Lubuskie Council Discussed How to Improve Housing in Lubuskie

On February 12, 2025, the Lubusz Advisory Council for Development held another meeting, focusing on housing and demographic challenges in the region. The meeting, led by Marshal Marcin Jabłoński, also served as a platform to announce the Lubusz Social Policy Forum, scheduled for February 24, 2025, in Zielona Góra.

Housing Challenges and Demographic Trends

Experts from the Statistical Office in Zielona Góra presented data on housing availability and population trends. Key statistics include:

• The current population of Lubusz is 975,000, but it’s declining.
• Some municipalities, such as Babimost and Iłowa, may see a significant drop in residents by 2060.
• Urban centers like Zielona Góra and Gorzów Wlkp. are also projected to lose population due to suburban migration.
• As of 2023, the housing stock included 405,200 units, with 416 apartments per 1,000 residents.
• Over 80% of housing belongs to private individuals, and 30% of properties were built before 1945.

Housing Development Plans

• Zielona Góra plans new municipal apartments on Suwalska and Anny Jagiellonki streets, with a focus on housing for university graduates.
• Gorzów Wlkp. records 130 real estate transactions per month, with 40% of sales in the primary market. Around 7% of buyers are Ukrainian citizens.
• Przytoczna Municipality is completing 30 new apartments under the Social Housing Initiatives Program by September 2025.

Barriers to Housing Development

A survey by the Lubusz Municipal Association revealed that:

• 45 municipalities have built zero new apartments in the last five years due to financial constraints.
• Legal barriers and land shortages also hinder housing expansion.
• 65% of municipalities lack a housing strategy.

Next Steps

The meeting highlighted the need for improved financing, better legal frameworks, and strategies for attracting new residents. Additionally, topics like rent arrears, transportation accessibility, and foreign migration were discussed.

The Youth Parliament of Lubusz may also provide insights into housing policies from a younger perspective.

The upcoming Lubusz Social Policy Forum on February 24, 2025, will further address these issues, bringing together local governments, institutions, and experts to develop solutions for the region’s housing and demographic challenges.

Source: gov