The German Property Federation (ZIA) has positively received the federal government's latest initiatives. The association considers the focus on digitisation and bureaucracy reduction during the cabinet meeting, particularly with regard to the construction sector, to be a significant step. Given the ongoing challenges in the housing market, the acceleration and digitisation of planning and construction processes are deemed essential. The ZIA highlights that the “over-standardisation” in construction, as named by Federal Minister for Building Verena Hubertz, requires urgent review and reduction. The aim is to simplify, accelerate, and reduce costs in the construction sector.
In this context, the ZIA points to the outstanding draft law for Building Type E, whose introduction has been announced for some time. The absence of this draft is criticised as a deficiency, as it could contribute to the necessary standardisation.
Federal Housing Construction Company and Capital Mobilisation
The ZIA generally welcomes Minister Hubertz's intention to present a concept for the already discussed federal housing construction company in the autumn. The real estate industry signals support for measures that promote housing construction and stabilise the market. However, it is emphasised that such a company must not compete with existing private project developers. Its primary task should instead be to optimise investment conditions, minimise risks, and specifically mobilise private capital for the realisation of more housing.
The ZIA emphatically appeals to the federal government, and particularly to the Federal Minister for Building, to involve the comprehensive expertise of the industry early and intensively in the development of the concept for the federal housing construction company, as well as in the revision of building and planning standards. Aygül Özkan, Chief Executive Officer of the ZIA, stressed the necessity of a housing policy that rapidly and effectively provides solutions. She underlined the importance of close and intensive exchange between the stakeholders involved in housing construction and politicians.
- —Acceleration and digitisation of planning and construction processes are prioritised.
- —The “over-standardisation” in construction requires reduction.
- —A federal housing construction company should mobilise private capital, not compete.
- —The expertise of the real estate industry must be involved early.
The ZIA reaffirmed the real estate industry's readiness to actively participate in these processes. Such cooperation is considered indispensable for the creation and management of housing and is seen as a cornerstone of a successful housing policy.
