Hamburg, December 24, 2025 – An apartment building located at the corner of Bismarckstraße and Roonstraße in Hamburg’s Hoheluft district is increasingly resembling a ‘ghost house’ as tenants are systematically evicted under the pretense of impending renovations that have yet to begin, despite years of promises. This situation is forcing long-term residents to vacate their homes, leading to growing frustration and uncertainty.
Tenants Displaced, Renovations Delayed Indefinitely
Among those affected are Minna Schumann and Judith Brune, who are being compelled to dissolve their shared apartment in Hoheluft-West. Their eviction, like that of many others, is purportedly due to extensive renovation plans for the building. However, according to affected residents and local observations, no significant construction or renovation work has commenced for an extended period, raising questions about the true intentions behind the evictions.
A Growing Trend in Hamburg’s Housing Market
This case highlights a concerning trend within Hamburg’s dynamic real estate market, particularly in desirable areas like Hoheluft. Landlords and property owners are increasingly using the pretext of necessary renovations to terminate rental agreements, often with the subsequent aim of re-renting units at significantly higher prices or converting them into condominiums. This practice, while not illegal in itself, can create considerable hardship for existing tenants, especially in a city with a tight housing market.
The lack of visible progress on the promised renovations suggests that the primary motive might be to clear out existing tenants rather than to genuinely improve the building’s condition. This strategy allows property owners to circumvent rent control regulations and capitalize on rising property values.
Community Impact and Resident Concerns
The gradual emptying of the building has a tangible impact on the local community, transforming what was once a vibrant residential space into a sparsely populated structure. Residents express feelings of helplessness and anger, as they are forced to search for new housing in an increasingly competitive and expensive market. The emotional toll of being uprooted from long-established homes and communities is significant.
Minna Schumann and Judith Brune, speaking to local media, conveyed their distress over the situation. “We are being forced out, and for what? The building stands empty, and nothing happens. It feels like we’re being pushed aside for profit,” they stated, reflecting the sentiments of many other displaced tenants.
Call for Greater Oversight and Tenant Protection
This situation underscores the need for more robust tenant protection laws and increased oversight from city authorities to ensure that renovation-related evictions are legitimate and that promised works are actually carried out within a reasonable timeframe. Without such measures, more buildings in Hamburg could face the fate of becoming ‘ghost houses,’ displacing residents and eroding the fabric of established neighborhoods.
Local housing advocacy groups have called for investigations into such cases, urging the city administration to intervene and protect tenants from what they describe as exploitative practices. They argue that the current legal framework is insufficient to deter landlords from using renovation clauses as a loophole for speculative purposes.
The Future of the Bismarckstraße/Roonstraße Building
As of now, the future of the apartment building on Bismarckstraße/Roonstraße remains uncertain. While tenants continue to move out, the promised renovations are nowhere in sight. The building stands as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges within Hamburg’s housing landscape, where the demand for urban living often clashes with the rights and stability of its long-term residents. The situation serves as a critical case study for urban planners and policymakers grappling with gentrification and housing affordability.
The affected tenants hope that public attention to their plight will pressure the property owners to either commence the renovations or offer fair compensation and alternative housing solutions. The community watches closely, as this ‘ghost house’ saga unfolds, symbolizing a broader struggle for housing justice in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.
