This week I had the privilege of walking through the halls of Expo Real 2025 in Munich, an event I have attended almost every year since 2006. Yet this time it felt different. After two challenging years for the real estate sector, the mood was no longer defined by uncertainty or fear but by quiet determination and renewed purpose.
I was there representing Greenvolt, the Portuguese multinational group that leads the transition toward renewable energy across Europe and beyond. As an International Business Consultant, my goal was to meet people and investors who share our vision of a more sustainable society, one where clean energy and responsible development go hand in hand.
This year’s fair confirmed something I have long believed: the future of real estate will be powered by sustainability.
A New Mood in Munich
Over the past decade, the property market knew only one direction, and that was growth. Prices rose, projects multiplied, and optimism seemed endless. Then the sudden rise in interest rates, inflation, and the impact of global crises forced the industry to face a new reality. Projects were paused, investors became cautious, and confidence faded.
But as I walked through the exhibition halls this year, I sensed change. The conversations were not about what had been lost but about what could come next. The atmosphere felt more grounded and sincere. The word transformation was everywhere, not as a slogan but as a shared understanding of the moment we are in.
There were fewer extravagant stands, fewer grand promises, and more meaningful discussions about collaboration, technology, and energy efficiency. For me, it was a sign that the industry is maturing that real progress begins when we start asking the right questions instead of repeating old answers.
Representing Greenvolt – Sustainability Without Borders
At Expo Real I had the opportunity to meet leaders from many sectors including logistics, industrial, hospitality, airports, and urban communities. What struck me most was their genuine interest in what Greenvolt and Greenvolt Next offer: integrated renewable energy solutions that are both environmentally sound and economically intelligent.
From Germany to Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, the enthusiasm was real. Many executives wanted to know how we can help them power their developments more sustainably, reduce dependence on traditional energy grids, and build long-term resilience. It was inspiring to see that sustainability is no longer viewed as an additional cost but as a strategic advantage.
Portugal’s reputation also followed us to Munich. In many private conversations and articles, our country was mentioned as a safe and attractive place for investment, a haven for innovation and green technology. Hearing that perspective as a Portuguese professional filled me with pride. Our small nation has become an example of how renewable energy and forward-thinking policies can build trust and attract international attention.
Innovation, Data, and the Future of Real Estate
Beyond energy, Expo Real showed where the industry is heading. The integration of technology and data into real estate is accelerating, with proptech solutions reshaping how buildings are managed and optimized. Many discussions focused on logistics platforms, urban data centers, and smart buildings, all connected by one key theme: sustainability through intelligence.
It is exciting to see how the energy transition is now tied to digital transformation. Data, efficiency, and renewable power are becoming part of one ecosystem. The companies that understand this connection will lead the next decade of real estate.
Resilience and Renewal
After nearly twenty years of attending this fair, I can say that Expo Real 2025 stood out not because of its size or glamour but because of its tone. There was a shared understanding that the challenges we face, from housing shortages to climate change, require innovation, responsibility, and collaboration. The real estate sector has always been resilient, but now it is learning to reinvent itself with purpose.
This year’s event was described by many as a fair with fewer promises but smarter questions, and I could not agree more. The optimism I felt was not naive; it was grounded in realism and experience. The industry knows that the world has changed, and it is adapting with agility and vision.
A Personal Takeaway
As I left the fairgrounds in Munich, I felt inspired and reassured. What I saw confirmed that Greenvolt’s mission to power a cleaner and more sustainable world resonates across borders and industries. From the largest investors to small urban developers, everyone is searching for solutions that connect profitability with purpose.
Expo Real 2025 reminded me that progress does not come from comfort but from transformation. The storm may not be over, but the direction is clear. Sustainability is now the foundation on which the next era of real estate will be built.
And as someone who has had the privilege to walk these halls for many years, it was encouraging to see that once again, hope is returning. It is not loud or flashy, but steady, thoughtful, and real.
 
Economy, Real Estate