Expo Real is Europe’s leading real estate trade fair, and a key event exploring the future of the built environment. Held in Munich, Germany from 6–8 October, it brings together professionals from real estate and investment.
For me, as a lawyer with many years of experience in real estate law, Expo Real 2025 is a key industry event. This year, the trade fair is particularly relevant due to the dynamic developments in the hotel and serviced apartment sector. An area I’ve been advising on intensively for many years.
The tourism industry in Germany and Europe is experiencing a remarkable recovery following the COVID-19 crisis. Although major source markets such as China have not yet fully returned, demand is rising noticeably – especially in tourist hotspots like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, as well as in nature-oriented regions such as the Bavarian Alps. Boarding houses and serviced apartments are increasingly being used, not only by business travellers but also by tourists.
This trend makes the sector particularly attractive to real estate investors. In addition to traditional investments in hotel chains with long-term lease agreements, boarding houses and serviced apartments are increasingly coming into focus. Operators of boarding houses are actively entering the market, seeking suitable properties and willing to sign preliminary agreements or letters of intent – a decisive advantage compared to office properties, where such commitments are rare. Furthermore, vacancy rates for office properties have risen in many cities, and the transaction volume for the office property asset class has been declining in Germany since 2022. Market experts estimate that 15 to 20 million square metres of office space in Germany could potentially be converted, for example, into commercial housing, where permitted.
Expo Real offers the ideal platform to engage with investors, operators and project developers. At the fair we will have the opportunity to discuss the above market trends and collaborate on new initiatives and developments in the sector
At DWF we provide legal advice in real estate, and as a DWF Partner, I support clients in structuring such investments legally, negotiating contracts and addressing regulatory issues. I look forward to the professional exchange and shaping opportunities together with clients in the is ever-growing sector
If you would like to discuss this article further or arrange a meeting with one of our Partners attending Expo Real, please feel free to contact us.
