The Future Starts with Existing Assets

Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Tagscherer, you are relatively young at 31 for the position of Managing Director. How did you come to Wohnungsbau Aalen?

Franziska Tagscherer: I have been with the company for nine years. After my studies in real estate economics, I started in leasing and administration, then moved to executive assistance and later to technical management for new construction projects. In 2022, I was given power of procurement and since May I have been the Managing Director.

Wirtschaftsforum: What characterizes the company today?

Franziska Tagscherer: The foundation in 1935 was a brave step – there was a need for housing, also for refugees. From this necessity, the first settlements were created, some of which still exist today. In the meantime, we have further developed Wohnungsbau sustainably. We are active as a real estate developer, providing social and affordable housing, and are also established as a service provider. Today, we cover all areas of the real estate industry.

Wirtschaftsforum: How is the company structured?

Franziska Tagscherer: We are divided into two main areas: The real estate management includes our portfolio of about 1,500 owned apartments, rental management, neighborhood management, facility management, and our homeowners association management with about 1,200 third-party units. The second area is the development section with project management, construction management, and sales. So, we manage the existing properties while also creating new housing.

Wirtschaftsforum: What projects are currently underway?

Franziska Tagscherer: We have projects being completed in Wasseralfingen and Unterkochen. A new construction is the building of a six-group daycare facility in Ebnat. Particularly exciting is our pilot project of serial renovation with prefabricated facade elements—here we create more living space through vertical extensions without new land sealing.

Wirtschaftsforum: The city of Aalen owns over 98% of your company. What advantages does this bring?

Franziska Tagscherer: That is clearly an advantage because it allows us to think socially. This is the unique selling point of municipal housing companies. In purely private companies, maximizing profits is the main goal, and rents are raised as much as possible. That's not our mission. Our mission is affordable housing. Of course, we also need to adjust rents and act economically, but maximizing profits is not our top priority.

Wirtschaftsforum: What distinguishes Wohnungsbau Aalen as a company? And where is it heading in the future?

Franziska Tagscherer: Social thinking is at the forefront for us. At the same time, we cover all areas of the real estate industry – we are not just the classic broker or just the developer who sells everything off. We also retain areas in our holdings and think holistically. Our neighborhood management carries out great activities for our tenants. We strive to make everything as livable as possible. And livable space is created through diversity and sustainability. We focus on a good mix: Our buildings contain two to four-room apartments. Some are sold, and some are rented. Neighborhood squares promote exchange, kindergartens bring life to the area during the day. We build at least to KfW-40 standards, use sustainable materials, and focus on greening. At the same time, we want to invest more in our existing properties in the future. Many buildings are older; there is significant potential here for affordable housing. Therefore, we are developing a renovation strategy to modernize in a social and sustainable way, to take responsibility towards our tenants, and to achieve climate goals.