DUESSELDORF (Reuters) - Vonovia, Germany's largest real estate group, on Tuesday reported that it returned to profit in the first quarter, even as the nation's property continues to writhe amid its worst crisis in decades.

Profit of 335.5 million euros in the quarter compares with a loss of 2.088 billion in the period a year earlier.

The company said it expected property values to bottom out this year.

Just last month, Vonovia reported its biggest loss ever for 2023, a second consecutive year in the red that marked a reversal from years of steady profits during the boom years.

German property firms are undergoing a major change of fortune after an end to the cheap money era that fuelled a decade-long boom, hitting the likes of Vonovia hard.

Vonovia has been trying to sell property to reduce debt. It made some headway, announcing last week the sale of a portfolio of 4,500 apartments for 700 million euros.

"Return to growth track is in sight. From 2025 at the latest, we want to shift gears and focus on increasing our earnings again," the company said.