Dwellings and Generational Change in Owner Communities

Abstract

This paper investigates suburban owner communities in Germany, focusing on how they address ecological, social, and demographic challenges. Originating in the 1950s and 1960s, these settlements are characterised by small houses, large gardens, and strong neighbourhood networks. The study, part of the project Residential Property for Generations, analysed five owner communities in Rhineland-Palatinate through surveys and participatory foresight workshops. Results show that while strong social bonds and neighbourly support persist, investments in housing modernisation are often postponed, with many homes sold rather than passed on to the next generation. Although older residents actively engage in their communities, their potential for driving energy-efficient modernisation remains underutilised. The findings suggest that owner communities offer resilience in terms of social cohesion, but face difficulties in adapting dwellings to meet future ecological and generational demands.