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Norderney in crisis: Where are the apartments for locals?
Norderney is struggling with a lack of housing and high rents. Young entrepreneurs are looking for solutions for a sustainable island.
Norderney in crisis: Where are the apartments for locals?
Norderney, the charming East Frisian island with almost 6,000 inhabitants and around 600,000 visitors every year, is facing profound challenges. While nature and beaches are in all their glory, locals are increasingly struggling with the high cost of living and an acute lack of affordable housing. Moin reports that...
The situation is tense: vacation rentals and luxury apartments are crowding out affordable rental options, which has become a real problem for the people who keep the island running. An example from the real estate offering illustrates the situation: a 49 square meter apartment with a sea view is offered for an impressive 980,000 euros, while only one advertisement for a small rental apartment for 900 euros was discovered, which makes life considerably more difficult for locals and employees. The district newspaper highlights that…
However, the city of Norderney has already introduced measures to counteract this development. Under the leadership of Anika Stute, spokeswoman for the Norderney building authority, plans are being worked on that will both control the use of living space and require approval for the conversion of living space into holiday apartments. In addition, projects such as “Gartenstadt” and “Lüttje Legde” are in the pipeline, which are intended to create permanent housing.
Acute problems with the housing situation
The effects are noticeable: high rents and vacancies in the island's city center are alarming, especially in the high season. Spa director Wilhelm Loth blames the high rent prices, which are often charged by non-local landlords and communities of heirs, for this. For example, a commercial property of 80 square meters currently costs 3,150 euros. Loth warns that Norderney's attractiveness is at risk if the price situation does not change. NWZ reports that...
He appeals to landlords to take responsibility and improve the situation in order to prevent a deserted settlement like Sylt. There is also something positive to report: a new generation of young entrepreneurs, including restaurateur Janis Kleemann, is actively committed to making Norderney fit for the future. With a new restaurant in the pedestrian zone, Kleemann is planning offerings that will also appeal to younger people.
Setting the course for the future
The city of Norderney has set itself the goal of developing strategies to improve the housing situation and counteract the impending sell-out. This includes, among other things, controlling the increase in land prices and the implementation of development plans to densify and optimize living space. So the hope remains that Norderney will not only remain a popular holiday destination, but also a livable home for its residents, while young people bring a breath of fresh air and new ideas to ensure a positive future for the island.