Press

The rent control (Mietpreisbremse) has been a central topic in German housing policy for years. The goal is to dampen the rise in rents in tight housing markets. But how effective is this tool really? Studies, such as the comprehensive analysis by Konstantin Kholodilin from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), show: Rent regulations can slow down rent development.

The monastery courtyard has long been part of the charming cityscape of Kempen’s city center. Ten years ago, the striking neoclassical building was completed by the Ralf Schmitz company in the heart of Kempen. After two years of construction from 2012 to 2014, exclusive condominiums, spacious retail spaces, and a public underground parking garage with over 100 parking spaces were created.

Founder Ralf Schmitz, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, is retiring from management and taking over as chairman of the supervisory board of the company, one of Germany’s most important developers of high-quality residential properties in exclusive locations. In the future, management will remain in the hands of son Dr. Axel Schmitz, who has been a member of the board since 2011, joined in 2019 by business graduate Dirk Schnurbus.

Whether owner, developer or tenant – climate protection measures in the housing sector concern us all. As is so often the case, the same applies here: Openness and a close look at the facts are indispensable.

The shortage of building materials is forcing an entire industry to grind to a halt – as are affected buyers and communities. What helps? Project developers, trades, politicians and buyers must work together and face the challenges together.

The topic of sustainability and the conservation of our finite resources is increasingly dominating the discussion in the real estate industry. All too often, the focus is solely on keywords such as energy efficiency or thermal insulation.

There are ten different living types in Germany into which people can be classified – depending on their values, ideas and preferences. Author Axel Schmitz wrote his doctoral thesis on the different types – and what is most important to them when it comes to design and furnishings. For example, there is the middle class, which places a lot of value on order and privacy. The performers, on the other hand, like to have the latest technology and prefer large eat-in kitchens.

Show me how you live and I will tell you who you are – there is a lot of truth in this saying For project developers, architects, brokers and residents alike, it would be wonderful if this sentence also applied in the other direction: I tell you who I am and you show (or build) the ideal apartment for me my needs.