Building & Living: Worth knowing from the industry

"Currently, residential construction in Germany is among the most expensive in international comparison," emphasizes the " Immobilienweisen Expert Panel” in its Spring Real Estate Industry Report 2025. Panel member Ralph Henger from the German Economic Institute (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft, IW) highlights in the chapter "Residential Real Estate" various levers that could be adjusted to make building—and thus housing—more affordable again.

How can the energy transition in the building sector succeed?

How Can the Energy Transition in Building Secor Succeed?

"Improving the diversification of housing options and promoting space-saving living" – this key action area is highlighted by a working group of the academy initiative “Energy Systems of the Future” (ESYS) in its impulse “How Can the Energy Transition in the Building Sector Succeed? Key Areas for a Socially Viable Transformation”. The working group outlines the crucial role that upgrading existing building structures plays in achieving climate targets in the building sector.

Sarah Dungs, Chairwoman of the Association for Building in Existing Contexts (Verband für Bauen im Bestand e.V.) and Managing Director of the Greyfield Group

Building in existing structures: seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges

"Our vision is to shift the real estate industry from new builds to existing buildings. We firmly believe that building in existing structures will become the new industry standard," says Sarah Dungs, Chairwoman of the Association for Building in Existing Contexts (Verband für Bauen im Bestand e.V.) and Managing Director of the Greyfield Group. During the webinar "Building in Existing Structures: Seizing Opportunities, Overcoming Challenges," she explained where CO₂ emissions originate in the construction industry, how resources can be conserved, and why a new mindset is essential for working with existing buildings.

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Facts and figures

How Germans want to live
When it comes to the criteria for choosing a flat or house, Germans are quite willing to forgo a balcony putting it only in 6th place among the most relevant features.

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