Housing is not a luxury, but a social fundamental right that must not be determined by the market alone – this is one of the central messages in the kick-off speech of the new Federal Minister for Housing, Verena Hubertz. For her, housing construction is not only an economic stimulus, but a societal obligation: "I want housing to be a functioning market where it's not just the return on investment that counts. And as Minister for Housing, I want to ensure that housing remains affordable for everyone – from apprentices to pensioners."

Her motto: speed, technology, tolerance. For Verena Hubertz, these three principles stand for a way of building that is faster, smarter, and more community-oriented. Approval procedures should be accelerated – for example, through the introduction of Section 246e of the Building Code – innovative construction methods such as serial building and 3D printing should be promoted, and public acceptance of new construction projects should be strengthened.

Verena Hubertz also advocates for building in the existing stock. Redensification, rooftop additions, and social housing are, in her view, key levers for quickly creating affordable housing. As an example of a neighborhood that has been successfully upgraded through urban development funding, she cites Koblenz-Neuendorf. A soccer pitch was built for children, the daycare center was expanded, and what used to be a rather dark area was transformed into a “green boulevard” – turning fear-inducing spaces into vibrant places of encounter. To truly feel at home, she says, a neighborhood must be a “place of connection – accessible and welcoming – where both children and older people feel comfortable.” To achieve this, Verena Hubertz wants to expand urban development funding and make the living environment a central consideration in planning.

Regarding the role of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, Verena Hubertz emphasizes: “We must be a creative workshop in order to solve one of the greatest problems of our country.” The excavators must start rolling again so that “everyone can live well and willingly together in this country.”

Full speech (in Geman)