Garching, 15 October 2026 – Residential property is the most attractive asset class on the property market. This is the view of 64 percent of respondents to a survey carried out by the opinion research institute Civey on behalf of Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (pbb) amongst 427 decision-makers in the property and housing sectors. This is followed by office property at 37 percent and retirement housing at 35 percent.

When it comes to innovation potential, the residential property class also leads the way. 49 percent of respondents cited the residential sector – including in conjunction with care and support services – as a driver of innovation in the property sector. Flexible living and working arrangements follow with 37 percent. Digital infrastructure and smart buildings account for 34 percent.

When asked about the greatest demand over the next five years, 28 percent of respondents cited traditional residential property. According to the decision-makers’ assessment, senior living (18 percent) and serviced living (7 percent) are also likely to be in demand. This means that, in the medium term, more than half of the projected demand will be accounted for by various forms of housing, according to the respondents’ assessment.

When it comes to investment decisions, expected returns and tenant demand are the leading criteria. Both factors were cited by 47 percent of respondents. Also important for many respondents: what the financing terms are (36 percent) and how flexible the property is in terms of use (34 percent).

“The results show that residential property plays a central role in the property sector. At the same time, the demands on housing are changing – for example, due to demographic change and new forms of living. For lenders, this means giving greater consideration to flexible solutions and different usage concepts,” says Gerhard Meitinger, Head of Real Estate Finance Germany.

The results reflect solely the respondents’ assessments and should not be interpreted in the context of actual market conditions or investment volumes. Study participants were able to give multiple answers.

The study report is available (only German) for download here.