Young entrepreneur Margraf defies the construction crisis with innovative projects

Young entrepreneur Margraf defies the construction crisis with innovative projects

In the Upper Palatinate, the construction of new apartments has experienced a noticeable decline, which is also severely affecting the private sector. Christoph Margraf, a young entrepreneur from Illschwang, and his construction company are faced with the challenge of asserting themselves in this difficult environment. With a team of around 30 employees, he has decided to pursue innovative approaches in order to continue to be successful in the construction sector.

In an interview with Oberpfalzmedien, Margraf explained that the current situation is made more difficult by various factors, including political conditions. He is the fourth generation to run the Margraf construction company, which was founded in 1919 by his great-grandfather. In 2023 he took over the business from his father, who was retiring. Christoph Margraf has received extensive training over the course of his career, including as an energy consultant and business economist.

Innovative projects and new standards

An important project that Margraf is currently implementing is the construction of an efficiency house according to KfW Standard 40 on the site of the former Luber butcher's shop in Sulzbach-Rosenberg. This project, which was developed in collaboration with the architect Martin Kunert, relies on the latest insulation and heating technology to guarantee future residents low additional costs. Margraf highlights that the strict sustainability certification criteria benefit buyers as they can benefit from reduced interest loans.

The project includes nine apartments with sizes between 45 and 103 square meters and has a total cost of over two million euros. Completion is scheduled for spring 2025 and some apartments have already been sold before completion. Despite the positive developments in the area of ​​efficient houses, Margraf sees a challenge in the low number of orders for classic single-family houses, which are burdened by high property prices and interest rates.

In order to secure the order situation, Margraf has responded to the needs of its regular customers and taken on smaller projects such as conversions and renovations. He is currently working on various projects, including the renovation of a terrace in a daycare center and the construction of a warehouse. Margraf emphasizes that the experience of its employees is a great advantage for the company, even if the shortage of skilled workers is a constant challenge.

The political framework is also an important topic for Margraf. He calls for more reliability for those interested in building and criticizes the uncertainties between the various KfW standards. He also sees a new KfW program starting in October 2024 as an opportunity to boost the construction of single-family homes again. This program offers low-interest loans for new buildings that meet the Efficiency House Standard 55.

The effects of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine have also left their mark, particularly in the form of supply bottlenecks for materials. Despite these challenges, Christoph Margraf is optimistic about the future and plans to master the upcoming tasks with his family and his team.