<story><title>Most Germans don’t buy their homes, they rent</title><url>http://qz.com/167887/germany-has-one-of-the-worlds-lowest-homeownership-rates/</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>LeanderK</author><text>I am a German CS-Student and currently renting in a shared flat with 4 other students. We call it WG (living-community) and its really popular not only with students, but i know a lot of young professionals and even middle aged ones that share an apartment (it gained popularity in the 60s, so i think its more of an culture thing that older do not share a flat). If you are in a partnership, you can move out and share a smaller one with your partner, but if your not in a partnership (or not that close yet) i wouldn&amp;#x27;t want to miss living in a shared apartment. You come home, talk about your day, cook together and on the weekend you can go out together. There is always something going on. I can&amp;#x27;t imagine living in my own apartment all by myself. Working long and then coming home into an empty, dead, dark apartment with no one to talk to.&lt;p&gt;Serious question: Why is it not very popular in other countries?</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>valine</author><text>I&amp;#x27;ve always been the opposite.  I can&amp;#x27;t stand coming home to an apartment filled with people.  After dealing with chaos all day, I want to know there&amp;#x27;s a quiet, tidy place where I can relax.  I dislike coming back and having to interact with people.</text></comment>
<story><title>Most Germans don’t buy their homes, they rent</title><url>http://qz.com/167887/germany-has-one-of-the-worlds-lowest-homeownership-rates/</url></story><parent_chain><item><author>LeanderK</author><text>I am a German CS-Student and currently renting in a shared flat with 4 other students. We call it WG (living-community) and its really popular not only with students, but i know a lot of young professionals and even middle aged ones that share an apartment (it gained popularity in the 60s, so i think its more of an culture thing that older do not share a flat). If you are in a partnership, you can move out and share a smaller one with your partner, but if your not in a partnership (or not that close yet) i wouldn&amp;#x27;t want to miss living in a shared apartment. You come home, talk about your day, cook together and on the weekend you can go out together. There is always something going on. I can&amp;#x27;t imagine living in my own apartment all by myself. Working long and then coming home into an empty, dead, dark apartment with no one to talk to.&lt;p&gt;Serious question: Why is it not very popular in other countries?</text></item></parent_chain><comment><author>rmc</author><text>&amp;gt; &lt;i&gt;Serious question: Why is it not very popular in other countries? &lt;/i&gt;&lt;p&gt;Because some countries have much, much worse tenants rights.&lt;p&gt;I moved from Ireland to Germany and in Ireland:&lt;p&gt;* There is basically no protection for rent increases, some people are being told their rent is increasing by 50%&lt;p&gt;* Can&amp;#x27;t change your apartment. Not allowed to paint the walls, nearly all come with furniture, better make sure you don&amp;#x27;t damage any of it.&lt;p&gt;* Oh the landlord&amp;#x2F;landlord&amp;#x27;s relative wants to live in the apartment. Eviction time for you.&lt;p&gt;* You give your landlord your deposit. Let&amp;#x27;s hope they can find it again if you move out.&lt;p&gt;* By default, no pets allowed. And many landlords will say no.&lt;p&gt;* Did I mention about the rent increases?</text></comment>