ESTATE, May 2026: New life for old buildings. David Hauerland on apartment building renovations and the future of housing
In its latest issue, ESTATE magazine focused on the renovation of historic buildings and the conversion of office properties into residential housing. The extensive feature also included Fidurock Real Estate Investment Group and commentary from David Hauerland, who discussed the transformation of rental housing, apartment building renovations and the growing importance of professionally managed residential projects.
Renovations as part of the housing solution
The article explored how the renovation of older buildings can help expand the insufficient housing supply in Czech cities. Alongside new development, increasing attention is being paid to the revitalisation of historic apartment buildings and the conversion of administrative buildings into residential projects.
Apartment building renovations have long been one of Fidurock’s core activities. The article noted that historic buildings in Prague districts such as Vinohrady, Letná, Nusle and Vršovice often no longer meet current housing standards, whether in terms of technical condition, layouts or energy efficiency requirements.
These buildings were created at a time when two families often lived in a single three- or four-room apartment. Today, the situation is completely different. The number of single-person households has increased, and they simply do not need a 70-square-metre one-bedroom apartment. People spend much less time at home than they used to.
Sensitive renovations with respect for history
ESTATE also highlighted that high-quality renovations of historic buildings now represent a full-scale development discipline with significant demands on technical solutions, structural engineering and the preservation of the original character of the properties. The article referenced Fidurock’s strategy of carefully renovating historic apartment buildings and transforming them into modern rental housing. This approach includes adapting apartment layouts to contemporary tenant needs while preserving the architectural value and character of the original buildings.
Office-to-residential conversions
The feature also examined the future of older office buildings and their potential conversion into residential projects. In this context, ESTATE mentioned Fidurock’s planned project on Lidická Street in Brno, where the former Keller Palace office building is set to be transformed into a residential development with approximately 250 apartments. The project represents one of the largest redevelopment initiatives within the group and demonstrates the growing importance of conversions at a time of limited new construction and a long-term housing shortage.
The article also confirmed that professionally managed rental housing will play an increasingly important role in the future of Czech cities. Rising property prices, changing lifestyles and greater mobility among residents are creating opportunities for new housing models and investment strategies. The combination of sensitive renovations, attractive locations and long-term property management is precisely the approach on which Fidurock continues to build its residential portfolio.
