German landlord Aroundtown raised its annual profitability forecast on Wednesday, signaling a stabilising property market amidst Germany's most severe real estate crisis in decades.

After years of growth fuelled by low interest rates, the German property sector has been hit hard by soaring inflation and rising borrowing costs over the past year. However, Aroundtown, one of the country's largest listed landlords, reported a narrower second-quarter loss of Rs.432 million, down from 1.27 billion euros a year earlier.

The reduction in losses was primarily due to a smaller decline in property valuations, which fell by 2.4% on a like-for-like basis, supported by improving economic conditions and market sentiment.

"We've definitely moved away from the trough. Devaluations in the residential segment should remain fairly stable for the rest of the year," said Oschrie Massatschi , Chief Capital Markets Officer.

Earlier this month, industry leader Vonovia also reported a narrower loss, suggesting the real estate crisis might be easing. However, Massatschi cautioned that challenges remain, pointing to high interest rates and a struggling German economy.

Aroundtown now expects its funds from operations (FFO I) "a key industry profitability metric" to reach 290-320 million euros this year, up from the previous forecast of 280-310 million euros. This outlook upgrade follows a similar move by its 62%-owned subsidiary, Grand City Properties, earlier in August.

"A 3% guidance increase in this environment indicates a certain level of stability," said Andre Remke, Analyst, Baader Helvea.

Aroundtown completed asset disposals worth around 340 million euros in the first half of 2024 and plans to continue selling assets this year. The company also issued two bonds to bolster cash liquidity, setting the stage for potential acquisitions in 2025.

(ET)