Overview of the Study
The report titled “Büro‑Umwandlungen wegen Homeoffice könnten 60.000 Wohnungen schaffen” is a collaborative research effort by the ifo Institut and Colliers, presented on the German construction portal baulinks.de. It examines how the conversion of office space to residential units, driven by the rise of home‑office, could generate up to 60 000 new apartments across Europe. The study forms part of the broader Expo Real 2026 research programme, which investigates post‑pandemic trends in urban development and housing sustainability.
Home‑Office as a Catalyst
The analysis highlights that the shift to remote working has left a substantial amount of office floor area under‑utilised. By repurposing these spaces, cities can address chronic housing shortages while reducing the environmental impact of new construction. The report quantifies the potential conversion volume, estimating that 60 000 dwellings could be created if current trends continue and supportive policies are implemented.
Key Quantitative Findings
- Estimated 60 000 new residential units achievable through office‑to‑housing conversions.
- Conversion potential varies by country, with Germany, the Netherlands and Austria showing the highest feasible numbers due to dense office stock and strong demand for affordable housing.
- Energy‑efficiency gains are projected to be significant, as retrofitting existing structures typically requires less material and embodied carbon than ground‑up construction.
Sustainability Implications
The study underscores the environmental benefits of re‑using existing building shells: lower construction waste, reduced demand for raw building materials, and shorter project timelines. By integrating energy‑saving retrofits—such as improved insulation, renewable heating systems and smart‑building technologies—the converted apartments can meet high sustainability standards and contribute to Europe’s climate‑neutrality goals.
Urban Planning and Policy Recommendations
Authors advise municipalities to streamline permitting processes, offer fiscal incentives and provide technical guidance to developers undertaking conversions. They also recommend updating zoning regulations to allow mixed‑use developments, facilitating the integration of residential units within former office districts and promoting vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods.
Market Outlook
The report notes a strong market appetite for centrally located, sustainably built homes, especially among younger households and remote workers seeking proximity to urban amenities without long commutes. It projects that demand for converted units will remain robust, supporting stable rental yields and attractive investment returns for developers embracing the office‑to‑housing model.
Access and Further Information
The full study is publicly available on baulinks.de, with the original submission recorded on 13 October 2026. The research is not AI‑generated and has undergone a manual review process, ensuring the reliability of its data and conclusions.