Z+ (subscription content); Apartment vacancy: "It is almost impossible to find decent tenants"

Empty Apartments, Full of Doubts: The Hidden Reasons Behind Germany's Housing Vacancy. In Germany, a surprising number of apartments sit empty, even as the search for affordable housing becomes ever more desperate. Why would anyone leave a valuable apartment unoccupied, especially when housing is so scarce? Delving into the minds of property owners reveals a complex web of motivations, anxieties, and personal circumstances. Take Gregor Klaus, who inherited two apartments with his brother near Stuttgart. After previous tenancies ended, they chose not to seek new renters. One apartment remained vacant for two to three years; the other became Gregor's home office and even a place for the occasional table tennis match. The reason? Gregor doesn't depend on rental income, so he feels no urgent financial push to rent them out. When property owners are asked about their choices, a common thread emerges: reluctance to rent isn't always about market conditions. Many express a deep skepticism toward potential tenants, voicing concerns about finding trustworthy individuals who will care for their property and honor agreements. Some fear the hassle and possible legal difficulties if renters stop paying or cause trouble. For others, personal convenience and lifestyle play a role; the flexibility to use the space as they wish, without the complications of tenancy law or the unpredictability of the rental market, is simply more attractive. The result is a paradox: While cities and towns struggle with housing shortages, a significant number of apartments remain shuttered, not due to lack of demand, but because owners hesitate to re-enter the rental market. Their stories highlight an often overlooked side of the housing crisis—one where trust, risk, and personal comfort sometimes outweigh the call to help solve a public problem.