Affordable housing is becoming increasingly hard to find in Germany's big cities. The main reason is the euro crisis; those who can afford it are buying - because property is seen as a safe investment. Big cities like Hamburg have a shortage of affordable housing. Students and trainees are hardest hit, as are low-income families. Many of those affected have no choice but to stay with their relatives, and/or are forced to commute long distances. The authorities have pledged to invest in new building projects - but finding vacant plots of land in cities isn't always easy.