Munich, February 19, 2026 – The new management of the municipal housing company Münchner Wohnen, Jörg Franzen (Chairman, CEO) and Gabriele Meier (Technical Director, CTO), has announced a strategic shift aimed at significantly reducing construction costs. Franzen stated that the company plans to lower existing standards and develop its own ‘Münchner Wohnen Standard’ to decrease reliance on public subsidies for its projects.
New Leadership Takes the Helm at Münchner Wohnen
Jörg Franzen and Gabriele Meier officially took over the leadership of Münchner Wohnen at the beginning of the year. Their immediate focus is on addressing the escalating construction costs that have impacted housing development in Munich.
– “One of our first tasks is to reduce construction costs,” said Jörg Franzen in an interview with Immobilien Zeitung. “We will achieve this by lowering existing standards and developing a proprietary Münchner Wohnen Standard.”
This move is expected to make future housing projects more financially independent and less reliant on government funding.
The Rationale Behind the New Standard
The decision to introduce a new construction standard stems from the need to ensure the long-term viability and affordability of housing projects in Munich. By creating an internal standard, Münchner Wohnen aims to streamline processes, optimize material usage, and control expenditures more effectively.
– “The goal is to make our projects more independent from subsidies,” added Franzen, highlighting the financial pressures faced by municipal housing developers.
This approach could potentially allow Münchner Wohnen to build more housing units at a lower cost, addressing the city’s growing demand for affordable accommodation.
Impact on Housing Development in Munich
The implementation of the ‘Münchner Wohnen Standard’ could have a significant impact on the housing landscape in Munich. While specific details of the new standard are yet to be fully disclosed, the emphasis on cost reduction suggests a focus on functional and efficient designs.
This initiative comes at a time when Munich is grappling with a severe housing shortage and rising property prices. The city has recently taken steps to address these issues, including tightening milieu protection regulations to prevent the demolition of residential buildings in protected areas and increasing scrutiny on furnished apartments.
In related news, the Austrian real estate company Soravia recently sold a serviced apartment building in Munich, and data center operator Penta Infra plans to establish its first branch in Southern Germany by acquiring land for a data center in Munich.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The success of the ‘Münchner Wohnen Standard’ will depend on its ability to balance cost efficiency with quality and sustainability. The company will need to ensure that the new standards meet the needs of residents while adhering to urban planning and environmental regulations.
The move also signifies a broader trend in the real estate sector towards innovative solutions to combat rising costs and market fluctuations. By taking control of its construction standards, Münchner Wohnen aims to set a new precedent for municipal housing development.
Further details regarding the ‘Münchner Wohnen Standard’ are expected to be released as the new management progresses with its strategic plans. The initiative is being closely watched by other municipal housing companies and real estate developers across Germany.
Source: Immobilien Zeitung
