In January 2026, German authorities approved building permits for 19,500 residential units. Destatis reported that this figure represents an 8.4 % increase-about 1 500 more permits-than the number approved in January 2025. Of the total, permits for new‑build apartments rose to 16,400, a 7.4 % jump or 1 100 units. Permits for apartments created by converting existing buildings grew to 3,100, up 13.5 % or 400 units compared to the same month last year.
Breaking down the new‑build category: 16,000 apartments were authorized in purpose‑built residential structures, 6 % (900 units) higher than January 2025. Single‑family houses received 3,800 permits, an increase of 12.6 % (400 units). Two‑family houses saw a 26.1 % rise, with 1,200 permits (300 more). Multi‑family houses, the most common type, earned 10,500 permits, up 7.1 % (700 units). In contrast, new apartments in residence halls fell sharply to 500 units, a 47.6 % drop or 450 units lower than January 2025.
Regarding non‑residential buildings, 350 apartment units were approved in 2026-a 148.6 % increase, 200 units more than in the same month of 2025. These typically include caretaker flats in schools or residential units built above commercial space. Additionally, 3,100 apartments were authorized as conversion projects in existing residential and non‑residential buildings, again 13.5 % (400 units) higher than last year.