The creation of housing in Germany is set to accelerate significantly under a new initiative known as the “Bau-Turbo” (Construction Turbo). On Thursday, the Bundestag passed the corresponding bill proposed by the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, aimed at speeding up planning and approval procedures while allowing certain regulatory exemptions, such as noise protection rules.
Federal Construction Minister Verena Hubertz (SPD) described the initiative as a “bold instrument”, though the construction industry itself sees further need for action. The Bundestag in Berlin approved the “Law to Accelerate Housing Construction and Secure Living Space” with votes from the governing coalition. The opposition parties, AfD, Greens, and the Left, opposed the measure, each having submitted alternative motions that failed to gain majority support.
The bill responds to Germany’s pressing housing shortage. According to the Construction Ministry, “hundreds of thousands of affordable new homes” are missing, and construction projects often take “far too long” due to lengthy planning and approval processes. A central element of the law, which still requires Bundesrat approval, is a five-year special regulation in the Building Code.
This allows municipalities to approve additional housing projects after a three-month review period, provided they opt to apply the Bau-Turbo. Municipalities could skip the often multi-year process of developing detailed land-use plans. In justified cases, exemptions from noise protection regulations would be permitted, and construction could also be allowed in secondary rows or on top of existing structures, such as supermarket roofs.
“We want to build more and build faster,” said Minister Hubertz. “Instead of taking five years for a development plan, municipalities can now approve projects within three months. This means, for example, entire rows of houses can be expanded or vacant urban spaces converted into new housing.” She added that the Bau-Turbo could also apply to daycare centers, local libraries, or schools, creating more opportunities for vibrant and sustainable urban development. “Overall, the Bau-Turbo gives municipalities more freedom and flexibility,” she said.
Felix Pakleppa, Chief Executive of the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB), welcomed the proposal as “an important step that can bring much-needed momentum to housing construction.” However, he warned that it was “a step forward, but not yet a breakthrough.” He added, “The best turbo is useless if the tank is empty. Building in Germany is too expensive, too complicated, and has become unaffordable for many families.” He called for low-interest loans, less bureaucracy, and genuine cost relief to make the initiative effective.
Axel Gedaschko, President of the Federal Association of German Housing and Real Estate Companies (GdW), said the measure was “not really a ‘Construction Turbo,’ but rather a ‘Land Turbo.’” He explained, “The law ensures that land is designated more quickly, but that doesn’t mean construction will happen automatically.” He urged municipalities to “actually make use of the Bau-Turbo.”
Meanwhile, the German Environmental Aid (DUH) organization criticized the law, arguing that what was needed was more of a “Renovation Turbo” rather than a “free pass for land consumption.” DUH Executive Director Barbara Metz said the government was prioritizing “new construction at any cost” instead of focusing on renovation, redevelopment, and social housing promotion that would better serve citizens.
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