Housing in Small Towns
Real Estate Markets, Segregation Patterns and Housing Practices
In light of the strained housing situation in large cities and growing interest in small-town housing potentials, there is a notable research gap concerning housing patterns and real estate developments in small towns. Although urban and spatial research on small towns has increased in recent years, housing-related data below the district level remain scarce. Segregation patterns and the housing practices of different social and age groups have also received limited attention—despite the fact that around 30% of Germany's population lives in small towns.
The newly established working group aims to address this knowledge gap. Its initial focus lies on three core themes:
- Actors, markets, and socio-spatial inequalities
- Urban development and inner-city housing
- Housing forms and everyday practices
Additional areas of interest include the reuse of vacant buildings, housing policy challenges, and housing experiences across gender, age, and migration backgrounds.
The group’s interdisciplinary and multi-method approach seeks to inform both research and practice, with outcomes including publications and conference contributions.
