More housing, fewer obstacles: the real estate industry in dialogue at EXPO REAL

The tense situation in the housing market will also be a key topic for EXPO REAL participants in 2026. The international trade fair for real estate, investment and infrastructure, taking place in Munich from October 5 to 7, 2026, will once again devote a special exhibition to the topic of housing shortage. In addition, a host of presentations and discussion forums are planned, during which experts will present their solutions.

“More housing is a key prerequisite for economic growth and for Germany’s attractiveness as a business location. It requires cooperation between the housing industry, investors, and, not least, policymakers: After all, reliable conditions for investment and new construction are crucial. At EXPO REAL, we will bring these stakeholders together and discuss concrete approaches and creative solutions to how more housing can be achieved faster and new investments enabled,” says Claudia Boymanns, Exhibition Director of EXPO REAL.

Focus on Flexible Housing: solutions for more residential construction

The “Flexible Housing – Opportunities Next Door” forum is the central meeting place for the housing industry at EXPO REAL. The focus is on concrete solutions, such as repurposing commercial properties into residential real estate, municipal and state incentives for more new construction, and the potential of simplified building standards. The forum will be accompanied by an exhibition on affordable, resource-efficient, and sustainable housing. The conference program will also address current housing policy and economic issues, and feature panel discussions with high-profile participants.

On October 5, from 16:00 to 16:50, Federal Building Minister Verena Hubertz will discuss the prospects for new housing construction under the current economic conditions in the panel discussion “Future of new construction in Germany – Reality, Capital, and Feasibility” at the Discussion and Networking Forum.

The planned tenancy law reform, for which Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) submitted a new draft bill in February, and plans to bring Berlin’s housing stock under public ownership will also be talking points at EXPO REAL. Economists and market experts will put the developments in context and explore opportunities, obstacles, and prospects for residential construction.

EXPO REAL trend index underscores the importance of residential real estate

A look at the latest EXPO REAL trend index also shows how important the real estate industry assesses the topic of housing. In the annual survey conducted by the opinion research institute IfaD on behalf of Messe München, EXPO REAL exhibitors and visitors currently regard residential real estate as by far the most important asset class for investment decisions (67 percent). In addition, around three-quarters (74 percent) expect residential real estate to gain more in importance than all the other asset classes in the coming years. When it comes to creating more affordable housing, the majority of respondents regard reducing construction costs and eliminating expensive building standards as key factors.

“The results of our trend index show that the industry sees a clear need for action when it comes to housing. It is crucial now to create the conditions necessary for a willingness to invest to actually result in new housing. To that end, EXPO REAL will bring together the key players in the housing industry—from project developers and investors to local governments and policymakers. We want to promote this exchange—and that is precisely where the special value of the trade fair lies,” says Boymanns, summing up.