Kleingarten Associations Raise Concerns Over Rising Lease Transfer Prices

The desire for a garden plot is strong among many residents in the outskirts of Berlin, but the costs associated with leasing these plots are becoming increasingly prohibitive. The Kleingarten Association in Brandenburg has voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating prices linked to the transfer of lease agreements.

Individuals interested in acquiring a garden in the Berlin metropolitan area are facing a market where lease transfer prices are soaring. According to the chairman of the Brandenburg Garden Friends Association, the prices set by outgoing tenants are often exorbitant, exceeding reasonable expectations. This issue is particularly pronounced for plots situated in the suburban areas surrounding Berlin.

Social media platforms have seen listings for garden plots with asking prices reaching upwards of EUR30,000, which many consider excessive. These transfer fees encompass not only the land but also the existing structures and equipment, such as sheds and gardening tools, that the departing tenant owns. However, the actual leasing of the land remains separate from these transfer fees.

Pricing in this market is generally influenced by supply and demand dynamics, with outgoing tenants often required to have their plots assessed for value before a transfer can occur. Unfortunately, the appraised values frequently come in significantly lower than the initial asking prices. The association has made it clear that if they become aware of such inflated prices, they will reject any new lease agreements with the prospective tenant.

There is a strong sentiment among garden associations that everyone should have the opportunity to afford a garden plot. The current trend of inflated prices is seen as damaging to the reputation of the gardening community. The average transfer price varies based on location, with the Brandenburg region's outskirts typically seeing fees ranging from EUR3,500 to EUR5,000, as indicated by recent valuation reports.

The situation raises important questions about accessibility and sustainability within the gardening community, as well as the long-term implications of such market trends on local residents' ability to engage in this beloved pastime.