Family offices in Germany are currently increasingly focusing on the purchase of existing apartments. As the experts of the real estate network DAVE confirm, this trend is developing dynamically throughout Germany and is becoming increasingly important for the residential investment market.
“Many family offices are currently looking specifically for existing apartments to expand their portfolios,” says DAVE partner Sven Keussen. Residential packages with 100 to 800 units are particularly in demand, and in some cases there is also demand for 1,000 and more units. “This is not only about growth, but also about stability and long-term value preservation.”
Arcadis, DAVE’s cooperation partner, can also confirm this market development from many current mandates. Thomas Portmann, Head of Transactional Services at Arcadis: “Family offices will be among the most active buyers in the real estate market in 2025/26, focus on direct investments, have a high equity ratio and can therefore also make quick decisions.”
At the same time, the behaviour of traditional housing associations is also changing. Instead of developing new projects, many market participants are increasingly investing in existing properties. The reasons for this include increased construction costs, regulatory uncertainties and a difficult financing environment.
Focus on value-preserving investments and generational handover
In addition to yield aspects, strategic considerations play a central role for family offices. “Housing stocks offer an ideal basis for securing and transferring assets over generations in a structured way,” says DAVE partner Axel Quester. The focus is clearly on sustainable, value-preserving investments.
Particular attention is paid to properties built between 1980 and 2000. These are considered solid, technically manageable and with moderate investment requirements. At the same time, some investors are deliberately showing interest in older holdings from the years 1950 to 1980.
“These properties in particular offer considerable potential for value appreciation through targeted refurbishment measures,” explains DAVE partner Wieland Münch.
Market observation confirmed
DAVE Managing Director René Husfeldt confirms this development: “We are seeing a clear shift towards existing investments. Family offices are currently acting very selectively, but with a clear strategic orientation. The market for larger residential portfolios is picking up noticeably. Institutional private investors in particular are increasingly appearing again.”
DAVE partner Jens Lütjen adds : “The demand for stable residential investments is high. Family offices particularly appreciate the combination of current income and long-term performance.”
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Against the backdrop of a continuing challenging new construction environment, the importance of existing investments is likely to increase further. Family offices are increasingly positioning themselves as important players in the residential real estate market – with a clear focus on stability, substance and generational security.
