Bavaria launches drive to turn vacant buildings into homes
Thursday 1st October 2026 on 05:30 in
Bavaria
Bavaria is launching a programme to convert empty offices, shops and other commercial buildings into affordable rental housing, BR reports. The initiative aims to address both the shortage of homes and vacant properties in town centres.
The state’s construction ministry says its “Leerstand jetzt WOHNEN” programme will help municipalities turn unused buildings into housing rather than expand into new land. Participating towns and communities will receive funding and advice on planning, permits and construction. The programme combines housing and urban development grants, with lessons from the pilot projects intended to help other municipalities.
One of five pilot communities is Reischach, in Upper Bavaria’s Altötting district. The community plans to convert its former town hall into eight apartments for young people. With few small, affordable homes available, some young adults leave after moving out of their parents’ homes and do not return, says Mayor Alfred Stockner.
The town hall has been empty since the local administration moved out. Built in the 1950s, the building has also served as a post office and fire station. The municipality and architect Michael Leidl are working on a plan to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible while adapting it for residential use.
Adjusted building requirements are intended to make conversions more practical and affordable. Under the pilot programme, only the ground-floor apartments need to be accessible, rather than the entire building. Safety standards remain in place, with requirements assessed for each building.
The conversion is expected to cost about 2.6 million euros. Stockner says that is still less than demolishing the building and constructing a new one. With grants, the municipality expects to pay about 750,000 euros, helping keep future rents affordable.
Young residents have been involved in planning, including decisions about shared rooms and whether laundry facilities should be in the apartments or a communal basement. The project began with five pilot schemes and about 50 planned apartments. The ministry says 20 projects are now under way, and the programme aims to reach 50 projects and around 500 apartments by mid-2028. The Reischach conversion is due to be completed by the end of next year.