Demand for change of usage of properties sees upward surge

In the ongoing debate about the future of offices in the wake of the coronavirus and the widespread adoption of at least a certain amount of working from home, reports of the physical adaption of property for alternative uses are starting to cross our desks here at REFIRE.

For example, a report from Berlin-based startup Construyo says the company’s order book is 60% higher for changing the usage of property compared to a year ago.

Construyo offers a project management service that connects the architecture, engineering and construction industry, with a mission to bring the construction industry into the digital age. The company says its goal is to increase transparency, lower the cost and increase efficiencies when renovating and building properties. (They’re obviously on to something with their business model, as they’ve just received €2m in seed funding from early-stage investors.)

As the COVID-19 pandemic changes the face of our cities and communities, one indication is the increase in applications for changing an approved type of use of a building. According to Leonhard Jeub, co-founder and managing director of Construyo, “We’re now seeing a significant increase in orders for change of use applications in our network of architects and civil engineers.”

Most clients now want the most flexible utilization concept possible for their space, which most often means changing the use of office space to residential space or vice versa from residential to office space. Many operators of discotheques and clubs would also like to turn their premises into a bar or restaurant so that they can open their doors to guests again, even if the number of visitors is limited. For many operators, their very economic survival depends on it.

A change of use is usually subject to approval and requires a building permit. "Just putting a few tables in and offering finger food is not an option. That can be very expensive" says Jeub.

The documents to be submitted to the building supervisory authority include an exact site plan, a description of the building and its operation, construction drawings with entries, a calculation of usable floor space and expert reports, such as noise and fire protection reports. "Without architects and civil engineers, this is not possible, especially when it has to be fast and uncomplicated for the applicant," says Jeub.