faz.net
Vonovia Resumes Apartment Construction After Costly Renovation Project
Vonovia, a German housing company, is restarting apartment construction in 2025 after pausing due to high costs, while completing a complex, delayed €19 million renovation of 105 apartments in Frankfurt's Carl-von-Weinberg-Siedlung, resulting in rent increases of €2.60–€3 per square meter.
- What are the key factors driving Vonovia's decision to resume new construction projects after a period of focusing on renovations?
- Vonovia, a German housing company, is resuming new construction projects after a temporary halt due to high costs. They plan 24 apartments in 2025 and more in 2026, aiming for monthly rents of €20 per square meter, achievable through modular construction costing €3500 per square meter.
- How did the renovation of the Carl-von-Weinberg-Siedlung in Frankfurt impact Vonovia's approach to future projects, and what lessons were learned?
- Vonovia's return to new construction follows a period of focusing on renovations, exemplified by a €19 million project (including €3.5 million in KfW funding) to renovate 105 apartments in Frankfurt's Carl-von-Weinberg-Siedlung. This project, completed ten months late, highlights the challenges of renovating older buildings, especially those under preservation orders.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Vonovia's strategic shift towards new construction, considering the ongoing challenges in the housing market?
- The Carl-von-Weinberg-Siedlung renovation demonstrates the complexities and cost overruns associated with large-scale renovations of older buildings, impacting timelines and budgets. Vonovia's renewed focus on new construction suggests a strategic shift towards more predictable and cost-effective projects, driven by changes in interest rates and construction costs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Vonovia's actions in a largely positive light, highlighting their communication efforts and the successful completion of the project despite challenges. The headline (if there was one) and introduction likely emphasized Vonovia's perspective and achievements, potentially downplaying the inconvenience experienced by tenants. The focus on the financial aspects of the project from Vonovia's perspective – costs, returns, and market placement of renovated units – might overshadow the human impact on tenants.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although phrases like "Operation am offenen Herzen" (open-heart surgery) could be seen as slightly dramatizing the renovation. The description of the tenants' experiences, while factual, focuses more on the logistical aspects (access to bathrooms, temporary housing) rather than the emotional impact. The repeated use of Schulze's statements presents Vonovia's narrative predominantly.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Vonovia's perspective and experiences. While it mentions Mieter (tenants) and their experiences with the renovations, it lacks detailed accounts from their point of view. The impact of the rent increases on tenants' financial situations is not explored in depth. Information about alternative housing options available to tenants during the renovations is limited. The article doesn't explore whether Vonovia considered alternative, less disruptive, or less expensive renovation methods.
Sustainable Development Goals
Vonovia's commitment to new housing construction and renovation of existing buildings contributes to sustainable urban development. The renovation project in the Carl-von-Weinberg-siedlung demonstrates efforts to improve energy efficiency and living conditions in existing housing stock, aligning with the goal of sustainable communities. The company's focus on communication with tenants also contributes to social sustainability within the community.