Press release

Tenant survey 2016: A safe neighbourhood is a priority for families

Hamburg (01 June 2016) - A safe residential environment is the most important factor for families with children looking for a new home. Almost two thirds of parents give this top priority. Proximity to kindergartens and schools is in second place. Meanwhile, the availability of playgrounds in the courtyard or nearby is less relevant for families when choosing a home. These are the findings of a population-representative study by TAG Immobilien AG together with the Technical University of Darmstadt, which surveyed 2,000 tenants in Germany.

Overall, the vast majority of families with children feel good about their landlord. 87 percent of respondents said that their landlords were happy to let homes to people with children. "The survey also shows that landlords address the living requirements of families, for example, they demonstrate an understanding for the needs of children," says Claudia Hoyer, the TAG Immobilien Executive Board member responsible for property management.

"Landlords have realised that they have to adapt their offer to cater for the needs of different groups of tenants - whether for families, seniors or singles," says property expert Professor Dirk Schiereck of the TU Darmstadt. "The study shows that families increasingly feel understood - in cities as well as smaller towns."

TAG for one has developed the concept of 'Wohnen nach Maß' ('Made-to-measure living'), that addresses the individual needs of tenants by allowing families to individually configure their flats at various locations. In districts where the infrastructure allows for childcare, educational and leisure activities, the company has also developed special layout solutions for parents with children. In Chemnitz, for example, unpopular 60 sqm 3-bedroom flats were doubled up and merged into 120 sqm flats with as many as six rooms.

"The quality of life in the residential environment determines the stability of the tenant portfolio," says Hoyer. "We deliberately involve clubs and associations in our activities for social work with children and families. We pursue a specific intergenerational approach in this." For example, in Salzgitter and Eisenach, activities are held that are open to older and younger generations. Initially, it was mostly seniors who met here for cooking, crafts and sports, but nowadays children can find a "substitute grandma" here to read to them or help with homework.

Professor Schiereck believes that by introducing projects like these, housing companies not only open up new prospects for children, but also have a positive impact on the future of the district. "When landlords actively look after their tenants, such as families, this also increases the attractiveness of the neighbourhood."

About TAG Immobilien AG
TAG Immobilien AG an MDAX-listed company with a more than 125-year history. Its primary locations are in the Greater Hamburg and Berlin areas, the Salzgitter region, as well as Thuringia / Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. TAG currently manages nearly 80,000 dwellings and the associated commercial areas, garages and parking spaces. The company's goal is to improve the quality of housing for its tenants. In line with this, TAG adapts its holdings to modern living needs to, gets involved in the communities of its residential quarters, and promotes a good neighbourhood spirit. The Group continually reduces vacancy and increasing the value of its total portfolio through prudent management of its properties and a future-oriented/forward-looking development of its overall portfolio.

Press enquiries:
TAG Immobilien AG
Head of Investor & Public Relations
Dominique Mann
Phone +49 (0) 40 380 32 300
Fax +49 (0) 40 380 32 390
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