Andreas Schulten says property firms should reuse buildings instead of demolishing them

German property expert Andreas Schulten says the sector demolishes too many valuable buildings instead of finding new uses for them.

He spent 36 years analysing the property market at consultancy Bulwiengesa and now runs a company called Stadtwerte.

He says the biggest untapped opportunity is adapting existing buildings rather than tearing them down and building anew.

Schulten says new construction is more convenient and costs too little, while reuse can require more money, patience and creativity.

That makes reuse harder to choose, even though he sees buildings as valuable assets rather than disposable goods.

Schulten continues to work in property through his company, voluntary roles, a podcast and public talks.