Edge, a real estate developer and investor active throughout Europe, has entered into a strategic partnership with Akiş REIT for the development of a residential project in Berlin-Lichtenberg. The project, which is expected to include more than 150 residential units, is Akiş REIT’s first investment in Germany and represents a major milestone in Edge’s growing build-to-rent platform.
The project in Berlin-Lichtenberg is being built in a well-connected district with excellent public transport connections and in the immediate vicinity of educational institutions and local institutions. The project is intended to help meet Berlin’s growing demand for high-quality rental housing and at the same time support the further development of the district. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027, with completion in 2029.
Capital and development expertise
The collaboration combines Edge’s extensive experience in developing sustainable, innovative and people-centered real estate projects across Europe with Akiş REIT’s investment strength and international growth ambitions.
Levent Çanakçılı, Board Member and General Manager of Akiş REIT, comments: “The projects implemented by Akiş REIT so far and the portfolio built up give us a proven track record in the industry. Now we are transferring this know-how to international markets. Our first investment in Berlin represents not only a new project partnership, but also the concrete implementation of our long-term growth vision. It is particularly important to us that the project creates a sustainable and future-oriented living environment. We are looking forward to working with Edge, a strong partner for project development in one of Europe’s most dynamic real estate markets. At the same time, we continue to explore investment opportunities in Europe and other markets, with a focus on investments that create sustainable value.”
Jan Salzmann, Managing Director and Co-Head Germany at Edge, adds: “We are expanding our platform specifically in the build-to-rent sector to close one of the most pressing structural gaps in the European real estate market. There is a clear and persistent shortage of high-quality rental housing with institutional investment quality – especially in core markets such as Berlin. For us, build-to-rent is a central component of our development from developer to investment manager. Our goal is to build a scalable platform together with strong capital partners that combines development expertise with long-term asset ownership. Particularly pleasing is the partnership with Akiş REIT, who share this long-term vision and can grow with us as we grow the platform. Ultimately, this is not just about building housing. It is about meeting a basic social need – through better housing, supporting economic growth and promoting sustainable and resilient urban development.”
Expansion of Edge’s residential platform
The project in Berlin-Lichtenberg is part of Edge’s comprehensive residential strategy in Germany, which focuses on creating sustainable and future-proof housing in key European markets. Through strategic partnerships with institutional investors and capital partners, Edge aims to further expand its build-to-rent platform and deliver high-quality residential projects that meet the growing demand for urban housing.
