An Interview With Benedikt Hilfebrandt From Monvest
From Industry Outsider to Established Developer in Munich
In a recent podcast episode, Benedikt Hildebrandt shares his unique journey, the challenges of the real estate industry, and his vision for sustainable project development in Munich.
From a Blank Sheet of Paper to a Thriving Real Estate Company
Hildebrandt and his brother founded Monvest Immobilien in 2016 as complete newcomers to the industry. While Benedikt studied mechanical engineering, his brother gained experience in the United States, where he founded a bakery and completed an MBA at Stanford University. Upon his return to Germany, the brothers decided to enter the real estate market together — with a clear vision: to create long-term value.
“Nobody knew us, and nobody was waiting for us,” Hildebrandt recalls of their early days.
Through a well-thought-out strategy, small pilot projects to gain experience, and an unwavering commitment to quality and reliability, Monvest soon established itself as a credible player in the Munich metropolitan region.
Growth Through Expertise and a Strong Network
The turning point came in 2019/2020, when Monvest strategically brought four seasoned experts on board — specializing in acquisition, financing, construction, and sales. This addition elevated the company to a new level, reflected in its increasing success.
“Since then, we’ve built a highly capable team that enables us to implement our projects efficiently,” says Hildebrandt.
Monvest’s strategy focuses on multi-unit residential developments with at least 30 apartments in the Munich metropolitan area — one of Germany’s most competitive markets. According to Hildebrandt, a strong network is essential:
“Only through good connections can you secure good land — and that’s absolutely crucial.”
Sustainability: Balancing Ambition and Reality
Sustainability remains a key topic across the real estate industry. While ESG standards are now indispensable in the commercial property sector, Hildebrandt sees room for improvement in the residential segment:
“Private buyers often hesitate to pay 10 to 15 percent more for an energy-efficient building — the answer is often no.”
That’s why Monvest advocates for a balanced approach that combines ecological responsibility with economic feasibility.
Distressed Projects as a New Opportunity
A new area of focus for Monvest is the acquisition of distressed real estate projects — developments by other builders that have run into financial trouble due to rising interest rates, higher construction costs, and falling sale prices.
“We thought it would be easier,” he admits. In reality, the process is extremely time-consuming, as banks and insolvency administrators tend to move very cautiously.”
Despite the challenges, Monvest sees significant potential in this segment for 2025.
Vision for the Future: Promoting Homeownership Over Rising Rents
Hildebrandt strongly advocates for greater incentives for owner-occupiers:
“In Europe, Germany ranks among the lowest in homeownership rates. We need to make it easier for more people to buy their own homes.”
He calls for tax incentives and improved financing options through low-interest KfW loans, especially in high-demand markets such as Munich — where rents have risen by 25% in just four years.
Monvest: Building Long-Term Stability
With a clear focus on sustainable growth, a strong network, and strategic evolution, Monvest Immobilien has positioned itself as a reliable and forward-thinking player in a challenging market environment.
Its guiding principle — creating value for generations — is already bearing fruit and is likely to gain even greater importance in the years ahead.
