08:35 Mar 12, 2011 

Thanks! This is the right context, so "conversion of existing housing association buildings" would be correct.

08:13 Mar 7, 2011 

renovation of housing stock as part of urban renewal program (sustainable urban planning).....

19:20 Mar 6, 2011 

is the standard term for Bestand in this context. I don't think this is reconstruction, but it probably is renovation (Sanierung).

22:24 Mar 5, 2011 

In the context of a building exhibition (IBA), Bestand is German architectural jargon for the existing buildings or the fabric of an individual building. The G-hits for "Bestandsumbau" are about various types of building work (modernisation, insulation, conversion, refurbishment etc.)

20:44 Mar 5, 2011 

Let's ask Juelz for more context. And thanks Jonothan.

20:32 Mar 5, 2011 

Your interpretation is also plausible, we simply need to know more, e.g. whether we're talking about construction, or some kind of financial/marketing approach to reshuffling/spin-offs or whatever.

20:26 Mar 5, 2011 

let's try again. My first responses were hidden since I lost my temper a bit. - Agreed, "Bestandumbau" COULD mean that the structures are going to be re-constructed. But it could also mean that the portfolio (the mix, purpose, function, target etc.) of buildings is going to be adjusted. E.g flats could be converted into offices without any alteration. By the way, I never mentioned investment. Why would somebody use the expression as mentioned in the question if a reconstruction took place. In that case I would say "Umbau von Gebäuden einer Wohnungsgesellschaft". But here it's about "Bestandsumbau IN Wohnungsgesellschaften. Yes, there is some change taking place but not necessarily alterations or reconstructions.