What it is
EXPO REAL is an international trade fair for real estate, investment and infrastructure, run by Messe München every October in Munich. The organiser calls it the most important trade fair for the real estate industry, covering the whole value chain from development to financing and construction. The 2026 edition, held from 5 to 7 October, drew 1,777 exhibitors from 37 countries and more than 42,000 participants from 74 countries, across 76,000 square metres in seven halls, according to Messe München’s final report.
How the fair is organised
The fair combines exhibition stands with a conference programme in forums organised by theme. Exhibitors are grouped by sector. Alongside investors, banks, developers and service firms, one sector is “Economic regions”: regions, cities, municipalities and districts, and economic development agencies. Public-sector real estate companies are listed separately, as the sector list shows.
Two newer areas sit alongside the main fair. Transform & Beyond, added in 2024, covers decarbonisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and energy supply. In 2026 a new area, InfrastructureNow, added energy, digital and social infrastructure and defence to the fair.
What came out of 2026
The organiser’s report describes a market showing first signs of recovery, held back by financing conditions, construction costs and regulation. Housing was a central theme: how to build more affordable housing in Germany despite high costs and slow approvals, including adding storeys, conversion and modular construction. Germany’s Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, Verena Hubertz, attended. Opportunity London said contacts made at the fair had turned into deals for the city.
Why it matters for cities
For cities, EXPO REAL is a place to meet investors and developers rather than other cities. Municipalities and development agencies have their own exhibitor sector, and the 2026 debates on housing, planning approvals and infrastructure concern matters that cities plan and approve.
Going in 2027
The 2027 fair runs from 4 to 6 October. Visitor hours are 9:00 to 19:00 on the first two days and 9:00 to 16:00 on the last, according to the opening hours page. 2027 prices are not yet published; the ticket shop opens in June 2027. In 2026 the visitor ticket included the conference programme and Munich public transport on the day of the visit, with a discount for students and trainees.