Industries & Asset classes
Living
The living sector is evolving fast, shaped by a rapid evolution in demographic trends, lifestyle demands and investor appetite.
We guide developers, investors, and asset managers to find value in every corner of the residential market, from city apartments to student and retirement living.
Our team is with you for the whole journey, including finding the right site and planning development to managing operations and making a successful sale. We blend sharp financial insight with a solid grasp of Germany's unique regulations.
With deep market knowledge of both major cities and up-and-coming areas, we help you spot opportunities and create housing that works for everyone.
Ready to advance your multifamily strategy? Contact us today.
What Sets Us Apart
Full-Lifecycle Expertise
We guide clients through every phase of asset ownership, from development sites and acquisitions to optimising operations and strategic exits. This ensures immediate decisions align with long-term value creation, helping each property reach its full potential.
Living Sector Specialists
Our teams have specialised knowledge across diverse residential categories including build-to-let, student accommodation, micro-living, and retirement housing. We understand the unique requirements of each segment, helping clients stay ahead of shifting demand patterns.
Data-Led, Human-Centered
We combine proprietary research and market intelligence with a focus on resident satisfaction. This blend of analytics and tenant-centric thinking helps clients create environments that drive both strong financial performance and high retention rates.
Invested in Performance
We bring financial discipline and performance-focused strategies to every investment decision. Our focus on operational efficiency and optimal exit timing supports stable cash flows and attractive risk-adjusted returns for our clients' residential portfolios.
Sustainability in Practice
With growing demand for sustainable living, ESG integration is essential to asset value. We help clients implement energy-efficient systems, achieve green certifications, and develop sustainability programs that reduce operating costs and future-proof assets.
Services
Our Services
Capital Markets
Our Capital Markets team connects residential investors with active capital sources across Germany. We structure transactions that align with investor objectives, from portfolio acquisitions to individual asset sales, leveraging our extensive network to optimise your investment strategy.
Learn more about our capital markets
Agency Leasing
Our specialists maximise rental income and minimise void periods for residential portfolios. We develop targeted marketing, vet tenants thoroughly, and negotiate terms to ensure strong occupancy and revenue optimisation through all market cycles.
Learn more about our agency leasing services
Asset Services
Our teams deliver expert property management and strategic oversight for residential portfolios. We manage daily operations, tenant relations, and financial reporting while implementing value-add initiatives to improve property performance and tenant satisfaction.
Learn more about our asset services
Valuation & Advisory
Our professionals provide certified appraisals and strategic advisory for residential assets across Germany. We deliver market-based valuations compliant with German and international standards to support your acquisition, financing, and reporting needs.
Learn more about our valuation & advisory
Project & Development Services
Our specialists guide residential development projects from concept to completion. We provide cost management, schedule oversight, and quality control to ensure your development is delivered on time, within budget, and positioned for market success.
Learn more about our project development services
Energy & Sustainability Services
Our consultants help residential owners navigate Germany's energy regulations. We develop decarbonisation roadmaps and implement energy-efficient retrofits to reduce operating costs while meeting tenant expectations and regulatory requirements.
Learn more about our sustainability services
Specialisation
Industry Expertise
Multifamily Properties
Germany's multifamily sector is a cornerstone of real estate investment. We help owners and investors optimise performance across diverse portfolios, from landmark urban properties to value-add opportunities in secondary markets. Our services include rent optimisation and operational improvements.
Student Accommodation
Germany's large student population drives demand for purpose-built accommodation. We advise universities, developers, and investors on site selection, development feasibility, and operational strategies that meet student needs and investor objectives.
Senior Living
Germany's ageing population creates demand for retirement housing. We advise on independent living, assisted living, and care facilities. Our services help investors develop and manage properties that deliver quality care while achieving financial sustainability.
Co-Living
Build-to-let is an emerging opportunity in Germany. We guide investors through site identification, development, and launch for purpose-built rental communities. Our approach drives occupancy and supports premium pricing in competitive markets.
Team
Jan-Bastian Knod
International Partner, Head of Residential Investment Germany, Head of Healthcare Advisory, Capital Markets
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Research
Research • Economy
How the Middle East Conflict Is Shaping Europe’s Economy and Commercial Real Estate
Insights • Sustainability / ESG
Are gas heating systems acceptable again?
Residential • Investment / Capital Markets
Insights • Sustainability / ESG
Shivering themselves warm in winter
Insights • Sustainability / ESG
Superchargers in the basement car park
Insights • Investment / Capital Markets
Rent burden and real estate investment
Insights • Sustainability / ESG
Insights • Sustainability / ESG
Frequently Asked Questions
Cushman & Wakefield provides comprehensive advisory services across the entire lifecycle of residential real estate—from investment and valuation to leasing, asset management, and development.
The firm supports property owners, investors, and developers throughout the residential and living sectors, offering a wide range of services, including: Strategic residential real estate advisory, Investment advisory, Capital markets services, Property valuation
Asset management, Leasing and tenant services, Project development support and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) advisory.
By combining data-driven insights with deep market expertise, Cushman & Wakefield helps clients optimize the performance of their residential property portfolios, enhance asset value, and achieve sustainable long-term growth.
Residential Investment refers to investing in residential real estate—such as apartment buildings, multifamily properties, or residential portfolios—with the goal of generating long-term income and capital appreciation.
Residential investment includes the acquisition, management, and optimization of residential properties as an investment asset. The objective is to achieve stable rental income while benefiting from long-term value growth. In the German residential real estate market, institutional investors in particular are attracted by strong housing demand and the sector’s relative resilience during economic downturns.
We support investors with market analysis, due diligence, valuation, transaction structuring, and portfolio optimization throughout the investment lifecycle.
Residential refers to the traditional housing market, including apartments, multifamily properties, and other conventional residential assets. Living is a broader term that also includes specialized and service-oriented housing concepts such as Co-Living, Student Living, Senior Living, and Build-to-Rent.
Together, Residential and Living represent the full spectrum of housing-related real estate, covering both traditional and emerging residential sectors.
