DWS Completes First European Real Estate Partners Investment with Berlin Residential Development Opportunity

DWS Completes First European Real Estate Partners Investment with Berlin Residential Development Opportunity

(IN BRIEF) DWS Group has completed the acquisition of a residential property with 148 units in Berlin’s City West district from the Optima-Aegidius Group as the first investment under its European Real Estate Partners value-add strategy. The property includes approximately 7,380 square metres of existing lettable space and development rights for an additional 4,500 square metres of residential construction. The investment combines stable income with opportunities for value creation through development and refurbishment in a market with strong housing demand. The transaction expands DWS’s European Living portfolio while providing Optima-Aegidius with a successful exit from the asset.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 24-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DWS Group has acquired a residential property at Ansbacher Straße 8–14 in Berlin’s City West district from the Optima-Aegidius Group, completing the first investment under its European Real Estate Partners (EREP) value-add strategy. The transaction expands DWS’s European Living portfolio, which now totals approximately €7 billion in assets focused on residential investments across the region.

The acquired property comprises a residential complex with 148 units and offers considerable development potential through a preliminary building permit that allows for the construction of two additional residential buildings. The site’s central location within Berlin’s City West area and the opportunity to expand the residential offering were key factors supporting the investment.

The existing building provides around 7,380 square metres of net lettable space across residential, retail, office and ancillary uses. Residential occupancy levels are currently strong, providing a stable income base. The approved development framework enables the addition of approximately 4,500 square metres of new residential space, supporting the creation of additional housing in a market characterized by strong rental demand and limited new supply.

The investment reflects DWS’s value-add strategy, combining stable cash flow from existing units with opportunities to increase value through development and active asset management. Planned improvements include a comprehensive capital expenditure programme covering upgrades and selective refurbishment works to the existing apartments. These works will be implemented in cooperation with a Berlin-based development partner experienced in inner-city residential projects.

The acquisition aligns with DWS’s broader investment focus on centrally located residential assets in major European cities, where supply shortages continue to support long-term demand for high-quality housing.

The transaction also marks a successful divestment for the Optima-Aegidius Group, which manages a substantial property portfolio with core markets in Munich, Berlin and Dresden. The sale contributes to renewed activity in the property exit market and supports the company’s ongoing investment strategy.

DWS manages more than €1 trillion in assets globally and maintains a significant presence in real estate investment. Through its real estate platform, the firm invests across core, value-add and opportunistic strategies in both equity and debt markets, targeting long-term risk-adjusted returns for institutional and private investors.

Optima-Aegidius Group is a privately owned real estate developer and asset manager with more than 50 years of experience. The company has developed and managed projects with a combined volume of approximately €3 billion and maintains a diversified portfolio spanning several asset classes and international markets.

About DWS Group

DWS Group (DWS), with EUR 1,085bn of total assets under management (as of 31 December 2025), is a leading European asset manager with global reach. With approximately 5,000 employees in offices around the world, DWS offers individuals, institutions and large corporations access to comprehensive investment solutions and bespoke portfolios across the full spectrum of investment disciplines. Its diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternative asset management enables DWS to deliver targeted solutions for clients across all major liquid and illiquid asset classes. www.dws.com

About DWS Real Estate

DWS has been investing in real estate assets for more than 50 years. As part of the Alternatives platform, the real estate business has around 350 employees in over 20 cities around the world and c. EUR 64 billion in global real estate assets under management (September 30, 2025). Providing a diverse range of strategies and solutions across the risk/return and geographic spectrums, we offer core, value-added and opportunistic real estate, real estate debt and real estate securities. The real estate investment business employs a disciplined investment approach and aims to deliver attractive long-term risk adjusted returns, preservation of capital and diversification to its investors, which include governments, corporations, insurance companies, endowments, retirement plans, and private clients worldwide.

About Optima-Aegidius-Group

The Optima-Aegidius Group is an owner-managed project developer and asset holder with a history spanning more than 50 years. The Group invests in all relevant asset classes in Germany, the United States, and Spain. Munich, Berlin, and Dresden are its core markets, while current international activities extend to Detroit, New York, and Cádiz. To date, projects with a volume of around €3 billion and 800,000 sqm (GFA) have been successfully developed, leased, and sold. In addition to traditional project development—currently amounting to roughly €1.5 billion — the Group manages assets totaling more than 300,000 sqm (GFA), including 2,000 residential units. The Group’s equity capital exceeds €200 million. Beyond its real estate operations, the Optima-Aegidius Group has built a broad private equity and venture capital investment portfolio over the past 10 years. https://www.optima-firmengruppe.de/en/

Media Contacts:

For fur­ther in­form­a­tion please con­tact:
DWS Group/ Optima-Aegidius-Group

Nick Bone
nick.bone@dws.com
+44 (0) 20 754 72603

Nina Scherer
nina.scherer@optima-firmengruppe.de
+49 89 55 25 03 26

SOURCE: DWS