Area correction brings 8% more rental income than expected
-40%
Marketing
+50%
Requests
100%
Achieved price
The Challenge
Wohnen & Wert GmbH faced a classic but serious problem of property management during the acquisition and subsequent re-letting of a residential complex with 24 units in Hanover. The existing rental files and architectural calculations mostly dated from the late 1980s and had significant gaps as well as inaccurate information. Many of the living areas had only been roughly estimated at that time, and later structural changes, such as the expansion of balconies or the merging of storage rooms, were never officially documented or recalculated. For asset management, this meant a massive economic deficit, as rental income was calculated based on potentially incorrect square meter figures. At the same time, modern tenants and institutional investors in the context of transactions demand absolutely complete, legally secure documentation according to the current Residential Space Ordinance (WoFlV). Without a precise, certified floor area calculation, it was impossible for Wohnen & Wert GmbH to position the property at its actual market value in Hanover, resulting in valuable potential returns being unused every month.
Our Solution
FotoEstate implemented a comprehensive digital solution for the precise calculation of living space in order to systematically uncover the hidden potential of the residential complex in Hanover. Our experienced team carried out a complete, centimeter-accurate measurement of all 24 residential units as well as all communal and usable areas. In doing so, we relied on advanced laser-based measurement technology that captured every niche, every wall projection, and the exact roof slopes according to the strict requirements of the Wohnflächenverordnung (WoFlV). In parallel with the physical on-site measurement, all data was fed directly into a digital CAD system. Our experts calculated the net floor areas and systematically adjusted for deductions for pillars, chimneys, and room heights under two meters. Based on this validated data, FotoEstate created a legally compliant, transparent area certificate for each of the 24 apartments, including modern, clearly presented, and easily understandable 2D floor plans, which were perfectly suitable both for tenant communication and for official documentation.
The Result
The precise area correction by FotoEstate delivered sensational financial results for Wohnen & Wert GmbH. The detailed analysis revealed that the actual total living space of the property in Hannover was nearly 8% higher than the values in the outdated documentation. This significant increase in space was mainly due to inaccurately calculated sloping roofs, loggias, and previously misdeclared usable areas, which were fully creditable. Through the legally compliant adjustment of the lease agreements to the actual square meter figures, Wohnen & Wert GmbH was able to immediately increase ongoing rental income by 8% without exceeding the local comparative rent per square meter. The marketing period for vacant units was shortened by 40% thanks to the new professional floor plans, while qualified rental inquiries increased by over 50%. The property achieved sustainable full occupancy of 100%. The excellent return on investment (ROI) demonstrates that professional area calculation is the most profitable basis for successful real estate asset management.
Project Deep Dive: Process & Details
The initial situation: A demanding marketing
The residential complex in Hanover has excellent substance and is located in a sought-after, urban residential area with outstanding infrastructure. Nevertheless, Wohnen & Wert GmbH faced outdated administrative structures when optimizing the portfolio. The historical construction drawings were incomplete, partially yellowed, and no longer corresponded to the actual conditions following numerous modernizations over the past decades. In the age of digitalization, such a data basis is a significant sales obstacle. Prospective tenants and banks demand transparent, comprehensible facts (just like companies searching for new locations, which we were able to solve impressively with virtual office staging in Dortmund). Conventional self-measurement methods quickly reached their limits due to the complexity of the building, with its different apartment types and convoluted layouts. There was an urgent need for action to create clarity.
The hurdle: Overcoming uncertainty in potential customers
The biggest hurdle in the rental and management process was the legal and economic uncertainty resulting from the inaccurate area specifications. Incorrect square meter figures in rental contracts pose a massive legal risk, as tenants have the right to rent reductions and retroactive reimbursements in the case of deviations of over 10%. This risk blocked rent adjustments and led to great hesitation among potential investors interested in the residential complex. No one wants to buy a portfolio whose cash flow is based on vague estimates. Therefore, it was necessary to completely eliminate this lack of transparency in order to regain market trust and establish a reliable, legally secure basis for all future transactions and rentals in Hanover.
The concept: Visual excellence and attention to detail
FotoEstate developed a well-thought-out, modular concept for inventory data collection that placed technological precision at the center. Our approach was to consider each of the 24 residential units as an individual project while still creating a consistent overall picture of the residential complex. The visual and mathematical concept was based on the strict application of the Residential Space Ordinance (WoFlV). We planned not only the pure data collection but also a high-quality graphical processing of the results. The goal was to provide Wohnen & Wert GmbH with a comprehensive documentation package that not only provides the mathematical proof for rent adjustment but also serves as an aesthetic marketing tool for new rentals on digital platforms.
The Implementation: Technology Meets Craft
The technical implementation on site in Hanover was carried out by our qualified surveying technicians with the highest efficiency. Using modern precision laser measuring devices, all rooms were systematically measured. Special attention to detail was required for the attic apartments: here, the exact height lines at one meter and two meters were meticulously marked and calculated to determine the living area in a legally secure manner. In post-production, the captured raw data was converted into precise CAD plans. Each apartment number was cataloged exactly, the area shares of terraces and balconies correctly weighted, and the final calculations summarized in clear, certified inspection reports that can withstand any legal review.
The result: A flawless marketing success
The success of the collaboration with FotoEstate exceeded the boldest expectations of Wohnen & Wert GmbH. Through precise area correction, the rental income of the entire residential complex in Hanover could be increased by a sustainable 8% – a direct gain for the property value. The new, certified documents eliminated any legal risk and created absolute transparency. In new rentals, the professionally designed 2D floor plans ensured significantly faster decision-making among prospects, reducing the vacancy rate to zero. Wohnen & Wert GmbH emphasized that FotoEstate generated an invaluable added value for the entire real estate portfolio through the combination of mathematical precision and sales-oriented preparation.
What our partners say
"The area calculations were carried out extremely quickly and with the highest accuracy. Highly recommended."
"Cinematic tours convey an emotional depth that could never be achieved with static images alone."
"FotoEstate's off-plan renderings are on a quality level that we haven't found on the market before."
"The image editing is sensational. Gray rainy days are transformed into bright sunshine without looking artificial."
"LiDAR scans are extremely valuable for revitalizing our old buildings. We save ourselves countless on-site appointments."
"The 3D floor plans add the finishing touch to our exposés. They are informative and visually very appealing."
"The area calculations were carried out extremely quickly and with the highest accuracy. Highly recommended."
"Cinematic tours convey an emotional depth that could never be achieved with static images alone."
"FotoEstate's off-plan renderings are on a quality level that we haven't found on the market before."
"The image editing is sensational. Gray rainy days are transformed into bright sunshine without looking artificial."
"LiDAR scans are extremely valuable for revitalizing our old buildings. We save ourselves countless on-site appointments."
"The 3D floor plans add the finishing touch to our exposés. They are informative and visually very appealing."
Ready for the next marketing success?
Send us your pictures or floor plans. We will advise you free of charge on which visualizations will bring the highest return on investment for your property.