Housing shortage in Potsdam: Women report the consequences of the lock-in effect

Housing shortage in Potsdam: Women report the consequences of the lock-in effect

In many German cities, including Potsdam, the so-called “lock-in effect” has become a central issue. A phenomenon that is restricting more and more people's mobility and making it more difficult for them to find new, affordable apartments. MAZ online describes that in Potsdam the number of moves has fallen by half within a year - a clear sign that many people are trapped in their current living space.

The causes are diverse. Rising rents are forcing many people to remain in existing tenancies, even though the need for more space or a different residential area is very high. Older people and young families in particular suffer from the fact that they often have to live in apartments that are too small or unsuitable, while at the same time they dream of changing jobs or family changes. Deposit free highlights that rising rental prices are making it almost impossible to switch to new, cheaper contracts.

Experience reports from Potsdam

In this context, four women from Potsdam anonymously describe their painful experiences living here. Nina, 29 years old and currently living in a 32 square meter apartment, wants to move in with her boyfriend. “I'm willing to spend up to 1,200 euros, but I just can't find anything,” she says, frustrated. I think I will even have to move to Königs Wusterhausen, but rents are rising there too.”

Ariana, 43, has similar problems. She and her partner are looking for a larger apartment and are prepared to pay up to 2,000 euros, but landlords often give it to families. “I don’t want to live with an ex-partner again, it broke my heart once,” she admits.

Sabine, who has lived in a 45 square meter apartment for over 20 years and pays 510 euros, not only fears rent increases, but has also given up looking for an apartment. "I can't afford anything anymore. Sometimes I think about moving into a car," she reports desperately. Such fates are not uncommon in the current housing shortage and reflect the psychological stress that arises from this situation.

Janine, 38, lives in a 40 square meter one-room apartment and has even decided not to be in a relationship. "I can't afford a bigger apartment, the rents are just too high. I feel like I'm living in constant chaos," she says with a hint of desperation.

The effects of the lock-in effect

But one person's difficulties are only a reflection of a larger problem. Experts warn that the housing market is blocked in many cities, not just Potsdam. The time highlights that seniors often have to stay in apartments that are too large while they urgently want to move to smaller and cheaper units. “The large apartments are often unaffordable for young families and couples and many older people remain trapped in the property they rent there,” said an expert.

Development does not only have consequences on an individual level. The decline in the relocation rate in cities such as Munich and Berlin shows that inadequate housing policy restricts the mobility of the population in the long term and thus also endangers economic dynamism. People who want to move often cannot afford to move; The price development on the housing market is becoming a financial burden for society as a whole.

Solutions are needed to break this lock-in effect. Experts recommend various strategies, ranging from creating new forms of housing to incentivizing landlords. In the long term, building new apartments remains the only way to alleviate the structural housing shortage.