Housing and living in the Dresden region
Housing Potential Analysis for the Dresden Region
(KEM Mitteldeutschland GmbH, July 2025)
In the northern part of Dresden, the construction of the ESMC semiconductor factory (European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a joint venture between TSMC, Bosch, Infineon, and NXP Semiconductors) and the planned expansions of existing microelectronics companies—including related suppliers and service providers—will further expand the region’s status as a semiconductor hub of European significance.
In this context, an influx of skilled workers, population growth, and an impact on the housing supply are anticipated. Consequently, a study on the potential for residential development in the Dresden region was conducted in 2025 as part of the project.
Objectives of the study
The objective of this study was to identify the short- to medium-term housing potential that can be realized. In this analysis, housing potential refers to opportunities that can be developed by 2035.
Housing potential in the study area was assessed for the following seven categories:
- Legally binding zoning plans
- Zoning plans under development
- Approved land-use plans
- Prospective development areas
- Potential under Section 34 of the German Building Code (BauGB)
- Other property-specific expansion/renovation potential
- Vacancies
Study Results
Ultimately, after surveying potential member municipalities in the Dresden region, the residential potential was determined for a total of 71 cities and municipalities.
The determined residential potential was then cross-referenced with the accessibility of the Airportpark Dresden—the location of the major semiconductor companies—via motorized private transport (MPT) and local public transit (LPT). In summary, the study identifies a total housing potential of 73,400 residential units, of which approximately 48,500 can be developed by 2035.
Thanks primarily to the ESMC site in Dresden’s excellent motorized transport connections, approximately two-thirds of the housing potential that can be realized by 2035 is located within a 30-minute radius.
Link to the Study on Labor Force and Population Trends in the Dresden Region
Although the findings of the Housing Potential Study (KEM) cannot be directly compared with those of the Study on Labor Force and Population Trends (CIMA), clear trends can be identified.
The projected future jobs and incoming workers are matched by a wide range of housing options across various categories. A significant portion of these are easily accessible (particularly by private vehicle) from the Airportpark in northern Dresden.
In this regard, it can be concluded that there is sufficient potential in the region in existing properties, infill development sites, and developable land, which have varying planning statuses. Overall, therefore, the primary need is for a concerted effort to unlock the available potential in the region.
The study in german is available at the following link: KEM Study