BSW on housing

The BSW rejects federal requirements such as the Heizungsgesetz (heating law) and wants to relieve homeowners through Thuringia's own rules. Instead it calls for a funding program, "Thüringer Land – Wohnen Sozial," for energy-efficiency renovations by low-income owners and families.

The heating law is a federal law. It sets rules for new heating systems. The BSW is against it. Homeowners should carry less burden. Families and people with little money should get help with renovations.

Low-income people and families should receive support and loan guarantees for investments and renovations. The special program "Thüringer Land – Wohnen Sozial" would fund energy-efficiency renovations for these groups. Through a Bundesrat initiative, the BSW wants to expand funding for energy-efficient renovation of residential buildings. Annual state funding for age-appropriate, low-barrier and disability-accessible conversions should rise.

The BSW wants to create twice as many social housing units each year as now, through new construction and full renovation, including on suitable state-owned land. Municipal housing companies and cooperatives should be strengthened and building permits sped up.

Housing must be affordable. The BSW wants to build twice as many social housing units. State-owned land can be used for this. Towns and housing co-ops should build more. Building permits should come faster.

Municipal housing companies and cooperatives should be strengthened as nonprofit investors in renovating, maintaining and building public housing. Municipalities should get help buying and developing vacant buildings and brownfields, based on a statewide vacancy register. Thuringia's building code and permit procedures should be simplified. Urban development and village renewal funding should support heavy-rain protection, green spaces, water features and firefighting water cisterns, and allotment gardens should be protected and new ones made possible.