You have been working as an Asset Manager at CA Immo in Vienna since the beginning of 2021. What do you particularly like about Asset Management?
For me personally, one of the most important aspects by far is increasing the value of the property. For us as owners, but of course also for the tenants. This ensures that they feel comfortable in the property in the long term. What I particularly appreciate about my work as an Asset Manager is the high degree of personal responsibility and the varied and diverse tasks. I think analytically, strategically and with foresight. I love being able to identify opportunities and risks in each property and to suggest the necessary actions. The difficult market situation that many are currently describing is a welcome challenge for me, because it means that I have to be able to act flexibly and quickly in many situations. Last but not least, I enjoy working with a wide range of people, and I do this every day in my work with tenants, potential buyers, CAI internal departments, property managers, brokers and facility management.

Which building in the CA Immo real estate portfolio do you consider the most interesting and why?
That's easy: the Erdberger Lände office complex on Haidinger- and Dietrichgasse in Vienna's 3rd district. The approximately 50,700 m² of leasable space is highly valued as an atypical office location, as it is located on the unspoilt Danube Canal, close to the green Vienna Prater and at the same time close to the city center. It is perfectly accessible by public transport, car or bicycle, and offers numerous amenities for all tenants: a supermarket, canteen, restaurants, cafés, a large function room, fitness center, bouldering hall, kindergarten and two gyms with showers and changing rooms. 

Over the last 18 months, we have focused all our efforts on this property and on achieving an upmarket mix of industries in the tenant structure. Among others, we have been able to attract a traditional Viennese bakery, renowned international companies in the laboratory and technical sectors, a biotech company and a public institution. In figures, this means a letting performance in the form of new lettings and lease renewals of almost 14,700 sqm and thus a sensational occupancy rate of 99% in the office sector – and that within about 1.5 years!

What challenges do you see in your working environment at CA Immo?
As I said, what counts for me is personal responsibility, i.e. a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and implementing them in a positive way for CAI. I also find the constant adaptation to changing market conditions exciting. The integration of a new IT tool was a welcome opportunity to think outside the box, rethink workflows and, above all, optimize them. And the word of the hour in real estate is, of course, the topic of sustainability – ESG. What do new European laws mean in terms of a property's value and how can you prepare for the future?

How do you experience working with colleagues and superiors at CA Immo?
I appreciate the open exchange, the culture of discussion and the close communication. This gives me confidence and fosters my creativity. Ideas and suggestions are welcome and gladly accepted. This encourages me to actively contribute to the further development of our department and to the improvement and optimization of workflows. Furthermore, the professional development of each individual is supported by training, mentoring and regular feedback sessions. An appreciative attitude that motivates you to surpass yourself and constantly set new and higher goals.