The German Real Estate Association (IVD) took over the chairmanship of the German Real Estate Federation (BID) on a rotational basis, effective 1 July. This position was previously held by the German Property Federation (ZIA). Dirk Wohltorf, President of the IVD, will be responsible for leading this significant alliance of associations for a period of one year. The handover took place during an event at the Parliamentary Society in Berlin, which was attended by construction and housing politicians from the German Bundestag.
Iris Schöberl, the outgoing BID chairwoman and President of the ZIA, described the BID at the handover as a united and powerful voice for the real estate industry. She emphasised the BID's relevance in providing important impetus over the past year, particularly with regard to promoting housing construction, improving investment conditions and shaping practical frameworks. Ms Schöberl highlighted that this unity remains crucial for the future. She wished Dirk Wohltorf success for his term of office.
In his inaugural speech, Dirk Wohltorf paid tribute to the personal commitment of his predecessor. He noted that taking over the chairmanship falls during a phase of significant political and economic challenges. Wohltorf stated that the federal government is aiming for a fresh start in construction and housing policy. He expressly welcomed the planned protection against the expropriation of private housing stock as a clear signal for property ownership and investment security. The action plan by Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, Verena Hubertz, and the announced pact for homeownership, a demand which has been made by the real estate industry for years, were also highlighted positively.
To make homeownership accessible to a wider spectrum of the population, Wohltorf considers relief from real estate transfer tax to be essential. He stressed the necessity of rapid and reliable implementation of political measures. According to Wohltorf, the current requirements for the construction sector are excessive and approval processes are too lengthy. He called for greater planning certainty and trust for investors. Furthermore, he lamented that high real estate transfer taxes and difficult financing conditions prevent too many families from acquiring homeownership.
- —Promotion of housing construction
- —Improvement of investment conditions
- —Practical framework conditions
- —Dialogue with the federal government
The BID associations intend to bring their practical experience into the political process and continue the dialogue with the federal government in a trusting manner. The declared aim of the new BID chairman remains to consolidate the industry's positions in the political discourse and to present a united front to politicians, the public and other sectors of the economy.
