EQT Real Estate has signed an agreement to acquire a major 477-unit residential estate in Mahlow, a well-connected suburban community on the southern edge of Berlin, marking a significant expansion of its European Living Strategy in Germany. The deal, completed in partnership with Pictet Alternative Advisors, strengthens EQT’s position in one of Europe’s most supply-constrained and high-demand residential markets.
The newly acquired estate comprises 17 residential buildings totaling approximately 34,000 square meters, along with six commercial units and 520 parking spaces. Located within commuting distance of Berlin’s city center, the property offers direct rail access and is near key infrastructure developments, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The area has recently experienced population growth and an improvement in transit and amenities, creating favorable conditions for long-term value creation.
The acquisition aligns with EQT Real Estate’s European Living Strategy, which focuses on modern, affordable, and high-quality housing across metropolitan regions facing limited new supply. Over the past five years, EQT has pursued this strategy across major European cities, targeting both residential-for-rent portfolios and purpose-built student accommodation.
EQT and Pictet Alternative Advisors said the transaction reflects a shared commitment to investing in well-located suburban areas where growing demand is supported by strong social infrastructure and stable tenant fundamentals. The companies also noted that the German residential market, buoyed by consistent demand and constrained supply, continues to offer compelling opportunities for institutional investment.
EQT Real Estate received advisory support from Mittelstein Rechtsanwälte on legal matters, Grant Thornton on tax structuring, and Reelab for technical services.
KEY QUOTES
“This acquisition is a significant milestone for our European Living Strategy in the German residential market. Given the sector’s strong fundamentals and stable demand, we believe the time is right to pursue further attractive opportunities in the country. The portfolio, sourced through our strong local relationships, offers attractive value-add potential within commuting distance to Berlin, an area benefiting from population growth, improved infrastructure, and a strong mix of amenities. Beyond Berlin, we see similar opportunities across Germany’s major metropolitan regions, where limited new supply and growing demand are creating compelling conditions for investment in well-connected areas with strong social infrastructure.”
Dave O’Brien, Director of German Living Strategies at EQT Real Estate
“This transaction exemplifies our European Living Strategy, acquiring and aggregating well-located residential properties and transforming them into high-quality, purpose-built homes that serve both tenants and investors. It reflects our conviction that well-connected suburban areas around Europe’s major cities will continue to offer compelling opportunities for modern, affordable living.”
Tom Livelli, Partner and Head of Living Strategies at EQT Real Estate
“We are pleased to collaborate with EQT Real Estate on the ‘Living’ theme in Germany, which aligns with our shared commitment to addressing local housing needs with well-situated and functional housing options. This investment also reflects our emphasis on geographic and sector diversification on behalf of our clients, which we expect to remain essential amid ongoing global macroeconomic shifts.”
Charles Legendre, Investment Manager – Multi-Manager Real Estate at Pictet Alternative Advisors
