Last year a preliminary survey was conducted for the census of buildings and housing. As part of the survey, some owners and administrators of dwellings and other buildings with residential space were interviewed. The questions for the preliminary survey could be answered quickly and easily via a short online questionnaire. Those required to provide information received a letter containing their access data for the online questionnaire.

The regional statistical offices used the information obtained from the preliminary survey to check whether their data on buildings and owners is accurate and up-to-date. This will ensure that they hold correct information on the persons required to provide information and the buildings and housing to be included in the actual census in 2022.

Aim of the preliminary survey for the census of buildings and housing

The aim of the preliminary survey for the census of buildings and housing was to ensure that the regional statistical offices hold correct information on the buildings and the associated persons required to provide information. The preliminary survey was used to determine whether the data available on buildings and their owners is accurate and up-to-date. It was therefore an important milestone for the census of buildings and housing to run smoothly in 2022.

The data on buildings and their owners, which serves as the basis for both the preliminary survey and the census of buildings and housing, is obtained from various sources (e.g. the surveying authorities and property tax offices). Some of the data has very different structures that had to be standardised. In addition, the data were only valid for a certain point in time and may not reflected dynamically changing events, such as subsequent changes in ownership or changes of address. Any such changes could be determined in the preliminary survey.

Who has to participate in the preliminary survey for the census of buildings and housing?

The group of respondents for the preliminary survey included the owners and administrators of dwellings and other buildings with residential space. However, it may also included other persons who are entitled to manage and use such buildings (e.g. the holders of hereditary building rights). The selected respondents were obliged to provide information during the upcoming preliminary survey.

Unlike with the actual census of buildings and housing to be conducted in 2022, not all of the total respondents were interviewed during the preliminary survey. The regional statistical offices were responsible for selecting the respondents depending on the structure and recency of the available data.

Content of the preliminary survey for the census of buildings and housing

The preliminary survey contained a maximum of eleven questions that could be answered quickly and easily online. The statistical offices used the responses to check whether they have the correct building address in their records and whether the respondents could provide the necessary information about the address in question. They were also be able to clarify any outstanding questions, such as a change of owner that has not yet been recorded in their data.

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