Why Do So Many Germans Rent for Life?

Germany's large rental population is not explained by a simple dislike of homeownership. Open-ended leases, tenant protections, high purchase costs, limited tax advantages for owner-occupiers, and established rental housing make long-term renting practical for many people. However, rising prices for new leases also mean that some tenants stay because moving or buying has become too expensive.

德国租房人口众多，并不能简单归因于人们不喜欢买房。无固定期限租约、租客保护、较高的购房成本、自住房业主有限的税收优惠，以及成熟的出租住房体系，使长期租房成为许多人的现实选择。不过，新租约价格上涨也意味着，一些租客留下来并非完全出于偏好，而是因为搬家或买房已经过于昂贵。