Rents in major Baden-Württemberg cities jump 50% in a decade: DGB study

Rents in major Baden-Württemberg cities have surged by 50 percent over the past decade, a new study by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) reveals. The findings, based on data from market research firm Empirica, show a dramatic increase in housing costs for residents.

In early 2016, the average rent per square meter in Stuttgart, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, Freiburg, and Heidelberg stood at around 10 euros. By early 2026, this figure had climbed to approximately 14.85 euros. Stuttgart saw a 45.4 percent increase, reaching 16.07 euros per square meter. Mannheim experienced a 53.7 percent rise to 12.80 euros, while Karlsruhe's rents went up by 44.3 percent to 13.29 euros. Freiburg and Heidelberg also faced significant hikes of 46 percent and 51 percent, respectively, with rents reaching 16.22 euros and 15.88 euros per square meter.

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The asking rents are rising rapidly nationwide, but the development is particularly dramatic here in the Southwest. This rent spiral must finally be stopped.

As Germany observes nationwide rent freeze action days, DGB Deputy Chair Maren Diebel-Ebers urged for more decisive political action. She emphasized that affordable housing has become a critical social issue of our time. "The asking rents are rising rapidly nationwide, but the development is particularly dramatic here in the Southwest," Diebel-Ebers stated. "This rent spiral must finally be stopped."

The DGB is advocating for a six-year nationwide rent freeze to provide tangible relief for tenants struggling with soaring housing costs. Additionally, the union calls on the state government to increase funding for social housing projects. "An effective rent freeze and the consistent expansion of affordable housing must go hand in hand," Diebel-Ebers concluded.

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An effective rent freeze and the consistent expansion of affordable housing must go hand in hand.