Strategy for Real Estate & Existing Buildings

Before any purchase decision, it is essential to take a clear-eyed view of what is actually being acquired. We assess the property and its location from both an architectural and technical perspective, including the building fabric, envelope, building services, fire safety, and any identifiable risks related to moisture, hazardous materials and maintenance. Where necessary, we involve specialist consultants and surveyors.

Where reliable documentation is lacking, we establish a sound basis through existing-condition surveys, measured drawings, plan digitisation and the review of available construction, approval and archive records. In parallel, we assess planning law, permitted use, existing rights and potential for further development.

This provides a robust assessment of risks, costs and potential, forming the basis for purchase price negotiations, financial provisions and, where appropriate, the decision not to proceed with an acquisition.

In competitive bidding processes, we provide initial qualified assessments within just a few working days and, where required, develop these further into a full technical due diligence.

A building’s potential use has a far greater impact on its value than floor area alone. We compare different scenarios, including residential, office, hospitality and mixed-use, based on space efficiency, access and circulation, planning feasibility and investment requirements. Our strategies range from individual buildings to larger ensembles and campus-scale developments.

We assess hidden development potential through loft conversions, rooftop extensions, additions and densification, while also considering how projects can be delivered in occupied buildings or during ongoing operations.

For long-term property holders, we develop refurbishment, modernisation and ESG roadmaps and advise on the structural and technical aspects of ESG, energy-efficiency measures, GEG requirements, available funding programmes, and budget and investment planning over the holding period.

We clarify the planning framework and the realistically achievable development and use at an early stage. Where uncertainties remain, key questions can be formally resolved through a preliminary building application. We also coordinate changes of use, heritage requirements and conservation-area regulations with the relevant authorities.

We also advise on the subdivision and consolidation of plots, certificates of self-containment and declarations of division, as well as building encumbrances, easements, special rights of use and neighbour agreements.

We coordinate the necessary discussions with authorities, neighbouring property owners, surveyors, notaries and specialist lawyers throughout the project process, with the aim of clarifying development requirements at an early stage and making procedures as predictable as possible.

We provide all HOAI service phases 1 to 9 from a single source, from initial project assessment and design through planning approval and detailed design, tendering and procurement, to construction supervision and warranty follow-up.

If required, we also act as general planners, coordinating structural engineering, fire safety, building services and other specialist disciplines. Architecture, interior design and technical planning are thus brought together in one coordinated planning process.

Costs and schedules are not simply documented, but actively managed through robust cost planning, tendering and procurement, variation review and realistic scheduling. We also account for phased construction in occupied buildings or during ongoing operations from the outset.

The longest phase begins after completion. We support tenant fit-outs, changes of tenant and space adaptations, develop handover and fit-out standards, and assist with the technical coordination of lease agreements and fit-out arrangements.

For modernisation projects in occupied rental properties, we advise on costs and their recoverability, prepare the technical basis for modernisation notices, and support tenant communication and implementation.

For long-term property management, we provide structured building documentation and multi-year maintenance and modernisation plans. We also coordinate the relevant specialists in the event of damage, repairs and ongoing technical issues.