Verbände+

Verbande+ is the alliance of leading interest groups in the real estate industry in Germany. Four strong partners – the BFW (Federal Association of German Real Estate Companies), the GdW (Federal Association of German Real Estate Companies), the IVD (Industrial Association of German Real Estate Developers), and the VDIV (German Housing Association) – are jointly committed to a sustainable, future-oriented, and economically stable real estate and housing industry.

With our combined expertise, we represent the interests of over 14,000 companies that manage, administer, and develop millions of residential and commercial units. Whether medium-sized property developers, municipal housing companies, real estate agents, or property managers – our alliance pools knowledge, experience, and networks to actively shape the framework conditions of the industry.

By joining forces with our associations, we create synergies, provide impetus for political decision-making processes, and ensure practical solutions in the housing and real estate industry. Together, we are shaping the future of living and working in Germany.

Successful appearance of the joint “Verbände+” stand at EXPO REAL 2025

Strong alliance of German real estate associations with clear messages on climate protection, affordability, and digitalization

From October 6 to 8, 2025, the new joint stand “Verbände+” (Associations+) was presented for the first time at EXPO REAL in Munich – a joint format of the leading interest groups of the German real estate industry: BFW Bundesverband Freier Immobilien- und Wohnungsunternehmen (Federal Association of Independent Real Estate and Housing Companies), GdW Bundesverband deutscher Wohnungs- und Immobilienunternehmen (Federal Association of German Housing and Real Estate Companies), IVD Immobilienverband Deutschland (German Real Estate Association) and VDIV Deutschland Verband der Immobilienverwalter (German Association of Real Estate Managers).

With their combined expertise, the four partners represent over 14,000 companies that develop, manage, and administer millions of residential and commercial units. The joint appearance in Munich proved to be a complete success: the “Verbände+” stand became a central meeting place for politics, business, and practice – with an intensive professional exchange and clear messages to federal politicians. A whole host of well-known companies brought the joint stand to life as partners and presented themselves to the large trade fair audience with innovative solutions.

Kick-off with political tailwind

Federal Minister of Construction Verena Hubertz opened the new joint stand together with the presidents of the participating associations. She emphasized that construction must become faster, easier, and more cost-effective in the future. The “construction turbo” decided upon by the federal government is an important step in this direction. The leaders of the “Verbände+” emphasized that subsidy programs must be freed from excessive standards and award procedures accelerated in order to enable serial and modular construction on a broad scale. The aim is to remove obstacles, build trust, and promote pragmatic solutions.

Climate protection with a sense of proportion and social responsibility

In addition to housing construction, a major focus of the trade fair presentation was on how climate protection, affordability, and social responsibility can be reconciled. Discussions at the stand showed that the housing and real estate industry is working consistently towards climate targets, but is calling for realistic and socially acceptable ways of achieving them. Climate policy must focus more on CO₂ reduction rather than expensive efficiency targets.

Focus on digitalization – DigiWoh as a driver of innovation

In addition to climate protection and affordability, the topic of digitalization dominated the technical discussions at the booth. It became clear that digital solutions and artificial intelligence are bringing about lasting change in the industry – from administration to neighborhood development. As the leading partner at the joint stand, the DigiWoh competence center impressively demonstrated how digital tools and AI applications can already simplify processes in the housing industry, save resources, and improve tenant communication. The response to the presentations and live demonstrations was enormous and underlined the pioneering role of the associations in the digital transformation.

Successful trade fair appearance with a signal effect

The new joint stand “Verbände+” (Associations+) conveyed a clear message: only through joint action can climate protection, affordability, and digitalization succeed in the real estate industry. By joining forces, the four partners create synergies, pool expertise, and provide political impetus to actively shape the framework conditions of the industry.
With numerous expert discussions, strong partners, and prominent guests, the appearance at EXPO REAL 2025 was a great success—and a strong sign of the cohesion and future viability of the German housing and real estate industry.