Erfurt's old town under pressure: holiday apartments endanger living space!

Erfurt's old town under pressure: holiday apartments endanger living space!

Something is happening in the old town of Erfurt! The need for new living space has reignited the debate about the use of apartments for vacation purposes. Between 3,800 and 6,900 additional apartments will be required by 2035 thueringen24.de reported. Lars Bredemeier, councilor for urban development, warns urgently: The growing number of holiday apartments not only endangers the quality of living, but also the successful renovation work of recent years.

The Old Town should be a place for residents and tourists alike, but the reality is different. The “Extended Old Town” framework plan aims to preserve and further develop existing living space. What makes things complicated are the many unauthorized holiday apartments, the exact number of which remains a mystery. However, there are numerous known unauthorized objects that only came to light through tips from the public and the city administration's own research.

Focus on regulatory measures

There are currently around 60 proceedings against around 200 holiday apartments. Providers who have the necessary permits need not worry. However, there is also an opportunity for landlords without approval: After a hearing, subsequent approval can be given - if there are no legal hurdles in the way. Otherwise, there is a risk of being banned from renting out the apartments as holiday accommodation erfurt.de is explained.

Erfurt Tourismus und Marketing GmbH, represented by managing director Christian Fothe, welcomes the city administration's measures. He emphasizes how important a balanced mix of residents and tourists is for the old town. “Too many holiday apartments could jeopardize the acceptance of tourism among the population,” he describes the potential consequences of the uncontrolled use of living space for holiday purposes.

A close interaction between tourism and living space

The challenges in the holiday apartment sector are not only on the agenda in Erfurt. Many European cities are seeking a balance between the needs of residents and emerging tourism. Stricter regulations are often the key to addressing housing shortages and neighborhood disruption, reports city-tourist.de. Innovative measures, such as digitalization for monitoring holiday apartments, could benefit both the quality of life of residents and the attractiveness of tourists in the long term.

Erfurt sees itself in an exciting phase in which both the preservation of living space and popular tourism are to be promoted. The city administration is required to carry out effective controls in order to closely monitor the conversion of apartments into holiday apartments. The future of the old town depends on these decisions - a challenge that requires wisdom!