Construction industry sounds the alarm: system failure” in housing construction in Germany!

Construction industry sounds the alarm: system failure” in housing construction in Germany!

The ongoing problems in German housing construction are the focus of the critical statements made by industry representatives who met in Berlin on Construction Industry Day. The German construction industry makes serious accusations against politicians and speaks of a massive “system failure”. This is not only due to the confusing funding framework of the previous federal government, but also to the current traffic light coalition, as Peter Hübner, President of the Main Association of the German Construction Industry, emphasizes. Hübner commented on this in the RTL and ntv program “ Frühstart ” and explained that the unclear funding landscape had contributed significantly to the missed targets in housing construction.

Even though Hübner gives the current coalition reason to hope that it will act better in the future, he remains skeptical. Swift action is essential in order to increase construction output, which has been stagnating for years. Capacity utilization in the construction industry is currently only 70 percent, which, according to Hübner, is a clear sign of unused potential.

Challenges and suggested solutions

Another central point that Hübner highlights is the problematic small-scale awarding of construction contracts. This practice leads to significant delays in construction projects. To meet this challenge, Hübner is calling for more efficient processes within the construction industry and an increased focus on digitalization. The head of the software company Nemetschek, Padrines, also criticizes the industry for being partly responsible for the crisis. Insufficient digitalization is seen as the main cause of rising construction costs and longer construction times.

The association's general manager Müller adds that the coalition agreement contains promising approaches, but specific projects are crucial. In particular, new laws are needed to efficiently implement the special fund for infrastructure. An urgent reform of procurement law and a boost in planning acceleration are also necessary to get the construction industry going again.

Construction Industry Day and Outlook

Chancellor Merz is also expected to speak at the Construction Industry Day in Berlin, which serves as an important exchange location for industry representatives. The persistently low number of completed apartments in Germany represents a key challenge that cannot be overcome without quick and effective measures. In order to achieve the goals set in housing construction, a coordinated approach by all those involved is required.

The demands and points of criticism expressed at the event are a call to politicians to implement a paradigm shift in construction methods and procurement practices. This is the only way to counteract the stagnating development in housing construction. The Saarbrücker Zeitung and Deutschlandfunk report on this crucial exchange that could set the course for the future of the construction industry.