Ageing Together – The Senior Housing Revolution in Germany

As Europe’s population ages, traditional models of senior living are evolving. They are adapting to a whole new generation who does not want to be defined or limited by age. More older adults are turning to house sharing as a practical and fulfilling alternative to living alone or moving into retirement homes.

Germany is one of the countries where mature co-living has become increasingly popular – and in fact the idea of ‘Wohngemeinschaften’ (shared living arrangements) has long been part of the culture. Germany has seen a significant increase in government-supported projects and initiatives to encourage senior house-sharing, making it an attractive option as people get older. The trend is also influenced by the country’s unique housing market and cultural attitudes towards renting. We wanted to take a closer look and see what we can learn from the German model.

Homeownership vs. Renting

Germany stands out in Europe for its low homeownership rates. Only around 48% of Germans own their homes, with the majority opting to rent. In contrast, the UK has traditionally placed a higher emphasis on homeownership, with around 65% owning their homes [i]. However, recent trends indicate a shift, with a growing number of older adults entering the rental market in the UK, mainly driven by financial pressures and the economic climate. For those aged 65 and older, homeownership remains high in the UK (around 74%, according to the English Housing Survey 2021-22), but this is expected to decline as younger generations struggle to get onto the property ladder.

Rental Practices

In Germany, the rental sector provides significantly more stability and security for renters. Tenant protections in Germany are among the strongest in Europe – with regulated rent increases, protection from eviction and indefinite leases. Renting is often the preferred option over buying, providing people with more flexibility and less responsibility when it comes to keeping up a house or flat, especially in older age. In a recent survey, only 12% of German respondents said they wanted to buy a property in the next two years[ii], compared to one in five other continental Europeans. This is a stark contrast to the UK where renting is often viewed as a temporary stage before homeownership.

Cultural Attitudes

Germany’s rental culture is supported by strong tenant rights but also a perception of renting as a viable long-term housing solution. In fact, renting is often viewed as favourable to buying. This contrasts heavily with the UK’s traditional view of homeownership as a marker of success. Market dynamics are changing though, especially in the bigger German cities where rents have been increasing over the last two decades. Between 2010 and 2020, rents in Berlin rose by approximately 84%[iii], leading to new rent control measures. Nevertheless, the ‘renting mindset’ prevails – and the housing ladder remains much less of a consideration compared to other countries.

All of these factors play a role in the desire to rent and house-share in later life. Germany has pioneered several shared housing initiatives tailored for older adults:

• Senioren-Wohngemeinschaften (Senior House Sharing Communities): These communities are typically set up in residential buildings designed for seniors, with shared facilities such as kitchens, lounges, gardens and sometimes even fitness areas. The main difference is that the community is created specifically for people aged 60 or older, which can offer peace of mind in terms of medical and accessibility needs.
  
  
• Betreutes Wohnen (Assisted Living): Assisted living complexes often include private apartments for seniors with communal areas, including kitchens, dining rooms, and recreational spaces. In some cases, residents can share meals or participate in group activities, fostering a sense of community. These facilities offer a higher level of care compared to traditional house sharing, providing seniors with assistance when needed, such as help with personal care, meals, and medical needs. However, they also allow for social interaction with other residents in shared spaces. Around 800,000 seniors in Germany currently live in assisted housing, and demand is expected to rise.
  
  
• Intergenerational Housing: Seniors share communal spaces with families or students whilst everyone keeps their own private living space. Younger residents benefit from the older residents’ experience whilst they help out with grocery shopping, tech support and other tasks. In a recent survey, over 60% of German seniors expressed interest in intergenerational living arrangements, seeing it as a way to stay socially connected and avoid loneliness.
  
  
• Homeshare Programs: Initiatives such as ‘Wohnen für Hilfe’ (Housing for Help) match older adults with students. In exchange for affordable housing, students assist with daily tasks, creating intergenerational bonds and addressing housing needs for both parties. In 2022, over 2,500 students participated in Wohnen für Hilfe programmes across major German cities, showing the growing appeal of this arrangement.

What Can We Learn from Germany?

Germany’s approach to senior house-sharing offers valuable insights for other countries, particularly the UK. The strong rental culture, legal protections for tenants, and well-established co-living models provide a more flexible, affordable, and socially engaging alternative to traditional senior housing.

For the UK, where homeownership has historically dominated, there is a growing need to rethink housing options for older adults. As more people reach retirement age without owning a home, the demand for secure, affordable rental and shared living options will increase. Policymakers and housing developers can learn from Germany’s well-regulated rental market, intergenerational housing models, and support for alternative senior living arrangements.

Ultimately, the German model shows that ageing doesn’t have to mean living alone or moving into a care home – instead, house-sharing and community-driven living can offer a more fulfilling and sustainable way to enjoy later life.

House sharing is a step towards other forms of co-living and communal housing, which introduces you to living with others. Cohabitas is the place to find a house share, but we fully support development of all forms of house sharing in later life.

[i] Eurostat (2024), Housing in Europe – 2024 edition, available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat.
Eurostat (2018), Distribution of population by tenure status, type of household and income group, available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat.

[ii] REMAX, European Residential Property Trend Report 2023, available at: https://www.refire-online.com/markets/germany-remains-nation-of-renters

[iii] Die Welt, 24.11.2024, https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/article254647998