Housing Market Braces for Retirement Wave: IG Bau Union Warns of Shortage in Accessible Homes
The housing market is facing a significant challenge as the strongest birth cohorts approach retirement age. The IG Bau union has raised concerns about the lack of preparation for this upcoming wave of retirees, particularly in terms of accessible housing. In cities like Velbert and Leipzig, the demand for senior-friendly, barrier-free apartments is already outstripping supply.
Velbert, for instance, is struggling with a shortage of accessible housing for seniors with disabilities. The IG Bau union has proposed a series of measures to tackle this issue, including comprehensive controls and enforcement against problematic landlords, the closure of unsafe rental units, and ensuring affected tenants are properly rehoused.
In Leipzig, the situation is equally pressing. The city is projected to need more than 21,000 barrier-free apartments in the next twenty years to accommodate its aging population. This is a stark reminder of the pressure that the housing market will face as the baby boomer generation retires.
The IG Bau union's fears highlight the urgent need for cities to invest in accessible housing and for landlords to ensure their properties meet the needs of an aging population. With the strongest birth cohorts set to retire in the next two decades, it is crucial that the housing market is prepared to meet this demand.
