moovin Immobilien

moovin Immobilien GmbH is a German PropTech firm that functions as a hybrid brokerage, integrating proprietary software with a network of on-the-ground housing consultants. The company was officially founded in Hamburg by Fabian Mellin in March 2015, with Arne Schubert and Axel Zimmermann also listed as co-founders. The idea originated in 2011 when Mellin, working in brokerage during his studies, identified significant inefficiencies in the traditional rental process. His time at mytaxi (now FREE NOW) inspired him and co-founder Arne Schubert to apply similar technological disruption to the real estate market.

The primary catalyst for moovin's launch was the 2015 introduction of the 'Bestellerprinzip' (commission principle) in Germany, which mandated that the party commissioning a real estate agent, typically the landlord, must pay their fee. This legislative change created a market gap for a more cost-effective, digital-first solution for property owners. Initially focused on private landlords, moovin has since shifted to a B2B model, serving some of Germany's largest real estate companies. The firm operates nationwide, with a presence in over 200 cities and a team of more than 150 employees, including around 100 field staff who handle on-site tasks. By 2024, the company was managing the rental of over 3,000 properties annually.

moovin's business model combines a SaaS platform with a full-service offering for a fixed fee, often equivalent to one net cold rent, rather than a traditional commission. The core of its service is a web-based software that acts as a digital cockpit for landlords and property managers. This platform digitizes the entire rental process, from creating an exposé and marketing it on over 80 real estate portals to managing applicants, scheduling viewings, and creating online rental contracts. The company provides a comprehensive service that includes professional photography, 360° virtual tours, conducting on-site viewings with vetted prospective tenants, and handling the final handover. This hybrid approach allows them to offer a service that is faster, more transparent, and more efficient than traditional methods, ultimately reducing vacancies for their clients. Their clients include major institutional players like Patrizia AG, Union Investment, and HIH.