European initiatives in architectural conservation prove that historical heritage can be preserved.
In Germany, almost 5% of real estate, which is 1.3 million houses, is listed as architectural heritage. These are remarkable palaces, manors, mansions, churches, and industrial buildings.
The reconstruction and maintenance of historical buildings are subject to clear regulations and specifications, enforced by the heritage protection authorities of German federal lands and municipalities. Among features under regulation are the appearance of facades and their colour design.

In Germany, historic housing is very popular, with tenants and investors taking delight not just in authentic facades but the whole interior down to door handles and ceramic floor tiles. These details create the atmosphere cherished by connoisseurs and architectural gourmets, who readily bear additional financial expenses to maintain the building in an appropriate condition.

German state authorities, in their turn, encourage investors involved in the restoration of historic buildings, be it castles, luxurious Art Nouveau villas, apartment buildings, estates, hotels, restaurants, taverns or former industrial facilities (water towers, mills, factories, lighthouses), by offering them significant tax benefits.