10 years of real estate research in Germany, From market and location analysts to global information strategists?

Abstract

When introducing oneself with the professional designation estate researcher two quite different reactions are encountered. One is a gratifying nod from those active in the property sector, allowing the thought to be read, Oh yes, researchers compile market reports. The second, often a somewhat blank look signifying chiefly Oh? I've never heard of that job. Regardless of which reaction is to be expected, a further series of questions or attempts at clarification is prompted. To some extent, the research landscape in Germany is anything but uniformly structured: Concepts, demarcations and functional or professional structures are so differentiated that, so far, no structural or scientific analysis of the subject has taken place. And that is surprising in a field of research whose existence, in the final analysis, is justified by its approach to research. And from this, at least, the present author has to derive his justifiable and fundamental concern to address the subject. Building on a statistical survey carried out for the first-time on the subject of real estate market research, the aim is to bring more transparency into this important but often unknown field of market research in Germany.