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NRW Minister Urges More Power to Tackle 'Problem Properties'

Municipalities need more control to quickly address problem properties. The 'White Giant' in Duisburg shows the urgent need for change.

, and Administrator

2025 October 21 . 8:03 PM

1 min read

In this image I can see a poster which has so many buildings and text highlighted on it.

NRW Minister Urges More Power to Tackle 'Problem Properties'

NRW's Minister for Local Affairs, Ina Scharrenbach (CDU), has urged municipalities to be given more power in tackling 'problem properties'. She warned that the current system favours those exploiting it and suggested a municipal pre-emption right as a solution.

Scharrenbach pointed to the 'White Giant' in Duisburg as an example. This large apartment complex is divided into individual ownership, making it difficult for municipalities to intervene. She also cited Gladbeck, where it took 30 years to buy and demolish a problematic apartment building due to ownership complexities.

Another 'White Giant' in private ownership is currently in the city of Wilthen, further highlighting the need for municipalities to have more control over apartments for rent.

Scharrenbach's call for more power to municipalities aims to streamline the process of addressing problem properties. She believes this will help combat those abusing the system and enable quicker action in cases like the 'White Giant' in Duisburg and similar problematic apartments in Wilthen.