From Berlin to Britain: Practical Insights for Social Housing

Date: 18/06/25

Richard and Julian of iON Consultants recently travelled to Berlin to take part in the NHMF Study Tour 2025. Over the course of three days, the tour provided an opportunity to learn how the city’s history has shaped its built environment, examine European housing models and gain insights into affordable housing in Berlin. Delegates were also invited to explore shared challenges and best practices in the UK and Germany in relation to skill shortages, technology and training. 

With a focus on social housing, the study tour brought together 40 senior professionals from across the housing maintenance and repairs sector. Delegates gained valuable insights and warm hospitality from Germany’s National Association of Housing Companies, the GdW, social housing providers Gewobag and Howoge, and contractor B&O Service AG. 

Through an unfiltered view of the social, compliance and sustainability complexities facing this major European city, Richard and Julian were able to evaluate the UK’s strengths in the SHEQ management of social housing while identifying transferable solutions to the challenges our customers regularly encounter. At a time when EU regulations are tightening and expectations around tenant safety and energy performance are rising in both countries, the Berlin experience proved especially enlightening. 

Finding Common Ground 

When it comes to regulation, the UK and Germany adopt very different approaches. The UK's centralised model ensures financial viability and accountability for social housing providers. In contrast, Germany does not have a single national social housing regulator. Instead, housing regulation is managed at federal, state and municipal levels, with different rules applying to various regions. It places stronger emphasis on tenant rights and affordability to help control housing costs. Despite these policy differences, the UK and Germany share strikingly similar challenges, including ageing housing stock, effective tenant engagement and next-generation skills shortages. 

Asbestos Management 

For our social housing and contractor customers working with asbestos, it's worth noting that while the UK has long led in responsible asbestos management, recent EU regulations now exceed UK standards in some areas. Germany's revised Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) came into force on 5th December 2024 and now requires asbestos inspections to be carried out before any renovation work begins on buildings constructed before 1993. These new regulations apply to both commercial and private properties, with those commissioning the work responsible for arranging inspections. Samples of material from walls, ceilings and floors must be analysed by accredited laboratories, and if asbestos is present, strict removal and containment procedures are required. 

Furthermore, the EU has proposed new exposure limits that will be enforced starting in December 2025, with a new occupational exposure limit set at 10,000 fibres/m³. If thin fibres ( 

These regulations are not currently being adopted in the UK, but they offer a glimpse of what may be on the horizon. The HSE is currently reviewing the requirements to assess their potential impact on all aspects of asbestos removal. iON will continue to monitor developments and provide customers with timely updates. 

Digital Innovation 

The team at B&O Service AG presented commendable results following the implementation of a comprehensive IT system. Their investment in digitising project planning and management is paying dividends, particularly in scanning and mapping void properties, improving client interaction, and enabling real-time contract performance analysis. 

B&O’s presentation highlighted the potential for digitalisation to improve data accuracy, monitor client engagement and satisfaction, and streamline project delivery. For iON customers and the wider UK market, the practical application of AI and digital systems presents an opportunity to drive efficiency, reduce risk and enhance service quality. 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

Like the UK, Berlin is struggling to attract the next generation of skilled workers. With an ageing workforce, there is an urgent need to recruit more apprentices and young contractors to futureproof the sector. This is a shared concern across many countries. 

B&O Service AG has responded by heavily investing in apprenticeship schemes. As providers of asbestos awareness training, we at iON understand the critical importance of proactively nurturing talent pools and strengthening workforce capability. Alongside advocating for continued workplace upskilling, we strongly support greater integration of technical and vocational education and training in schools and colleges within the UK's national curriculums. 

Low-carbon Focus 

With plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, Berlin's emphasis on low-carbon retrofit solutions was impressive. Social housing providers Gewobag and Howoge are focused on integrating improved energy-efficient, low-carbon heating and hot water systems into their refurbishment schemes. Many projects also include adding two to three new storeys of apartments on existing blocks, increasing housing density without expanding the urban footprint. 

Commenting on the study tour, Richard said: 

“Key takeaways for me were the relevance of digital tools, workforce onboarding and training strategies. Also, as SHEQ consultants, we always keep a keen eye on the environment, and it was particularly encouraging to explore how organisations can lead in sustainability without waiting for regulatory pressure. On the compliance front, we’re closely monitoring developments around asbestos regulation and will continue to inform our customers regarding any proposed changes. Reflecting on the entire experience, I especially enjoyed the opportunity to connect with some of the UK’s leading voices in social housing and discuss practical approaches that we’re excited to share with our customers.” 

Attending the NHMF Study Tour reinforces our commitment to learning from best practice, whether that comes from international comparison or engaging with industry leaders. Richard and Julian’s involvement reflects our focus on our continued professional development, which we translate into clear value for our customers across health and safety, compliance and sustainability. 

Our sincere thanks go to Ben Virgo, Mike Turner and Aimen Khalil, who, along with Julian, curated an excellent itinerary. We’re also grateful to our hosts in Berlin for sharing key findings, particularly around the deployment of progressive techniques in the practical delivery of refurbishment and maintenance within the social housing sector. 

Read more insights here.