125 years of social housing: Leipzig's path to affordable housing!

125 years of social housing: Leipzig's path to affordable housing!

An important chapter in the city's history is being celebrated in Leipzig: social housing began 125 years ago with the founding of the “Association for the Construction of Cheap Housing” by the publisher Hermann Julius Meyer. This initiative was a response to the severe housing shortage of the 19th century, when many people had to live in tenements under degrading conditions. The focus was on providing affordable housing for low-income groups, and the concept still receives considerable attention today. According to l-iz.de it is still a state task today, but one that is often neglected nationwide.

The first “Meyer houses” were characterized by the fact that the rent was not calculated based on the size of the apartment, but rather based on individual income. Tenants with an annual income of 800 to 1,800 marks were able to live in the pioneering buildings that were built between 1887 and 1937 in four residential colonies in Leipzig. The architectural pioneer Max Pommer played an essential role; His designs are still a flagship of social housing in Germany today. The construction of the first colony in Lindenau alone began in 1887 and was completed by 1892 with 35 houses. Many of the structures created back then are still preserved today and shape the cityscape.

Modern challenges and solutions

The city of Leipzig is currently committed to social housing again. The Meyer Houses have long been a household name in the region and are now undergoing intensive renovation. 39 rental units in Kleinzschocher are currently being modernized, a project that is being implemented with the support of the city according to the council decision of December 15, 2022. The aim is to actively use empty apartments and thus create social housing. According to meyersche-haeuser.de, tenants for the new, modern apartments must present a white residence permit, with the rental prices being based on the cost of the accommodation.

The newly renovated apartments are equipped with high-quality laminate, new electrics and many amenities such as balconies. The result of these measures are 1, 3 and even 4-room apartments that are not only bright and friendly, but also offer a new home for many families. A total of 36 newly renovated apartments are now fully rented. The modernization measures also include the renovation of roofs and facades and create an attractive living environment.

The history of social housing

The development of social housing in Germany is closely linked to important laws and regulations. According to socialer-wohnungsbau.de, various laws, such as the Housing Community Act of 1940 or the Housing Construction Act of 1950, have created the framework for the promotion and regulation of socially subsidized housing. These legal principles also play a major role in today's debate about housing construction.

Committed initiatives, such as the institutions founded by Meyer, have always shown how important affordable housing is for society. The valuable feedback from tenants and the positive experiences at events, such as the recently held Children's Festival 2023, prove the relevance of social projects and strengthen the community of the neighborhoods even more.