It is not yet possible to estimate how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the housing market in the more rural regions. However, the latest Sparda study "Housing in Germany 2020 - Differences between urban and rural areas" provides some initial indications. This year's study, which was carried out in cooperation with the German Economic Institute (IW) and its consulting subsidiary (IW Consult), focuses on migration movements in Germany and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the real estate market, among other things. One important finding: for young families in particular, space plays a decisive role in addition to price, availability and infrastructure. When looking for a detached house to buy, the chances of finding one are significantly better in rural areas than in conurbations. Prof. Dr. Michael Voigtländer, Head of Financial Markets and Real Estate Markets at IW Köln, explains: "Anyone looking for more living space for their family is moving out of the big cities and into the surrounding areas. High-density rural areas close to conurbations are particularly attractive. Here, 42 percent of advertised properties offer more than 120 m² of living space. In contrast, the proportion of single-family homes advertised in conurbations is only 11 percent. Those looking for a 1-2 room apartment are more likely to find what they are looking for here: these make up almost a third of the properties advertised." It is therefore very possible that working from home, which has become popular as a result of the coronavirus crisis, will further reinforce this trend. If the distance to the workplace is only an incidental criterion, other things such as more space for a lower price will become a priority. This could result in significantly more people moving to the surrounding urban areas, which will cause property prices in these regions to rise. https://sparda-verband.de/pressemeldungen/sparda-wohnstudie-2020/