Despite a housing crisis in urban areas, Germany has 1.9 million vacant homes, according to the 2022 census.

This represents a 4.3% vacancy rate nationwide.

Over half of these empty homes have been unoccupied for more than a year.

The situation highlights a divide in the German property market: while cities face severe housing shortages, rural areas struggle with high vacancy rates.

Experts call this the 'donut effect,' where new developments on city outskirts leave inner-city areas to decay.

Reasons for vacancies include ongoing renovations, planned demolitions, and properties in less desirable locations.

The government is considering programs to address this issue, particularly in rural areas.