Sold City – Trailer

Cities worldwide have experienced a real estate boom with rising land and house prices, leading to higher rents. Income growth hasn’t kept pace, risking the displacement of low- and middle-income residents from desirable urban areas.

Until 1989, German housing was regulated and welfare-oriented. Since 1990, the market has taken over, prioritizing returns over the social purpose of housing.

Real estate companies like Vonovia now dominate the market, driven by global investment funds seeking profitable opportunities; turning vibrant neighborhoods into tourist-centric, homogenized hipster districts, and pushing workers to the suburbs.

“SOLD CITY” highlights the dangers to urban culture, presenting a new social issue and a significant threat to democracy.