PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE AND CHALLENGES IN INCREASING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN GERMANY

The continuing shortage and corresponding rise in demand for affordable housing in Germany has developed into a socio-political issue, intensified by escalating costs, stagnating construction rates, and public opposition. This study provides a comprehensive, data-driven examination of acceptance and opposition among the population, considering socio-economic, psychological, and ideological variables. A nationally representative online survey was conducted to evaluate five hypotheses. According to common belief, neither household income nor level of education significantly indicates support for affordable housing, although age indicates a small yet statistically significant positive link. Positive framing is statistically significant. The term “affordable housing” is met with more approval than “social housing”, which emphasises the influence of strategic communication in shaping opinion. Consequently, the language implemented is a critical factor. The findings indicate that NIMBY phenomena influenced by stigmatisation as well as imagined neighbourhood risk factors remain. The findings possess significant implications for policy and recommend for focused framing techniques and dedicated participation by the public to minimise resistance and promote socially inclusive urban development, particularly in the contest of affordable housing. In the context of new affordable housing construction, the implementation of ambitious goals is unlikely to succeed if there is no redesign of public image, due to the prevalence of public opposition.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/rebs-2025-2-0006