Purchase of occupancy commitments for households with special market access difficulties

The grant aims to sustainably strengthen the housing supply for households facing particular market access difficulties in Hamburg. Funding is provided for the acquisition of occupancy rights in the existing stock to offer housing for target groups with integrative support needs – including women from shelters and women’s refuges, people with mental or emotional illnesses, individuals with intellectual or multiple disabilities, as well as young adults requiring assistance from residential youth welfare facilities or after release from incarceration. Program A offers a one-time subsidy of 15,000 euros for occupancy rights with a duration of up to ten years, while Program B provides a grant of 25,000 euros for long-term rent caps of up to 20 years. This instrument contributes to the social mix of neighborhoods and promotes inclusive urban development. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis.

Eligible applicants are property owners and other authorized holders of freely available, unbound rental apartments. Funding is provided for completed housing units from 25 m² (Program A) or 30 m² (Program B), whose rent complies with the Hamburg rent index guidelines and the social authority’s income limits. Funding under Program B is excluded in the districts of Mümmelmannsberg, Steilshoop, Neuallermöhe-West, and Wilhelmsburg. A prerequisite is the conclusion of indefinite rental agreements. The application review includes verification of the apartment’s features, rent limits, and suitability of the intended target group. Upon positive approval, the responsible district office coordinates the occupancy, after which an indefinite rental contract can be concluded with the desired tenants.