Housing market clarity on the horizon: Qualified rents to be implemented in Greifswald by 2026
The University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald have announced plans to create a qualified rent price index for the city, aiming to provide a more accurate representation of local comparative rent. The index, scheduled to be published on March 1, 2026, will be the result of a collaboration with the research institute FUB IGES in Hamburg.
Currently, Greifswald uses a simple rent index as an orientation aid. However, this index lacks legal binding force and does not consider data from private landlords, leading to a distorted picture of the local rental market. The new qualified rent index, on the other hand, will meet strict legal requirements and be legally binding.
To create this comprehensive data collection and analysis, the city administration will invite both landlords and tenants, including private providers, to participate in an online survey. The survey, which will take place from September to October 2025, will include questions about the rental agreement, building characteristics, apartment size, equipment, and energy infrastructure.
The existing working group on rent indices, consisting of representatives from the housing industry, tenants, and administration, will accompany the creation in a professional capacity. FUB IGES will handle the scientific collection and evaluation of data.
The results of the qualified rent index will be published in a free brochure and on the city's website, with an extensive documentation making the data collection and evaluation processes traceable for the public. An online rent calculator is also planned for publication.
Failure to provide information for everyone in the qualified rent index survey can lead to an administrative offense procedure with fines of up to 5,000 euros. The city administration is asking for support from everyone contacted in the survey to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data.
The qualified rent index, once implemented, is expected to serve as a valuable tool for both landlords and tenants, providing a realistic picture of the local comparative rent and promoting fairness in the rental market.
