In Berlin, German Property Managers' Day 2026 was opened under the motto "The Future is Now" by the re-elected VDIV President Sylvia Pruß. Before an expert audience of over 1,600 participants, Ms Pruß highlighted the fundamental importance of property management companies for the realisation of political directives in the existing building sector. She called for these actors to be involved at an early stage in legislative and funding policy development processes. At the same time, she appealed to companies in the industry to proactively communicate and represent the essential importance of their services.
The two-day specialist programme focuses on current topics such as digitisation, the integration of artificial intelligence, relevant aspects of condominium and tenancy law, and the necessary reform requirements in condominium law. Further discussion priorities include internal industry change processes and ensuring the sector's future viability in the long term. Ms Pruß emphasised at the start of the congress that the work of property management companies goes beyond mere administration; it encompasses shaping living spaces, preserving tangible assets, and taking responsibility for the central social domain of housing.
Demands on Politicians and Successful Initiatives
The VDIV President made a clear demand to politicians: anyone seeking changes in existing buildings must consult property management companies from the outset. The expertise of those who will later implement changes must be considered already during the development of regulations and funding programmes, not only after their adoption or when implementation difficulties arise. She explained that a regulation is not good merely because of its theoretical formulation, but convinces through its comprehensibility, implementability, and practical suitability.
Ms Pruß substantiated the political relevance of property management companies' concerns with concrete examples from the past twelve months. The VDIV actively participates in the Federal Government's Tenancy Law Commission and played a decisive role in ensuring that the continuing education obligation for residential property managers was retained. The association also successfully resisted additional requirements for a so-called building MOT and advocated for funding conditions for the expansion of charging infrastructure that better consider the decision-making processes of homeowners' associations.
Importance of Qualification and Change
At the same time, Ms Pruß warned against equating the necessary reduction of bureaucracy with a reduction in professional standards. Abolishing continuing education would not lead to bureaucratic relief, but to a decrease in quality and consumer protection. The VDIV's overarching goal therefore remains the establishment of a professional profile that includes clear entry requirements and reliable qualification standards. The VDIV President understands the motto "The Future is Now" as a direct mandate to the industry itself.
The property management sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation process due to technological change, the shortage of skilled labour, and the energy and technical modernisation of properties. Ms Pruß encouraged the companies involved to proactively help shape this change and to confidently present the value of their services. She concluded by succinctly summarising the profession's self-perception, describing property management companies as the experts for existing buildings, partners for owners, translators between politics and practice, and enablers of change. The central message at the opening of the congress was: "It won't work without us."
