Parking Management

Parking management refers to the systematic control, administration, and marketing of parking spaces, garages, and parking structures with the aim of using parking space efficiently and generating revenue from it. In the real estate industry, parking management is a relevant issue for both residential and commercial properties, as parking spaces in urban areas are becoming increasingly valuable. Professional management increases a property’s overall return and enhances its appeal to tenants and buyers.

Methods of Parking Space Management

Parking spaces can be managed through various models: long-term leasing to residents or businesses, hourly rentals via sharing platforms or automated parking systems, and outsourcing to external operators. In apartment buildings, underground parking spaces are often included in the lease agreement or rented separately. The latter allows for flexible pricing and can optimize returns in the event of vacancies.

Recently, digital sharing platforms for short-term parking space rentals have been gaining prominence: platforms such as Parkbob or APCOA Connect enable owners to rent out parking spaces by the hour or day when they are not in use themselves. The hourly revenue is significantly higher than with long-term rentals-though the effort involved in booking management and key handover is also greater. For commercial properties with fluctuating occupancy rates, this model can significantly increase the overall return on parking spaces.

Legal and Structural Framework

In many German municipalities, parking regulations stipulate a minimum number of parking spaces per residential unit. A lack of parking spaces can be compensated for through buyout payments. Existing parking spaces are subject to property law regulations: In homeowners’ associations (WEG), underground parking spaces are either separately owned or subject to a right of exclusive use of a common area. This distinction has implications for sale, rental, and liability.

When managing underground parking spaces, fire safety regulations, ventilation requirements, and the obligation to regularly maintain barrier systems, elevators, and lighting must also be observed. These operational obligations fall on the owner or the WEG-the costs associated with them are part of the management expenses and must be factored into the return on investment calculation.

Economic Significance in Urban Areas

In densely populated urban areas, parking spaces are a scarce and sought-after commodity. In downtown Nuremberg, underground parking spaces command monthly rents ranging from €50 to over €150, depending on location and amenities. When sold, parking spaces near the city center are valued at €15,000 to €40,000 or more. A well-planned parking management strategy can increase the overall return on a residential or commercial building by several percentage points.

Commercial properties in Nuremberg’s business districts benefit particularly from active parking management: Those who own their own parking spaces and manage them efficiently have a competitive advantage over competitors who rely on public parking areas. For office tenants, parking is a key location criterion-well-managed parking spaces increase the property’s appeal and help retain tenants.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In downtown Nuremberg and in densely populated neighborhoods such as Gostenhof, the Old Town, or Maxfeld, available parking spaces are particularly scarce. Owners of buildings with unused garages or parking spaces should consider whether renting them out individually to external users could generate additional income. We can advise you on how to manage the parking spaces in your property in a legally compliant and maximally profitable manner.

We recommend first clarifying the legal situation (separate ownership or exclusive right of use?) and then researching standard market rental rates in the area. For parking spaces that are currently part of a lease agreement, you should consider whether separating the apartment from the parking space makes sense when renewing the lease-this provides more flexibility in pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell an underground parking space separately?

Only if it is registered as separate ownership in the land registry. Rights of exclusive use to common areas generally cannot be sold separately but can be transferred as part of the entire property. Conversion to separate ownership is possible under certain conditions.

What are the rental rates for parking spaces in Nuremberg?

In central locations (downtown, Gostenhof, Maxfeld), underground parking spaces range from €80-150 per month. In quieter suburban areas, they tend to be €40-80 per month. Outdoor parking spaces are cheaper but less in demand.

Do I have to pay taxes on parking space rental income?

Yes, income from renting out parking spaces is generally subject to income tax as rental income. Exceptions apply to rentals within the context of commercial housing construction. We recommend consulting a tax advisor.

Can I rent out parking spaces in my condominium association to non-owners?

This depends on the declaration of division and the community rules. Individual units can generally be rented to any third party; restrictions may apply to exclusive use rights. In many condominium associations, renting to external third parties is permitted if no owner within the community expresses a need for the space. Please clarify this in advance with the condominium manager.

Is an EV charging station in the parking space worth it for parking management?

Equipping underground parking spaces with EV charging infrastructure (wall boxes) is becoming significantly more important as a differentiating factor. In Nuremberg and the metropolitan region, a parking space with a functional wallbox (11 kW) can be offered for 30 to 50 euros per month more than an equivalent parking space without charging capabilities when renting to new tenants. The investment in a wallbox, including electrician installation and meter separation, typically ranges between 1,500 and 3,500 euros per parking space. For condominium properties, the Condominium Act has explicitly stipulated since the 2020 reform that every condominium owner has the right to request permission for a charging station on their private property (§ 20 (2) WEG). For landlords, the e-charging infrastructure thus offers not only additional revenue but also future-proof rentability.

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