According to the housing cooperative "Lipsia" eG, all 38 residential units in the two point blocks at Brackestraße 28-30 in Leipzig-Grünau have been fully let and occupied since autumn 2025. The final sustainability certificates confirm the targeted KfW Efficiency House 40 NH standard. Additionally, the "Quality Seal for Sustainable Housing" (NaWoh) was awarded. The trade-by-trade acceptance of the buildings took place in August and September 2025, allowing the first tenancy agreements to commence on 1 September 2025.
Even before the official start of letting, the "Lipsia Twins" experienced high demand. Nelly Keding, Chairwoman of the Lipsia Board, stated that a ratio of almost 270 interested parties for 38 flats illustrated the need for modern, barrier-free living space in Grünau. This result supports the argument for cooperative new builds, as these not only create additional housing but also provide access for new members and promote a broader age mix within existing properties.
The average net cold rent for the flats is 13.00 Euros per square metre. This is below the current asking rents for new builds in Leipzig, which are between 13.50 Euros and 14.70 Euros. The rent is based on a tightly calculated cost rent, which reflects the construction, financing, and management of a new building to the KfW 40 NH standard under the building price and interest conditions of 2023 to 2025. A profit margin is not included, as Lipsia, as a cooperative, does not aim to generate profit from this property but rather to cover its costs.
Sustainability and economic viability
Rolf Pflüger, Lipsia's Board Member for Financial Management, explained that with a new build, rent can only be reduced within the scope of construction and financing costs, without burdening the rest of the portfolio. The full allocation of the flats at this price signals a viable demand for high-quality and energy-efficient living space, including in the Grünau district. He emphasised that the new builds represent a complement to Lipsia's existing, affordable housing stock of around 8,000 flats.
The original planning regarding the timber-hybrid construction with a freestanding timber facade, as well as the floor plans and fittings, was implemented without compromise after completion. Likewise, extensively greened roofs with photovoltaic systems and an integrated system for rainwater retention and infiltration were realised. The completed certification proves that the energy and ecological target values of the project were achieved in the finished building. Rolf Pflüger described the "Lipsia Twins" as a reference object on the path to a climate-neutral portfolio by 2045 and a source of important experience for future modernisation projects.
Integration into urban quarter development
With an investment volume of 12.6 million Euros, the "Lipsia Twins" are among the largest new construction projects in the cooperative's history. They are part of Lipsia's long-term urban quarter development in Grünau. Following the "Kulkwitzer See-Terrassen" and the "Lipsia Tower" on Miltitzer Allee, completed in 2020, this represents Lipsia's third new construction project in the district. Simultaneously, Lipsia's largest modernisation project of recent decades is being continued on Uranusstraße.
- —Total investment: 12.6 million Euros
- —Number of residential units: 38 in two point blocks
- —Location: Brackestraße 28-30, Leipzig-Grünau
- —Certifications obtained: KfW Efficiency House 40 NH standard and NaWoh seal
Approximately 3,600 of the flats managed by Lipsia and the housing cooperative "Elsteraue" eG are located in Grünau, making Lipsia the largest portfolio holder among the socially oriented landlords in the district. Nelly Keding underscored the relevance of ongoing development for the Grünau district and highlighted that the "Lipsia Twins" contribute to a Grünau that remains attractive in the decades to come.
