For years after the reunification, Berlin was known to offer incredibly low cost of living, especially in terms of rent. Possibly the best conditions of any cap

For years after the reunification, Berlin was known to offer incredibly low cost of living, especially in terms of rent. Possibly the best conditions of any capital in Europe. In recent years, though, it has been hit by gentrification with full force. Traditional everyman's quarters are being turned into "luxury living spaces". Property prices have skyrocketed since rich investors (apparently prominently of Russian origin, but also others) discovered the city. It seems trendy to buy out apartments only to leave them empty most of the year, and only really use them for the occasional visit. In some cases, long-time tenants are actively "encouraged" to give up their apartments so that the owners can either renovate them to a higher standard (which the same tenants couldn't afford to pay for) or to tear down the building altogether and build new upscale build complexes. It's not surprising that you find Berlin a lot different now than when you first visited.