Investment firm Holger Ballwanz Immobilien is continuing to expand its portfolio across the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. Under its current acquisition strategy, the investor is selectively seeking multi-family houses, mixed-use residential and commercial buildings, and larger residential portfolios. The emphasis lies squarely on direct purchases from private or institutional owners whose properties have not yet been openly offered on the market.
Acquisition profile and return expectations
The target investment volume for individual transactions typically ranges from EUR 500,000 to EUR 5 million, although larger property packages can extend the upper end of the spectrum. Individual condominium flats fall outside the acquisition profile. The strategy focuses on existing properties with a solid commercial foundation that either provide an ideal gross rental yield of 8 to 10 per cent or offer corresponding operational upside potential.
In terms of pricing, the firm generally targets multipliers of between 12 and 13 times annual net cold rent. Multipliers of up to 15 times are also considered for prime locations or compelling development prospects. Properties that do not fully meet individual criteria will nevertheless undergo detailed due diligence if the commercial fundamentals are compelling.
Geographic focus and value creation approach
Geographically, the acquisition programme concentrates on the State of Berlin and its surrounding Brandenburg commuter belt. Priority is given to locations offering strong transport links to the capital, including Falkensee, Oranienburg, Bernau bei Berlin, Königs Wusterhausen, Strausberg, Fürstenwalde/Spree and Brandenburg an der Havel. A travel time of roughly 30 to 60 minutes by rail or car serves as a benchmark, although more distant municipalities with stable infrastructure are also reviewed if return metrics are above average.
- —Multi-family houses as well as mixed-use residential and commercial buildings
- —Transaction volumes between EUR 500,000 and EUR 5 million, alongside larger portfolios
- —Gross rental yields of 8 to 10 per cent or purchase price multipliers of 12 to 15
- —Locations in Berlin, the immediate commuter belt and well-connected Brandenburg towns
Value creation is aimed at long-term wealth preservation through stable recurring rental income and the gradual optimisation of the portfolio. This includes vacancy reduction, measured rental growth, refurbishment works, densification opportunities and structured property management. Intermediary listings and corporate M&A transactions are currently not part of the investment scope, as direct communication with property owners remains the key priority.
