Alex's Dream Turned Upside Down 💔
Life took a bitter turn for Alex, 41, when his fiancée unexpectedly ended their engagement just two months before their August 2022 wedding. The abrupt breakup left him homeless, forcing him to find a new place to live.
His ex-fiancée's new partner soon moved into the house they'd shared, and Alex discovered, from a friend, that they'd had a baby just a year after Alex moved out.
Bouncing Back, But Struggling
Alexander is still feeling the effects of their split, even as he juggles expenses and manages to save small amounts each month. He's been searching for a more affordable apartment since January 2023 with no luck so far.
His current place, an 85-square-meter apartment, is too expensive and too large for his needs. He makes 2,000 euros net a month, but spends 1,100 euros on rent. In good months, he manages to save 300 euros; in bad months, it's just enough to make ends meet.
He's had to cut back expenses, selling his car and relying on his mother's car for longer journeys. However, even with these sacrifices, his parents' recent leukemia diagnoses made it difficult to ask for further financial assistance.
A Change in Scenery
"A new apartment would take one of my worries away," says Alex. With the housing market in Lübeck facing a significant shortage, securing a smaller and more affordable location has been challenging.
Struggling to Find a New Home? Consider these Options
If you're dealing with a housing market shortage, don't despair. Try these strategies to find a smaller, more affordable apartment:
- Explore alternative housing options like tiny houses or communal living spaces.
- Look for shared accommodations, such as communal living spaces, and utilize online resources.
- Network locally, joining housing groups or forums, to find potential roommates or available apartments.
- Consider moving to suburban areas where housing costs are typically lower.
- Negotiate the rent and be flexible in your moving terms.
- Investigate government assistance programs, offering subsidies and grants.
Sources
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you're not alone. Share your story or offer advice by emailing the series author at . Wishing you a smooth transition!
