KNOWLEDGE & CONTEXT
Construction Knowledge
Current developments in planning law, standards and construction practice – interpreted concisely from the perspective of owners and real projects.
We assess planning law, standards and procurement according to their impact on feasibility, cost and schedule.
Public-sector projects: municipal infrastructure funding in Schleswig-Holstein has been available since July 2026. Clients now need robust project preparation, cost planning and procurement readiness.
Municipal funding and current deadlines · DiPlan|SH · Climate-Adapted Construction
Housing acceleration: § 246e German Building Code
Status: 2 October 2026
Section 246e of the German Building Code allows, until the end of 2030 and subject to municipal consent, certain deviations for new housing, extensions and conversions to residential use. Public interests, neighbouring interests and, where applicable, environmental assessments still have to be considered.
Important: the three-month period relates to municipal consent after the approval authority submits its request. Public participation can extend this period. It is not a guarantee of a building permit within three months.
We clarify the appropriate approval route early with the competent authorities.
Hamburg Standard: rethink construction cost
Status: September 2026
Hamburg’s initiative for lower-cost construction addresses standards, design, processes and approval procedures. Based on the initiative, Hamburg states a potential saving of up to €2,000 gross per m² of residential floor area.
Important for projects: this is not a blanket savings guarantee. What is transferable is the approach: identify cost drivers early, challenge requirements and optimise design, construction and procedures together.
Heritage buildings: design and tax interfaces
Status: September 2026
For protected buildings, design, construction, coordination with the heritage authority and documentation must be considered together from an early stage. For tax incentives in particular, it is important that measures and design changes are coordinated with the competent authority before work begins.
Important for projects: technical project organisation and tax advice must remain clearly separated, but coordinated early.
Primary source: German Federal Ministry of Finance on § 7i EStG
