From May 19 to 23, 2025, Vienna became a meeting place for 30 students and lecturers from Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Austria. The Real Estate Management department at FHWien der WKW organized a multifaceted Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) on the topic of “Real Estate Market Europe”. The program included five days of international networking, exciting lectures, a varied series of excursions and interactive group work.
The BIP offered the ideal platform for exchange between students and experts. During the speed networking and initial get-together on Monday morning, it became clear that the European real estate market is diverse, but the challenges are similar. After the official welcome by Klemens Braunisch (Head of Real Estate Study Program), the week began with an introduction to the Austrian real estate market by Patrick Walch from Raiffeisenbank International.
Interesting facts about the European real estate markets
Each day was dedicated to a different European real estate market. Lecturers from the AP Hogeschool Antwerp, TU Dublin, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and FHWien der WKW presented the special features of their markets – from the development of the residential and office markets to current financing trends. The different tax and legal framework conditions were also a major topic. The specialist input was supplemented by presentations from students, who contributed their views on the real estate markets in their home countries.
Many excursions through Vienna
The highlight of the week was the numerous excursions to current real estate projects in Vienna. Among other things, the participants visited
- The revitalization of the listed Hotel Hoxton
- The development of new urban districts such as “Viertel 2”, “Village im Dritten” and “QBC”
- The Donau Flats as an example of modern residential construction
- A walk through Vienna’s city center with a focus on the retail real estate market
These excursions showed how Vienna is responding to challenges such as housing shortages, sustainability, and urban development. Topics such as the conversion of office space into residential space, ESG criteria, and innovative financing options were discussed on site.
Trends and challenges in the European real estate market
The week made it clear that, despite their differences, Europe’s real estate markets are facing similar challenges: Demographic change, rising demand for affordable housing, sustainability, and digitalization are shaping the industry. Sustainable construction methods, energy-efficient renovations, and new financing models are becoming increasingly important.
Lessons learned for future real estate professionals
On the last day, the international groups presented their “lessons learned” and discussed the differences and similarities between the European markets. The BIP ended with keynotes by Michael Reinberg on “Valuation in times of crisis”, Michael Trübenstein gave an insight into the Swiss real estate market and a farewell, during which it became clear: European networking and thinking outside the box are essential for the real estate industry.
The blended intensive program “Real Estate Market Europe” at FHWien der WKW was a complete success. It provided space for intercultural exchange, practical insights and the development of new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of the European real estate market. We would like to thank all participants, the accompanying lecturers Renske Van Roon & Olivier De Laet from AP Hogeschool Antwerp, Niall Deegan from TU Dublin and Bernd Höpfner from Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and partners for an intensive week in Vienna!