“We’ve spent too long observing the situation and we’ve put too much faith in the free market when it comes to housing in this country,” according to Semiray Ahmedova. The MP from the Green Party (déi Gréng) and president of the Parliamentary Housing Committee spoke to our colleagues from RTL Radio on Wednesday morning.
Ahmedova criticised that what used to be social housing was sold and these flats are now missing. The free market has evolved in the wrong direction, which is why the public sector must invest in affordable housing, particularly rental housing, according to the MP.
She pointed out that the criteria have been adjusted such that 70% of people can now buy a home on the public market. However, Ahmedova acknowledged that information about available options and aids must be improved.
At the moment, “fewer homes are being built, fewer homes are being sold, and fewer people are receiving mortgages,” the president of the Parliamentary Housing Committee summarised. “We already had a housing crisis,” she said, “we’re still in it and I sincerely hope it doesn’t worsen.”
Although progress has been slow, the Green party politician hopes that the situation will stabilise, allowing for a fresh start.
The reform of the rent and lease law has recently come under fire, with many being concerned that the new law will lead to fewer investments. For now, the government is still waiting for the opinions of other public institutions. The Parliamentary Housing Committee will discuss the reform in January or February.
According to Ahmedova, discussions are still underway. She did not want to say that the draft bill will “pass as is,” saying that this “remains to be seen.” Instead, Ahmedova argued that there had been too many policies that benefited investors rather than people looking for or in need of a home.
“This will change,” the president of the Parliamentary Housing Committee said, before adding that “investing will still pay off.”
