Affordable housing in South Tyrol - wishful thinking or reality?
Housing costs in South Tyrol are high - too high, in the opinion of many. The planned housing reform with "price-linked construction" aims to change this.
What is behind the idea?
In future, 60% of the living space in new projects is to be price-controlled - 40% of this for subsidized housing and 20% for residents. Municipalities with a housing shortage will even have a right of first refusal for 30% of the units. This sounds like a great opportunity for South Tyrolean families - but the path to implementation is complex.
Hurdles & challenges
The framework conditions for builders are crucial: land prices, legal requirements and financing play a key role. The construction industry itself is also struggling with increased costs, for example due to high standards for climate house certifications.
Ausserhofer warns: "If the yield is not right, investors will jump ship - and then supply on the free market will become even scarcer."
"A property is the safest investment"
says real estate consultant Karlheinz Ausserhofer in an interview with ERKER magazine and makes it clear: "Without the right framework conditions from politicians, this reform will also come to nothing.
Intergenerational living as an opportunity?
Particularly exciting: Ausserhofer advocates intergenerational living - for example through loft conversions or additional cubage in existing houses. This would provide young people with new living space and at the same time strengthen family networks in the home.
📖 Curious?
Read the full article to find out what other opportunities and risks he sees - and why subsidies can also trigger price increases: