Money coalitions

In the summer of 2024, Berlin hosted major conferences for the finance and property industry with illustrious names such as ‘Super Return’, ‘Investment Expo’ and ‘Tag der Immobilienwirtschaft’. Visitors included influential top managers from Germany and abroad in search of big deals and super returns.

For civil society, the finance and property industry is often seen as the driving force behind gentrification and is held partly responsible for the disastrous rise in rents and housing shortages. Too many luxury refurbishments and too little investment in environmentally and socially compatible refurbishment or new construction are being made. It remains uncertain whether there are any participants at the conferences who, in addition to economic feasibility, are also committed to goals and measures that are orientated towards the common good.

The fact is that wealth is unfairly distributed today. Around two thirds of Germany’s wealth is in the hands of around ten per cent of the population. However, criticism of the super-rich in particular is growing. Karoline Kickler has travelled close to the economic conferences and met some friendly people there – but a decisive policy is needed to change the housing market for the better.