housing
Urban development strategies for residential areas in Leipzig have been formulated in various concepts.
The Housing Policy Concept (only in german) defines priorities for securing a balanced supply of housing in Leipzig. On 28 October 2015, the City Council decided to update its Housing Policy Concept. Four new housing policy guidelines were developed under an overarching guideline to further develop Leipzig as an attractive and competitive residential location that offers residential space for everyone and, at the same time, provides opportunities for a variety of lifestyle.
Housing Policy concept of Leipzig
Housing for everyone, diverse, affordable and financially sustainable
There should be sufficient living space available in sufficient quantity and quality for everyone living in Leipzig. A diverse range of housing for rent and ownership should be available to meet the needs and requirements of different lifestyle groups, living habits and phases of life. To achieve this, there needs to be continued, long-term and socially compatible development of existing housing and an expansion of the housing supply to meet growing demand. At the same time, residential space in all urban areas should be affordable in the long term for tenants and owner-occupiers and also economically viable for landlords.
Sufficient housing for low-income households
Low-income households like those receiving basic income support and housing allowances and other low-income households not receiving benefits should have sufficient adequate housing in all urban areas.
Providing special support for families, senior citizens and people with disabilities
Demographic development on the one hand and social responsibility of urban societies on the other, mean that individual groups with specific housing requirements need specialised support. These include families, senior citizens and people with disabilities. In order to design housing and the living environment to meet the needs of the different ages, intergenerational approaches are necessary. There should be adequate housing available for all these groups in all urban areas.
Housing policies as part of an integrated urban development plan
Leipzig's housing policy is part of an integrated sustainable urban development policy. This results in requirements for the Housing Policy Concept on the one hand, and feedback that flows into the planning and the Integrated Urban Development Concept on the other. Emphasis is placed on socially and structurally mixed urban districts, sustainable growth and improving energy efficiency in the housing sector.
Strategies and measures have been developed to implement these housing policy objectives. These are continuously updated and adopted by the City Council - most recently on 27 September 2018.
The Sectoral Concept Housing in the Integrated Urban Development Concept addresses the aims and measures set out in the Housing Policy Concept and formulates spatially specific approaches for the implementation of these.
The Urban Development Plan for Housing Construction and Urban Renewal (STEP Wohnungsbau und Stadterneuerung) was adopted in 2000 in response to the challenges associated with housing vacancy and urban redevelopment. It consists of three sub-plans: Housing Development, Urban Renewal and Large Residential Complexes. In 2009, when the first Integrated Urban Development Concept (SEKo) was drawn up, the strategies for Urban Renewal and Large Residential Complexes were revised and merged into the Sectoral Concept Housing within the Integrated Urban Development Concept. In 2018, they were updated with the INSEK "Leipzig 2030". The sub-plan for Housing Development is currently being reconfigured as the Urban Development Plan for Residential Areas (STEP Wohnbauflächen). The Urban Development Plan for Residential Areas (STEP Wohnbauflächen) will present the strategy for housing development up to 2030 in terms of location and timing and will ensure that sufficient suitable locations are made available for the construction of new housing in terms of sustainable urban development.
Demographic changes have led to more in-depth projects on housing for seniors and a joint action plan for housing market stakeholders has been drawn up. The city's Senior Citizens' Advisory Council was involved in formulating the requirements for senior-friendly housing in Leipzig and, together with Leipzig housing companies, derived measures to improve the provision of housing for older citizens.