ABSTRACT
This survey describes the German promotion system for residential building, from its beginnings in the 19th century up to the current applicable regulations. It makes clear why there is an important stock of low-cost housing units in nearly all towns of Germany, and what is and what has been the task of public-utility-housing undertakings that are holding the largest part of the low-cost housing stock until today. This survey presents the main elements of "social housing" and for whom social housing is available.
