ISTI podcast: An effective approach to real estate investment and long-term value in city centers

David Hauerland, Managing Director and Co-Founder of the Fidurock investment group, was a guest on the ISTI Podcast at the University of Economics in Prague (VŠE), where he and Michal Soták, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield responsible for Capital Markets, discussed current real estate market trends, Fidurock’s investment strategy, and the principles behind the company’s value-added developer model.

Efficiency and Added Value as the Core of the Strategy

The discussion centered on the three main pillars of Fidurock’s long-term strategy – the renovation of residential apartment buildings, the acquisition and management of retail parks, and the redevelopment of key urban locations.
As mentioned in the podcast, the group focuses primarily on rental housing in prime locations in Prague and Brno, where it renovates traditional apartment houses to increase their long-term value and prepare them for decades of future operation.

“We’re not speculators; we’re creators of value,” emphasized Hauerland. “We completely renovate our buildings to make them almost maintenance-free and operationally efficient for the next several decades. That approach enables us to deliver long-term, stable returns.”

Retail Parks as a Defensive Yield Asset

Fidurock currently manages 13 retail parks with a total area of more than 100,000 square meters. The company began acquiring these properties in 2015, at a time when the segment was largely overlooked by institutional investors.
Today, it’s clear that retail parks focused on everyday needs — supermarkets, drugstores, discount stores — belong among the most resilient and profitable assets on the market, as they perform well even during periods of economic uncertainty.

“A retail park is a defensive asset class that meets people’s everyday needs regardless of the economic cycle,” added Hauerland.

A Simpler Path to Real Estate Investment

Part of Fidurock’s strategy also includes a residential investment fund, which allows retail investors to enter the world of rental housing without the burden of property management.
Fidurock distinguishes itself from competitors by focusing on efficient apartment houses that avoid costly operational elements — such as receptions, landscaped courtyards, or extensive shared areas — and by investing in prime, low-volatility locations with strong, stable demand.

Innovation, Digitalization, and Creativity

Innovation is a key component of Fidurock’s philosophy. Under its Livimi brand, the company has fully digitalized the management of its rental properties.
All apartments are fully furnished, contracts are handled online, and tenants can use an app to monitor energy consumption, make payments, or report maintenance issues. This level of integration ensures maximum operational efficiency and enhances tenant satisfaction.

“What I enjoy most about Fidurock is the creativity we bring to a field often seen as non-creative,” said Hauerland. “Every project is unique, and we always look for ways to unlock its full potential — whether through additional construction, smarter layouts, or functional design. We monitor trends closely and adapt efficiently, which, combined with our growing know-how, allows us to scale our results sustainably.”

🎧 Listen to the full interview here.