News 16.05.2025
Real Estate Arena 2025: more compact, closer - and with a view to the heating transition
Kristina Klehr
Our first impressions: The Real Estate Arena 2025 in Hanover presented itself as a smaller but much more accessible contrast to the large Expo REAL in Munich. The manageable hall size, the lack of two-storey exhibition stands and the spatial separation of exhibition space and stage program created a relaxed, almost informal atmosphere. Visitors and exhibitors alike praised the compact format: “People find each other more quickly, get into conversation more easily - and usually on a first-name basis.
A colorful mix of sectors meets genuine openness
In terms of content, the trade fair showcased a representative cross-section of the real estate industry: from established housing associations, cities and project developers to financiers. The strong growth in PropTechs and start-ups focusing on digital solutions for decarbonization and energy efficiency was particularly eye-catching. The contrast between traditional players and young innovators gave the trade fair a fresh dynamic.
Good energy efficiency classes pay off. Rents in A-class buildings have risen.
Participants' contribution from the panel discussions
ESG remains mandatory, heat transition is the topic
The major industry topics once again dominated the stages: Financing, building of the future, ESG and, above all, the heating transition. District heating, energy-efficient refurbishment, heat pumps - the vocabulary is familiar, but the discussions show: While ESG is now considered a given, many still lack a change of perspective towards the opportunity. One concise statement from a conversation was: “Climate protection is not off the table either - so ESG can't be either.”
The topic of energy has become part of the portfolio strategy. We need to become bolder and stop standing in our own way. Other countries have long been ahead of us.
Participants' contribution from the panel discussions
Pragmatic solutions instead of theory
While the panels were still discussing subsidies and regulations, providers operating in the same segment as PAUL Tech were already showcasing concrete solutions on the exhibition floor: Technology instead of complete refurbishment, AI-optimized heat pumps, sector coupling in existing buildings - and all at affordable conditions. For many visitors, this was a welcome counterpoint to the otherwise often theory-heavy ESG discourse.
The heat pump is a very early and efficient means of refurbishment in terms of cost and performance.
Participants' contribution from the panel discussions
Real Estate Arena 2025 was convincing
The Real Estate Arena 2025 scored points with its proximity, openness and relevant topics - especially in the areas of climate protection and digital transformation. Anyone looking for concrete solutions to the challenges facing the real estate industry will not only find good discussions here, but also real inspiration.
