"Construction turbo" to create living space more quickly in Dresden

Dresden wants to accelerate the creation of urgently needed new living space with the so-called "Bauturbo". The instrument comprises a series of amendments to the German Building Code, which have been in force since the end of last October. With the new regulations, residential construction projects can be approved more quickly overall, but the municipality decides on the application on a case-by-case basis.

To ensure that the city council does not have to approve every single building application, Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) has presented a resolution in principle that gives him the power to decide on projects up to a size of one hectare. A vote in the city council is still planned for larger projects. The regulation is to apply until 2030.

Clear regulation for efficient application of the "Bauturbo"

"The aim is to clearly regulate responsibilities and processes in order to be able to apply the new regulations efficiently," said Building Mayor Stephan Kühn according to a press release. Many other municipalities in Germany have also drawn up such a basic resolution.

"To ensure that the projects are actually implemented and that the construction turbo does not mutate into a speculation turbo, we always link the application to the fact that construction must begin promptly," Kühn clarified. The developer should commit to starting construction within three years of planning permission being granted.

The city council still has to approve the decision in principle. It has not yet been decided when the final vote will take place. Consultations in committees, district councils and local councils are planned until March.

21,000 new apartments needed by 2035

According to current forecasts, Dresden will need around 21,000 new apartments by 2035. Against the backdrop of the expansion of the chip industry in the north of the city, demand will be particularly high over the next five years. Around 2,300 new apartments will be needed every year until 2030. However, construction activity has been significantly lower in recent years, with only 1,700 apartments being built in both 2023 and 2024. Accelerated housing construction should help to achieve the required level.