Brandenburg's Minister for Infrastructure and State Planning, Robert Crumbach, visited the new Merlin Quartier in Falkensee. He was welcomed at the construction site by Julia Sahi, Member of Parliament for Dallgow-Döberitz, Falkensee and Schönwalde-Glien, and Heiko Richter, the Mayor of Falkensee. The discussions focused on the construction methods and sustainable features of the quarter, as well as the current housing situation in the Berlin surrounds. BUWOG, a subsidiary of Vonovia SE, is realising this project together with HIH Invest Real Estate on Dallgower Strasse.
The Merlin Quartier comprises the construction of a total of 472 new residential units, complemented by around twelve commercial units and a multi-storey car park with 483 parking spaces. Julia Sahi emphasised the relevance of affordable housing as a central social issue of our time. She highlighted that the Merlin Quartier demonstrates what results can be achieved through the cooperation of the state, local authorities, and the housing industry. Brandenburg supports housing construction through significant funding and by enabling faster and simplified procedures. She stressed the importance that new homes should always be considered within the context of a co-growing infrastructure.
The construction project is being developed on a plot of approximately 28,900 square metres. The housing offer is diversified, ranging from one-room apartments to spacious family flats. Some of the apartments are specifically designed for seniors; their care will be ensured in cooperation with the Johanniter organisation. Vonovia has sold about half of the apartments to HIH Invest Real Estate. Katja Wünschel, responsible for new construction on Vonovia's Management Board, explained that the Merlin Quartier proves that Vonovia is delivering new housing in the Berlin surrounds even in a challenging market environment with high construction costs and increased interest rates. The implementation of this project underscores the company's claim as a responsible partner in the housing market.
The new buildings meet the KfW-55 standard. Heat is supplied via a district heating network powered by air-source heat pumps. All 483 car parking spaces are also pre-equipped for electromobility, which highlights the future-proof approach of the quarter. Despite the challenging conditions in the housing market, Vonovia is consistently completing the new Merlin Quartier project. The completion of the first construction phases is scheduled for the end of 2026. The commencement of lettings for the first apartments is planned for autumn 2026.
Tom Kircher, Fund Manager at HIH Invest Real Estate, explained that as a long-term oriented investor, a significant demand for additional housing in the Berlin surrounds has been identified. The investment in the Merlin Quartier as a modern, energy-efficient residential quarter is intended to offer many people a new home, with the cooperation with Vonovia forming an important basis. The city of Falkensee also views the development of the quarter positively. Mayor Heiko Richter highlighted that the continuous influx of residents in recent years confirms the attractiveness and quality of life in Falkensee. He expressed the wish that many Falkensee residents, particularly young people who wish to leave their parental homes, and older residents who can no longer manage their own homes, will find a suitable new home in the Merlin Quartier.
