Involvement of the Commission in the planning of the program.

In a bid to address the high demand for larger apartments in Berlin, the city's municipal housing companies have launched a new programme. Starting from September 1, 2025, tenants of Berlin's housing companies, including Berlinovo, degewo, GESOBAU, Gewobag, HOWOGE, STADT UND LAND, and WBM, can more easily move to a smaller apartment.

The exchange portal allows tenants to independently search for exchange partners, regardless of apartment size or company. This initiative aims to create space for families who need more room, while making better use of the existing housing stock.

The managing directors coordinating the programme include the leadership of several state-owned housing companies: degewo AG, Gewobag Wohnungsbau-Aktiengesellschaft Berlin, HOWOGE Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH, GESOBAU AG, STADT UND LAND Wohnbauten-Gesellschaft mbH, and WBM Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte.

The programme does not specify any financial incentives for tenants who choose to move to a smaller apartment. However, households with low income can have up to two net cold rents waived once when moving to a smaller apartment. The new apartment is offered at the local comparative rent, without a new tenant surcharge.

The programme does not apply to tenants who do not wish to move to a smaller apartment. It is also an addition to the existing apartment exchange programme in Berlin. The new offer supplements the existing apartment exchange portal of the municipal housing companies.

The programme does not indicate any changes in rent for tenants who move to a smaller apartment. It shows that the municipal housing companies take responsibility for providing a safe and affordable home, and it's an example of how housing companies respond to the different needs of tenants and contribute to social balance.

The programme enables apartments that better fit different living situations, such as when a family grows or in old age. It's part of a larger initiative that includes record investments in 2025 for new construction, modernization, and social infrastructure.

The programme does not specify any penalties for tenants who do not participate in the programme. It's important to note that the programme targets primary tenants who wish to reduce their apartment by at least one room and ten square meters.

In conclusion, the new housing initiative in Berlin is a significant step towards addressing the city's housing needs. It offers tenants more flexibility and security, while ensuring that the existing housing stock is used more efficiently. By making it easier for tenants to move to smaller apartments, the programme enables more families to access urgently needed living space.