Bremen’s Historic Kaisen Homes Get a Lifeline Under New Agreement

Decades after WWII, Bremen’s emergency homes face an uncertain future—until now. This landmark agreement balances preservation with safety for long-time tenants.

, and Administrator

2025 December 29 . 12:07 PM

1 min read

In this image there is a building for that building there are windows and doors, on that building... — In this image there is a building for that building there are windows and doors, on that building there is some text.

Bremen’s Historic Kaisen Homes Get a Lifeline Under New Agreement

Bremen has reached a new agreement on the future of Kaisen homes, the temporary homes built after World War II. Many of these structures still stand in the city’s allotment gardens, though some have fallen into disrepair. The deal ensures current residents can stay while addressing safety concerns over abandoned buildings.

The Kaisen homes were originally constructed as emergency housing following the war. Over time, authorities began demolishing them to return allotment gardens to their intended use. Since the 1970s, the city has gradually removed these structures, but some remain occupied or neglected.

Under current rules, permanent residency in allotment gardens is banned, and buildings cannot exceed 24 square metres. Previously, the city offered cost-sharing deals for demolitions, but this created uncertainty for tenants leasing intact homes. Many feared future eviction if their homes were later deemed illegal. Now, the State Association of Garden Enthusiasts and the City of Bremen have signed a letter of intent. The municipality will cover demolition costs for homes in poor condition that no longer serve gardening purposes. Residents in well-maintained homes can continue leasing them without fear of forced removal. No other German city has fully cleared similar structures, making Bremen’s approach unique.

The agreement protects existing tenants while targeting only the most unsafe buildings. Abandoned and unstable homes will be demolished at the city’s expense. Meanwhile, those in good condition can remain, ensuring a balance between preservation and compliance with regulations.