Real Estate Summer Night 2025: Top executives celebrate successes in Vienna!

Real Estate Summer Night 2025: Top executives celebrate successes in Vienna!

Willhaben's Immobilien Summernight 2025 took place on June 4, 2025 in the Vienna Salonplafond of the Museum of Applied Arts. The event attracted around 270 guests from the real estate industry and provided an opportunity to exchange successes and future challenges. Judith Kössner, Head of Real Estate at willhaben, took on the role of host and emphasized how happy she was to take part and how grateful she was for the trusting collaboration with partners and friends.

The real estate industry is optimistic as demand for rental and purchase properties increases. Kössner also referred to the positive mood prevailing in this industry. “This joint celebration is also a sign of the upswing that we expect,” said Kössner.

Trends and challenges in the real estate market in 2025

However, the real estate industry faces ongoing challenges in 2025. An analysis by Judith Kössner says that 2024 was characterized by complex challenges that now require new paths to competitiveness. Despite rising loan interest rates, high construction costs and stricter lending guidelines, the dream of owning a home remains alive for many people. A survey has shown that this wish remains very popular despite the difficulties.

However, there are positive developments that may offer some hope. A favorable interest rate development and the expiry of the KIM regulation in mid-2025 could reduce some of the previous hurdles for potential buyers. Nevertheless, the decline in new construction activity since 2022 remains a significant challenge for the market, as completion numbers are expected to continue to fall until 2026.

Sustainability and digitalization as key factors

Privately financed new buildings in particular are severely affected, leading to regional price increases. The high construction and personnel costs as well as strict regulatory requirements are contributing to the aggravation of the situation. Nevertheless, digitalization in the real estate industry is perceived as positive. Innovative PropTech solutions have become increasingly important. Willhaben and the Viennese PropTech startup Shadowmap were honored at the Austrian PropTech Initiative Awards in 2024, underlining the importance of innovation.

Another important aspect is sustainability, which according to a survey plays a decisive role for 80% of respondents when looking for real estate and in construction. Companies in the industry plan to take further steps to reduce emissions, energy consumption and waste generation in 2025. Considering ESG factors is considered important to stand out from the competition and meet the expectations of buyers and investors.

The Real Estate Summernight 2025 was not only a celebratory occasion, but also an important moment to draw attention to the current trends and developments in the industry. The changes coming in 2025 could bring both challenges and opportunities for real estate market players.