Editorial team: Mr Wienroth, your company is very successful in the Thuringia region, especially in cities such as Erfurt, Weimar, Gera and Jena. What inspired you to become a property agent?
Thomas Wienroth:
That's an interesting question. I've always been interested in architecture and the stories behind buildings. Every property has its own character, its own past and also its own future. My passion began when I renovated old houses with my father when I was young. I learnt how much heart and soul goes into such projects. Later, when I sold my own first house, I realised how important it is to have someone at your side who is familiar with the process. This motivated me to take on this role for others.
One specific experience was the sale of an old townhouse in Weimar. The owners, an elderly couple, had looked after the house for decades, but at some point they could no longer cope with the upkeep. The buyers were a young family who fell in love with the house. I witnessed the handover and both parties had tears in their eyes. Moments like that show me why I love this job so much.
The challenges and opportunities of the property market in Thuringia
Editorial team:
What are the biggest challenges when selling or letting property in cities such as Erfurt, Weimar, Gera and Jena?
Thomas Wienroth:
Every city in Thuringia has its own special features. In Erfurt, the state capital, the market is very dynamic. There are many new construction projects, but also strong demand for older flats in the city centre. The challenge here is to find the right balance between price and demand.
The situation is different in Weimar. Many buyers are looking for the historic charm of the city, be it a listed building or a flat in a renovated old building. Expertise in listed building protection and funding opportunities is crucial here in order to advise both buyers and sellers correctly.
Gera is particularly interesting for investors as prices are still moderate compared to other cities in Thuringia, but the potential for investment property is high. Here it is often a question of demonstrating the economic prospects of the region.
Jena is a highly sought-after market, primarily because of its university and high-tech companies. Flats for students, family homes and larger investment properties are in high demand. The biggest challenge here is meeting demand, as supply is limited.
Personal experiences: An unforgettable story from Gera
Editorial team: Is there a particular property transaction that sticks in your mind?
Thomas Wienroth:
Oh yes, there are many, but I will never forget one story from Gera. It involved an apartment block that belonged to an elderly gentleman who had built it himself. He wanted to sell it because he wanted to move to a smaller home. But it was incredibly difficult for him to part with the house because it held so many memories for him.
I spent a lot of time with him, we told each other stories about the time it was built and the people who lived there. Eventually, we found a buyer - a young couple who had decided to modernise the house while retaining its original character. At the handover, the elderly gentleman gave the couple the building plans and said: "This is not just a house, it's a part of me. Please take good care of it."
This moment showed me how emotional property transactions can be. It's not just about figures and contracts, but about the lives that people have led in these buildings.
The advantages of Wienroth Immobilien
Editorial team: What makes Wienroth Immobilien the best choice for sellers and landlords in Thuringia?
Thomas Wienroth:
Our biggest advantage is that we look after each customer individually. I always say that no two properties are the same, and that also applies to our customers. Some want to sell quickly, others are looking for the right buyer to take their vision forward. We adapt to these wishes and bring over 15 years of experience and modern marketing strategies to the table.
One example: We recently sold a condominium in Jena that was getting a bit long in the tooth. We didn't just take pictures and put them online. Instead, we created a virtual 360-degree tour and showed renovation options with local tradespeople. The result was that the flat was sold within a few weeks - and at a price that the owners could not have imagined.
Innovations and modern approaches
Editorial team: How does Wienroth Immobilien use modern technologies to optimally market properties?
Thomas Wienroth:
We rely heavily on digital technologies to make the sales process as simple and effective as possible for our customers. In addition to 360-degree tours, we use drone footage to show properties from unique perspectives. This is a great added value, especially for large properties or historic buildings, as we often have in Weimar or Gera.
We also work with data-based market analyses to determine the best price for a property. In a city like Erfurt, where demand is high, it is important to take a realistic yet strategic approach.
Final question: What drives you personally, Mr Wienroth?
Editorial team: Finally: What makes your work so special that you are still so enthusiastic about it after 15 years?
Thomas Wienroth:
It's the people and the stories behind the properties. I see myself not only as an estate agent, but also as a storyteller and guide. Every sale and every letting means that a chapter ends and a new one begins - whether for a family, an investor or a tenant. Witnessing these transitions and shaping them positively is incredibly rewarding for me.
A house or flat is more than just four walls. It is a home, a place of memories, security and life. Communicating this is my passion.