Renovated dwellings provided for displaced individuals seeking asylum
In a significant move towards addressing the city's refugee housing needs, Leipzig's Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung has confirmed the conversion of two multi-family houses at Magdalenenstraße 24 and 26 into a group accommodation facility for refugees. This decision follows a proposal from Leipzig Mayor Dr. Martina Münch.
The new accommodation, set to become operational in September 2025, will serve as a replacement for the facility in Wilhelminenstraße 38, which will see its rental contract end on May 31, 2026. The buildings, previously used for commercial rental (workers' apartments) by a master tenant, will undergo renovation and can be used immediately after the conversion.
The social welfare office in Leipzig is actively seeking suitable houses and areas throughout the city to eventually relocate people from the current emergency accommodations. As of mid-June 2025, around 300 people were living in emergency accommodations, which include tents and an exhibition hall.
The new accommodation in Magdalenenstraße 24 and 26 will house up to 40 people. The operation and social support will be outsourced to an external partner. The rental of the buildings by the city of Leipzig will commence in August 2025 for a period of fifteen years.
The contact details for the new accommodation will be published on [www.leipzig.de/fluechtlinge] before the start of use. More details about Leipzig’s local refugee housing policies or plans can be found in official German or Leipzig municipal government sources, refugee-related NGOs active in Leipzig, or recent local government press releases and reports for 2025.
It's important to note that, as of August 2025, there are no detailed or specific publicly available plans regarding the transition of emergency accommodations in Leipzig towards permanent group accommodation facilities for refugees.
This development is a step towards addressing the current capacity limitations of group accommodations, which has necessitated the use of emergency accommodations. Many people living in emergency accommodations have been there for more than a year. The new accommodation in Magdalenenstraße 24 and 26 will help alleviate these challenges and provide a more permanent solution for those seeking refuge in Leipzig.
Upon commencement of operation in September 2025, the new group accommodation facility at Magdalenenstraße 24 and 26 will be shared on Leipzig's official website (leipzig.de/fluechtlinge), offering a permanent solution for up to 40 refugees who can currently only reside in emergency accommodations, including tents and an exhibition hall. Social media and home-and-garden enthusiasts might find an update on the transformation of these buildings from commercial rental properties to refugee housing a unique glimpse into Leipzig's lifestyle, while also staying informed about the city's ongoing efforts in entertainment and social support for its refugee community.
