Expo Real is Europe’s largest trade fair for real estate and investments. This year, it has once again affirmed its role as a central platform for dialogue, networking, and business development.
From 6th to 8th October, a total of 1,742 exhibitors from 34 countries and around 42,000 participants from more than 70 countries came together in Munich – a slight increase over the previous year. The increase in the share of international participants by almost 5% is also pleasing.
The trade fair covers all segments of the real estate industry, including office, retail, hotel, logistics and housing, and highlights the entire life cycle of real estate properties: from project development, financing and marketing, to operation. Special focus is placed on the topics of sustainability, digitalization and the transformation of the industry.
Confidence in market is gradually returning
Following a period of uncertainty, the European real estate industry is again showing clear signs of stabilization. While high interest rates, economic challenges, and structural shifts continue to shape the market, there is also a renewed readiness to embrace opportunities and actively address future challenges.
Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe München, observes growing optimism: “Expo Real 2025 has impressively demonstrated that the real estate industry is regaining its confidence after a period of uncertainty. Despite continued challenging conditions, a new momentum can now be felt. The constructive interaction at the trade fair is a strong signal for a market that is gradually stabilizing. At the same time, it confirms the importance of Expo Real as a central platform with clear business benefit, on which international players forge new paths.“
Housing as a key task for the future
Few topics dominated the trade fair as strongly as the housing market. The focus was on affordable housing, innovative construction concepts, and new approaches to utilizing existing properties. With the launch of the new ‘Flexible Housing’ forum and publication of the housing study, the trade fair presented tangible, practical solutions.
Expo Real was once again the central meeting point for the real estate experts this year. It provided space to deepen existing networks and launch new projects, but also demonstrated how essential in-person dialogue remains for the industry. Kai Mende, CEO of CBRE, emphasized its relevance: “Expo Real 2025 met our expectations of its role as a forum for the industry in full. Nowhere else is it possible to exchange ideas so intensively, discuss challenges and opportunities, and maintain the network so efficiently. That’s more important than ever.” Innovations and new technologies are key building blocks for the future of the real estate industry – from decarbonization and digital business models to data-driven project development. This was demonstrated in the ‘Transform & Beyond’ area, where more than 80 exhibitors, including over 50 startups, showcased concrete solutions to address future challenges and provide momentum for the market’s continued growth.
Expo Real 2026 will be held in Munich from 5th to 7th October.
Expo Real in Munich is a key event for us: over the course of three days, we meet both existing and future clients from the Czech Republic and neighbouring markets. We are active in Central Europe, Germany and Austria – Poland is currently growing strongly, while Austria and Germany are more conservative yet with long-term potential. Trends can also be seen at the fair: Polish participation is growing stronger year by year, and this year, Albania, where we have been implementing several projects in a long term, also made a significant appearance. The icing on the cake of our participation is that we are behind the design of the Czech Cities stand, so we demonstrate our approach, values and quality on the spot.
Ondřej Chybík, MAS ETH, RIBA
Founding partner of CHYBIK + KRISTOF = ARCHITECTS