Study trip to Vienna: insights into the market and current real estate projects

Day 1: Insights into the Viennese real estate market and current developments

The first day began with a warm welcome at the FH Vienna. Over a welcome coffee, the students had the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow students and lecturers. The official welcome was given by Dr. Klemens Braunisch and Carmen Dilch from the FH Vienna, followed by Prof. Dr. Michael Trübestein and Dr. Matthias Aepli from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

The lecture series kicked off with an overview of the Viennese real estate market and its current developments. Elisa Stadlinger and Sebastian Matznetter from ÖRAG Immobilien Vermittlung GmbH provided information on the most important developments of recent years as well as planned projects. A special focus was on the opportunities and challenges of the market.
This was followed by a presentation on real estate investments in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) by Peter Tatzl and Elias Friemel of Galleon Capital Management GmbH. The experts provided insights into the strategic opportunities and risks of investing in this region.
Another highlight was the presentation by Thomas Jiresch, Managing Director Palmira Austria, on logistics properties and the light industrial sector in Austria and CEE. The presentation highlighted the growing importance of this segment for the real estate market.

The morning concluded with a final discussion and outlook, moderated by Prof. Dr. Michael Trübestein.
In the afternoon, the group visited the ERSTE Campus, where Isabelle Holzer, Martin Kirchner and Andrea Besenhofer from the ERSTE Group provided exciting insights into technical facility and workplace management. The tour highlighted the complexity and innovation behind the realization of such a modern campus.
Another item on the program was a tour of the “Village im Dritten” project, presented by Jakob Ransmayr and Gregor Wiltschko from ARE Austrian Real Estate. The students were able to experience the sustainable and innovative planning of the project first hand. The first day ended with a walk through the Belvedere Palace Park and dinner at the Salm Bräu restaurant

Day 2: Legal aspects and future projects

The second day started with a lecture by Dr. Christoph Urbanek on current legal issues and financing trends, including mezzanine capital in Austria and CEE. This lecture enabled the students to better understand the complex legal framework and financing options.
Afterwards, the participants gained insights into real estate banking processes and visited the rooftop terrace of Raiffeisen Bank International AG, accompanied by Mag. Patrick Walch. This program point not only offered a breathtaking view, but also practical insights into the world of real estate.

After lunch, the group visited the area around St. Stephen's Cathedral, Kohlmarkt and the Hofburg, as well as the “Haus des Meeres” project. This tour focused on the repurposing of an existing building and showed how innovative approaches can be implemented in the real estate sector.
The study trip concluded with a tour of Donau City and new developments, presented by Reinhard Boesenkopf and Ing. Wolfdieter Jarisch from the S+B Gruppe. This tour rounded off the intensive program with insights into modern urban developments and urban visions for the future.

Conclusion

The Real Estate Intensive Vienna 2024 was an enriching and unparalleled learning experience for the students of the MSc Real Estate, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world practice in the real estate industry. The two days were filled with informative lectures, exclusive tours and stimulating discussions with experts. This not only provided participants with valuable knowledge about the Viennese real estate market and its significance for the entire CEE region, but also enabled them to make valuable contacts. The experience helped to deepen the understanding of dynamic market developments and innovative projects and provided future-oriented knowledge.
Special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Michael Trübestein, the speakers and the FH Vienna for the excellent organization and valuable insights.