Living in metropolises: High rents in large cities tighten struggle for skilled workers

According to a study, the high rents in major German cities are a hurdle for companies in the struggle for specialists. According to a survey by the PWC survey, many people see expensive living as a central disadvantage for life in metropolises. This goes so far that a good third of a job change is thinking about a high rental – a minority actually moves.

“In large German cities, there is a massive frustration about the location on the housing and real estate market,” says Bernd Roese, head of the PWC location in Frankfurt. The tense location on the housing market is still threatening to tighten the shortage of skilled workers in metropolitan areas.

Resignation when looking for an apartment

In November and December, 4,000 professionals in Germany between the ages of 18 and 65 were interviewed online from twelve major cities – including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Essen, Leipzig and Hanover.

Result of the representative survey: The vast majority of people assess life in the big city as pleasant – such as shopping, cultural and educational offers, job opportunities and short commuting. Around nine out of ten professionals therefore feel comfortable at their place of residence.

At the same time, however, two thirds are dissatisfied with the rents, the costs of home ownership and the number of free rental apartments. Almost 90 percent believe that in large cities it is a “matter of luck” to find an affordable apartment. In the core of the trend of a survey from the previous year, the core of the trend continued.

Moving willing to move especially in boys

Some employees draw the consequences. According to the survey, every tenth has changed the job in the region because of too high rents (previous year: 11 percent). According to its own statement, 18 percent have already moved in the age group from 18 to 34 years for expensive housing costs. “Even companies that have currently filled all positions cannot rest on their laurels,” says Thomas Veith, real estate manager at PWC Germany.

35 percent have already thought about a job change due to high rents. In the group of 18 to 34-year-olds, this also indicates 43 percent.

If working people are considering a job -related move, affordable rents are decisive for 58 percent – even before the length of the way to work (44 percent). Three quarters (76 percent) would also reject a job if rents at the future place of work are “much higher” than on the current.

High demands on politics and employers

In the fight for affordable living space, the respondents see both employers and the public sector. 90 percent demand that politics should focus more on households with small and medium -sized incomes.

The demands on employers are also high: 81 percent advocate that companies cover travel costs, 85 percent want rent grants in particularly expensive regions. As many advocate that companies provide company apartments and finance the equipment for home office.

For many respondents, HomeOffice is already part of the solution: 70 percent stated that the work from home enables them to live in a cheaper area. In order not to lose such employees, companies are well advised to enable a lot of flexibility and not return home office offers, says PWC expert Roese.