By Sara Orlos Fernandes
The construction halt on properties owned by the Nuremberg company Project Immobilien shocked hundreds of Berliners in the summer. Buyers whose construction projects were not previously on an insolvency list are now also affected.
Nothing has happened on the construction site of the Lichterfeld project “Billy Wilder Living” for months. Buyers have to watch their future home mold away.
So far, the residential complex at Billy Wilder Promenade 20 has not been one of the bankrupt properties. However, it was not completed as planned. Some buyers should move in in July, others this fall – like Seha (38) and Ercan I. (40).
They obviously find it difficult to look inside their own four walls: mold has formed on the walls in the children’s room. Your life investment is rotting away.
A look at the property: The 71 apartments should be completed this fall. Instead, there is construction standstill and mold Photo: Private
“The house is not winterproof. Moisture gets in through the roof,” says Marcus K. (35), who bought a one-room apartment here. He’s not the only one who fears that there will be even greater damage in the winter. According to Marcus K., the underfloor heating systems are already filled with water. If they burst due to the weather, the screed could be damaged.
The buyers want to prevent this and have contacted Project Immobilien several times. They are hoping for the green light to have an appraisal prepared. They would even be willing to winterize their future home on their own. But they haven’t heard anything from the company yet and there is no longer a contact person.
Dagmar M. (71) bought an apartment as a retirement provision: “I thought the company had been around for 25 years, so you were safe. As a result, I was homeless for a while, but fortunately I have now found something. Of course I hope that the condominium will be finished. It’s our life’s work, we’re not millionaires.” Photo: Olaf Selchow
When asked by BZ, a spokesman for the insolvency administrator said: “The project company is not insolvent, but it is indirectly affected by the insolvency of the Project Group.” The general contractor of the Billy Wilder property filed for bankruptcy in August. “Negotiations are currently underway with construction companies to continue the work,” said the spokesman.
Seha (38) and Ercan I. (40): “It’s a big loan that you take on as a family. We were very confident because we trusted the general contractor and developer. Now we have existential fears. What if bankruptcy occurs? Will we need another loan or will we end up in bankruptcy?” Photo: Olaf Selchow
While general contractors and completion have already been secured for three construction sites at the company’s headquarters in Nuremberg, the future of many Berlin properties is unclear. It remains to be seen whether and when construction will continue here. Those affected continue to fear and hope.