Dieter Reiter, the mayor of Munich, unexpectedly announced on Friday that the urban development measures (SEM) in the northern and northeastern parts of the city have failed. He criticized the initiative for not resulting in any building rights or constructed apartments even after 15 years of preparation. He emphasized the need to restart discussions with property owners to explore new planning routes. The SEM is designed to enable municipalities to regulate and freeze land prices to prevent speculation in land development, but it has encountered significant resistance from property owners and farmers, who oppose the potential for expropriations.

The SEM was initially intended to facilitate the creation of housing for approximately 30,000 people across vast areas, including about 900 hectares around Feldmoching and 600 hectares around Daglfing. However, despite previous council resolutions to initiate these measures, local landowners have resisted, voicing concerns over possible loss of land and the impact of expropriation policies. This backlash has contributed to the failure to make tangible progress in developing new residential areas in these neighborhoods, further exacerbating the housing crisis in Munich.

With the mayor's call for a restart, the focus will likely shift towards finding more collaborative solutions that address the concerns of landowners while still prioritizing the urgent need for housing. This situation underscores the complexity of urban development in Germany, where balancing the interests of public housing needs and private property rights remains a contentious challenge that city planners must navigate going forward.