Felix Pakleppa: „Neubauförderung ist keine Ausgabe, sondern eine Investition“

Düsseldorf – Felix Pakleppa, who has been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Association of the German Construction Industry (ZDB) since 2011, has been advocating for the construction industry's interests in Germany alongside the public and political spheres. Pakleppa has been actively involved with the ZDB since 1997, beginning in the Social and Collective Bargaining Policy department, later transitioning to the Legal department, and assuming his current role in the management team since 2009.

He also serves as the CEO of the Federal Association of Construction, representing the German construction and renovation trades.

When asked about the current untapped potential in the real estate sector, Pakleppa identifies the potential for accelerated approval of housing projects without the need for a building plan through Section 246e of the Building Code, which became effective in October 2025. However, many municipalities have been hesitant to utilize this instrument. The legal possibilities are present, but their consistent application is now required.

Pakleppa recalls a significant "aha moment" regarding the housing market: approximately two-thirds of housing construction contracts are initiated by private contractors who only proceed with construction when they receive reliable support. Expanding the depreciation allowances for houses that meet the Efficiency House Standard 55 would initially require state expenditure but could potentially generate three times more tax revenue in the long run, as each Euro invested in housing stimulates the economy through taxation and payroll taxes, as well as through increased consumption and employment opportunities.

The immediate revenue generated during construction, from VAT, income tax, and property acquisition tax, further benefits the state. Therefore, a new construction boom is not an expense but an investment.

When discussing the most inspiring future-oriented project, Pakleppa highlights the Hamburg Standard, which demonstrates how government agencies, chambers, and the housing market can collaborate to reduce construction costs by up to 30% without compromising quality. This collaborative approach, he asserts, is essential nationwide.