Property advice
in Germany
for international buyers and owners
A property in Germany can be an investment, a second home or a permanent place to live. International buyers also need to navigate financing, tax, property management and letting arrangements across borders. We help you work through these questions at each stage of your project.
1. Buying
Buying property in Germany involves a notarised purchase agreement, a priority notice (Auflassungsvormerkung) and the transfer of ownership in the land register. Before signing, review the land register, building encumbrances and any existing tenancies. For apartments, also check the declaration of division, owners’ meeting minutes, annual budget and maintenance reserve.
We help you assess the property, avoid common pitfalls when dealing with estate agents and prepare a purchase agreement that protects your interests. We can also carry out market analyses and viewings.
2. Financing
Property financing is usually arranged through a bank in the country where the property is located. In Germany, buyers who live in Switzerland may face additional requirements concerning foreign income, collateral and the deposit required.
We help you identify suitable financing options and work through the financial planning and calculations for your project.
3. Renovating
Renovation costs often rise when the scope of work, responsibilities and coordination between trades are unclear. We help you define the work required, compare quotes and set a realistic budget.
We also assess which improvements make technical and financial sense and could improve rental potential or long-term property value. This helps you avoid unnecessary work, poor decisions and extra costs.
4. Management and taxation
For apartments, the property manager and owners’ association (WEG) play a central role. The annual budget, accounts, service charges, maintenance reserve and special contributions account for a substantial share of running costs.
International owners also need to consider how their property and rental income are taxed in Germany and in their country of residence. We help you understand and manage these matters.
5. Renting
When renting property in Germany, setting the rent requires an understanding of both local market conditions and legal limits, such as the Mietpreisbremse. We also help with service-charge statements, tenancy agreements and your choice of letting model, such as shared accommodation or a furnished apartment.
Together, we develop a rental strategy that suits the property, its location and your financial goals.
6. Selling
When you sell a property in Germany, we help with valuation, gathering documents and preparing the sale. Depending on the property, documents may include the land-register extract, energy performance certificate, floor-area calculation and owners’ association records.
For owners who live abroad, we also consider the tax and financial implications in Germany and their country of residence. Together, we develop a suitable sales strategy.
Our private intensive sessions
Alongside advice tailored to your questions and needs, we also offer private intensive sessions by video call or in person.
Buying property in
Germany
Intensive course for prospective buyers
In two hours, you will gain a practical overview of buying property in Germany, with useful tips for every stage. We explain the typical purchase process, financing options for buyers from abroad, and how to avoid costly pitfalls, document problems and estate agents' sales tactics. If you have not yet decided where in Germany to buy, we can also take a closer look at local market conditions and potential rental returns to help you assess your options.
For individual enquiries, please use the contact details below.
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