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

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

In Leipzig, an important chapter in city history is celebrated: 125 years ago, social housing was originated with the establishment of the "Association for the Education of Cheap Apartments" by the publisher Hermann Julius Meyer. This initiative was an answer to the pressing housing shortage of the 19th century when many people in rent barracks had to live under unworthy conditions. The focus was on the provision of affordable housing for low -income groups, and the concept still received great attention today. According to l-iz.de it is still a state task.

The first "Meyer’s houses" were characterized by the fact that the rent was not calculated according to the size of the apartment, but according to the individual income. Tenants were able to live in the pioneering buildings with an annual income of 800 to 1,800 marks, which were created between 1887 and 1937 in four colonies of living in Leipzig. The architecture pioneer Max Pommer played an important role; His designs are still a figurehead of social housing in Germany. The construction of the first colony in Lindenau alone began in 1887 and was completed with 35 houses until 1892. Many of the structures created at the time are still preserved and shape the cityscape.

modern challenges and solutions

The city of Leipzig is currently committed to social housing again. The Meyer’s houses have long been known in the region and are now experiencing intensive renovation. Currently, 39 rental units in Kleinzschocher are modernized, a project that is realized 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 living space. According to Meyersche-haeuser.de, tenants have to present a white residential authorization for the new, modern apartments, whereby the rental prices are based on the costs 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 appealing living environment.

The history of social housing

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

committed initiatives, such as the institutions founded by Meyer, have always shown how important affordable living space is for society. The valuable feedback from tenants and the positive experiences at events, such as the recently organized children's festival 2023, demonstrate the relevance of social projects and strengthen the community of neighborhoods all the more.