Since 2017 there is a close cooperation of the HS Luzern with the Real Estate Management Study Programs at FHWien der WKW. From October 9-10, a group of the Master’s class visited FHWien der WKW, learned about the real estate market in Austria and CEE as well as their challenging developments. Current real estate projects were on the agenda as well as the exchange with project developers and lecturers.
Two days full of program awaited the Swiss students: First, there was an overview of “Real Estate Funds in Austria and CEE” by Peter Karl of ERSTE Immobilien KAG. Nikolaus Grablowitz from ÖRAG Immobilien spoke about “Current Projects and Experiences in the Sale and Leasing of Commercial Properties” in Vienna.
After an interesting insight into the financing of real estate projects (e.g. with mezzanine capital) as well as their trends in the legal environment in Austria and CEE with Dr. Urbanek, a city tour from the center of Vienna to the Haus des Meeres and the “Viertel Zwei” near the Prater followed. A presentation of current Austrian real estate projects by BIG and ARE was particularly informative for the Swiss students.
The second day promised even more side visits. After a lecture on “Private Investment Markets: Challenges and Trends” by Florian Huber (Dr. Max Huber Realbüro), we went to the construction site of the Althan Quartier at the former Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof. After a short stop at the Raiffeisen-Landesbank and a discussion about current financing topics with lector Patrick Walch from Raiffeisenbank International (RBI), the Swiss guests paid a visit to Donau City. The field trip was concluded with a get-together in the 57 Lounge at the Melia Hotel.
We are looking forward to expand the cooperation with the HS Luzern with publications, student exchange and joint international activities.
Many thanks to all participants for the interesting days and warm greetings from Vienna to Lucerne.