Finding a place to live is difficult for many people in Germany. For immigrants and their descendants, however, the housing market is often particularly challenging. This is shown in the 2026 Annual Report of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR). This year’s report focuses on how housing, migration and social participation are connected.
Less Living Space, Higher Costs
According to the SVR, people with a migration background have, on average, less living space per person. They are more likely to live in overcrowded apartments, are less likely to own their homes and have to spend a larger share of their income on housing costs. People who have recently arrived in Germany, families and people with low incomes are particularly affected.
The SVR emphasizes that origin alone is not the decisive factor. Income, education, professional status and the length of time someone has lived in Germany also play a major role. At the same time, migration-specific barriers add to the difficulties — such as limited German language skills, lack of contacts, uncertain residence status or discrimination when looking for housing.
Discrimination Makes the Search More Difficult
Those looking for an apartment often need more than just enough money. Contacts, language skills, documents and the trust of landlords all play an important role. This is exactly where additional barriers arise for many immigrants. The SVR also points to discrimination: people with a migration history or those perceived as having a migration background are often disadvantaged when looking for housing.
Neighborhoods Also Shape Participation
The report also highlights how important the immediate living environment is. A neighborhood is not only a place to live, but also a place for social contacts, education, work, leisure and social support. When poverty and immigration strongly overlap in certain neighborhoods, this can make social participation more difficult. At the same time, so-called “arrival neighborhoods” can also help newly arrived immigrants — for example through networks, familiar languages or existing support services.
What the SVR Recommends
The Expert Council therefore calls for housing, integration and urban development policies to be more closely connected. Affordable housing, good daycare centers and schools, accessible healthcare services, public transport and local counseling centers are important. Anti-discrimination agencies could also help to better inform those affected and respond more consistently to discrimination in the housing market.
The Expert Council on Integration and Migration is an independent, interdisciplinary body that provides research-based policy advice.
Further information:
https://www.svr-migration.de/publikationen/jahresgutachten/2026/
In this context, tünews INTERNATIONAL has reported on an important ruling by the Federal Court of Justice on compensation for discrimination when looking for housing: Compensation for discrimination in the search for housing – tuenews
tun26052907