Leerstandskataster

Leerstandskataster, also known as a vacant property registry, is a publicly maintained record that lists properties that are currently vacant, underutilized, or otherwise not in active use. The registry is typically maintained by municipalities or urban development authorities and covers residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial buildings, as well as land parcels. The entries usually include the location, current use or vacancy status, and basic contextual notes such as length of vacancy and potential for reuse.

The main purpose of a Leerstandskataster is to provide a structured overview of vacant assets to support urban redevelopment and housing policy. It helps authorities identify opportunities for repurposing, coordinate maintenance and incentives, and monitor vacancy trends over time. For developers and communities, it can indicate sites suitable for conversion into housing, social facilities, or commercial use.

Data in the register may be gathered from official property records, inspections, owner disclosures, and reports from residents or developers. Typical data fields include address or parcel, building type, vacancy status, duration of vacancy, ownership, building condition, and potential for reuse. Access is usually limited to authorities, with public availability varying by jurisdiction.

Benefits include a clearer overview of housing supply, support for targeted interventions, and faster identification of redevelopment potential. Limitations include uneven data quality, differing vacancy definitions, privacy considerations, and the risk that listings may create stigma or speculative behavior.

Leerstandskataster is commonly used in German-speaking countries as part of urban development strategies. It is implemented at city or regional levels and may be linked with digital platforms or reporting tools to engage citizens and developers.