PUBLICATION 2026

Edited by Hellen Aziz, Hassan Elmouelhi, Anke Hagemann

Refugees and the Berlin Housing Market

Structural Barriers and Personal Struggles in Berlin’s Refugee Housing Transition

Studio and Seminar: Refugees and the Berlin Housing Market (SoSe 2025)

Teaching Staff: Hellen Aziz, Dr. Hassan Elmouelhi, Prof. Dr. Anke Hagemann 

Students: Sarah Levihn, Marinus Löw, Anna Gläser, Maria Kopp, Lorenz Hahnheiser, Emilie Müschen, Lena Meyer, Roberta Baxho, Sarina Schmidt, Shraddha Mahajan, Soolmaz Qaribsami, Nele Herbig, Theresa Stahl, Teresa Immler, Rebecca Maria Manolescu, Alina Willkomm, Helene Rehahn

This research project, conducted in collaboration with the State Office for Refugee Affairs (Landesamt für Flüchtlingsangelegenheiten, LAF) Berlin, investigates refugee housing in the city, focusing on six modular refugee accommodations (MUFs 2.0) located in Berlin’s outer districts—Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Pankow, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Lichtenberg, Reinickendorf, and Treptow-Köpenick—selected by the LAF to represent diverse housing systems and social environments.
The study concentrates on five key areas that influence refugee housing transitions: housing market dynamics, legal and administrative requirements, accommodation quality and conditions, social and cultural factors, and access to services and integration support. These themes form the basis of the research hypotheses.

This booklet guides readers through the research from foundational context to final conclusions. It begins with background information on the history of refugees in Germany and Berlin, outlines the types of shelters available, and describes the governance and integration processes shaping refugee accommodation. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, on-site observations, and comparative analyses. This methodology enables a comprehensive understanding by integrating statistical data with fieldwork and personal experiences.
A discussion section interprets the findings within broader social, political, and economic contexts and explores potential future scenarios for refugee housing in Berlin. The booklet concludes with key insights and recommendations aimed at improving accommodation strategies and integration policies.

By integrating empirical evidence with thorough analysis, this booklet provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges refugees face transitioning from temporary shelters to permanent housing, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike.

Find full PDF here.