"Nobody Distracts in the Office at Six in the Morning" [Premium]

In the latest installment of 'Lagefragen' (Location Questions) by Die Presse, Kevin Bauer-Hentschke, the founder and managing director of Wohnio GmbH, offers a candid look into his real estate philosophy and work habits. His ideal workspace is not a bustling open-plan office, but the quiet solitude of the office at six in the morning, especially during summer. This preference underscores a desire for deep focus and a meditative start to the day, setting a productive tone before the world awakens.

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The best place to work is... ... early in the morning in the office, around 6 o'clock – especially in summer. There is absolute quiet; nobody distracts, and when the sun slowly starts to come in, it's almost meditative – a perfect start to a productive day.

Bauer-Hentschke identifies challenges as the most crucial element in his professional environment. He thrives on tasks that push his boundaries, stating that anything less quickly becomes boring and hinders long-term progress. This drive for constant stimulation is also evident in his investment criteria. He would immediately purchase a property in a desirable location, like near the Danube in Vienna, that offers potential for development, particularly properties that are not yet energetically optimized but possess good underlying structure.

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What I really need in my work environment is... ... clearly: Challenges. Tasks must challenge and push me, otherwise it quickly becomes boring – and that doesn't move you forward in the long run.

His investment approach is pragmatic and forward-thinking. He advises against relying solely on energy certificates, advocating instead for a thorough analysis of actual energy consumption to gain a more honest picture of a property's performance. He also warns against underestimating or ignoring operating costs, which he deems a significant factor that can derail long-term success. The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona serves as an inspiration, not just for its aesthetic beauty but for the immense vision, detail, and time invested in its creation, reflecting his belief that good architecture must consider the entire lifecycle, including operational efficiency.

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I would immediately buy: A property near the Danube that still fits reasonably within the budget. Location, quality of life, and value development simply speak for themselves.

From a Viennese perspective, Bauer-Hentschke highlights the 2nd district as a particularly exciting area, appreciating its blend of development, old and new architecture, and high quality of life. His insights provide valuable guidance for anyone navigating the complexities of the real estate market, emphasizing a balance between immediate potential and long-term sustainability.

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A property has the greatest potential when... ... it is not yet energetically optimized, but has a lot of substance. If, in addition, there is a central heating system and sufficient roof space for a possible expansion, there is enormous development potential.