Future of real estate: Sustainable, affordable and innovative in Vienna!

Future of real estate: Sustainable, affordable and innovative in Vienna!

On May 19, 2025, the IMMO FutureLab took place for the eighth time in the Labstelle in Vienna's first district. Under the motto “Real Estate 2030 – Building Austria Affordably and for the Future”, industry representatives looked at the challenges and solutions in the real estate industry in order to find the balance between affordability, sustainability and innovation. Organizer Iris Einwaller, managing director of the epmedia advertising agency, welcomed numerous experts and participants.

Co-initiators Peter Engert from ÖGNI and Wolfgang Kradischnig from DELTA Holding addressed the industry's most pressing questions. Engert pointed out the importance of actively reducing land and construction costs, while Kradischnig highlighted the need to optimize the life cycle of real estate. These aspects were discussed in a panel discussion entitled “What is affordability?” wore.

Technical discourses and innovative solutions

In the discussion, Sandra Bauernfeind, among others, contributed to the constructive debate with the “Vienna Housing Offensive 2024+” and Michael Priebsch, who discussed the role of monetary policy for affordable housing. Matthias Moosbrugger joined in and emphasized the importance of technology in achieving affordable construction.

A second panel discussion dealt with the topic “Affordable housing – urban development in the face of change”. Experts such as Isabella Stickler, Hannes Horvath, Hartwig Tauber, Michael Herbek and Claudia Brey sat together to discuss new perspectives. Peter Ulm presented brownfield development as an opportunity for urban development, while Klaus Duda presented co-living as a response to demographic change. The event was rounded off with a pitch session in which Kevin Bauer and Yaryna Matviienko presented digital solutions.

Sustainability in the real estate industry

Another forward-looking topic was the integration of sustainable aspects into the real estate industry. According to PwC, which offers support in the implementation of ESG value drivers, companies in this industry must consider a variety of requirements. This includes strategies for financial service providers that are based on stakeholder requirements and regulatory frameworks.

In its approach, Pwc emphasizes the need to implement active management of risks arising from climate change and social requirements of investors. In addition, the analysis of sustainability performance at various levels is required in order to identify potential for improvement with regard to ESG criteria.

Today, exchanges at events such as the IMMO FutureLab can provide important impetus for affordable and sustainable real estate management. These networks and discourses are essential in order to successfully overcome the future challenges of the industry.

For more information on sustainability and real estate, please visit immobilien-redaktion.com and pwc.de.