[throwaway8291]

I leave this here for future reference: if we paint a worst case scenario, by the end of summer 2020, we may have 1M+ casualties in Germany alone.

It's hard to assess the global consequences of hundreds of thousands of flats getting vacant (increasing real estate supply in an overvalued market), labor shortages (which is high even today) and economic output reduction and the all the societal costs.

The only positive thing I see is an event, that unites the whole world - you will be able to relate to strangers - and this is actually a very good thing.

[usuallymatt]

Why would hundreds of thousands of flats be vacant? 1M+ infections won't translate to hundreds and thousands of deaths.

[jxub]

A small increase in supply available, even if it's not a large absulute number will probably lead to a proportionally bigger dip in prices as tenants or prospective buyers might have other options, especially in very bubbly markets with high competition (correct me if this line of reasoning is wrong).

[paulddraper]

The mortality rate is almost certainly overstated due to spotty reporting.

Even if ever single German were infected (unlikely, with any disease), I still doubt there would be that many deaths.

[guerrilla]

That's an interesting point. It reminds me of that TV series "The Leftovers."