Note: The following article is for general guidance only. For binding legal advice, we strongly recommend that you consult a specialised lawyer. We will be happy to put you in touch with the right lawyers in our region.
Are you an expat living in Germany? Then you should know this about the property market.
You live and work in Germany - whether on a temporary or longer-term basis. Perhaps you have already rented a flat. Perhaps you are thinking about owning your own home. Or you already own a property and are thinking about selling.
Find out what is possible - and what really matters.
Around 1 million expats live in Germany - in other words, people who have decided voluntarily and mostly for professional reasons in favour of a temporary or indefinite stay. Many expats are internationally mobile, highly qualified and well connected - and sooner or later they are confronted with the same questions: Do I stay here? Does renting make sense in the long term? How safe is an investment in property? What happens to my property when I leave the country?
We answer these questions - and show you how you can buy or sell safely, legally correct and well informed. Arrange a non-binding initial consultation now - in English, French or German.
We support you.
Book a 30-minute free consultation.
Discuss your questions about buying or selling your property individually, without obligation and free of charge with one of our estate agents.
Can I buy a property in Germany as an expat?
The answer is yes, absolutely. Germany is open to international buyers - regardless of your nationality or whether you are permanently registered here.
What do you need? In most cases, a valid passport is sufficient and - if you do not live in Germany - the appointment of a local notary or an authorised person. You do not need a residence permit or German citizenship.
However, you must be aware of this: The purchase process is legally binding and formal. Nothing happens in Germany without notarisation. It is therefore crucial that you are professionally supported from the outset.
How do I find the right flat as an expat?
What suits you? Loft, new-build flat, old building, suburban or city centre location? Expats have special requirements - we know the sought-after residential locations, the best property developers and properties with appreciation potential.
As market reporters for the IVD (German Property Federation) for Berlin and Brandenburg, we are very familiar with developments in Berlin, Potsdam and the surrounding area. Our many years of experience show: Anyone investing here should really understand the local market - and not rely solely on online offers.
We regularly monitor price developments, demand trends and new construction projects. This enables us not only to show you suitable properties, but also to realistically assess whether a purchase makes sense in the long term - for you as an owner-occupier or as an investor.
Take advantage of our search advice and our selection of inspected properties. Together we will find the right home - or the right investment.
How does the purchasing process work?
Are you about to buy a property in Germany but don't know exactly what to expect? We will guide you through every step - so that you can become an owner safely and stress-free.
In Germany, the procedure for buying a property is clearly regulated:
With good preparation, this process can be completed within a few weeks. We will provide you with a checklist and personalised support for every step.
- You view a property and decide to buy.
- You clarify the financing - either through equity or a loan.
- The notary draws up a draft purchase agreement.
- The contract is officially notarised at the notary appointment.
- You pay the purchase price directly to the seller at the notary's request.
- Once all payments and approvals have been received, the property is entered in the land register - and then you are officially the owner.
Can I get financing as an expat?
Would you like to buy a property in Germany, but don't know whether and how you can obtain financing? That's understandable - because many banks in Germany require proof of creditworthiness, German proof of income or a Schufa credit report. This is often a hurdle for expats.
The good news is that there are solutions - but you need the right contact person. We do not offer financing ourselves, but we work with Financial experts and specialised consultants who have experience with international customers. These experts know which banks work with expats and how to structure financing without traditional documentation.
Whether you work in Germany or earn an income abroad, whether you already have equity or would like to finance part of it - talk to one of our partners. We will put you in touch.
Would you like to plan your financing professionally?
Who can help me with tax issues?
If you are an expat buying a property in Germany, sooner or later you will come across the issue of taxes. Land transfer tax is one of the most important incidental purchase costs - depending on the federal state, it is between 3.5 % and 6.5 % of the purchase price. There are also notary fees, land registry fees and estate agent commission.
What many expats don't realise: Your tax situation depends heavily on whether you live in Germany or abroad, how long you hold the property and whether you use it yourself or rent it out. International tax treaties can also play a role.
We do not provide tax advice ourselves. But we will put you in touch with experienced tax advisors who specialise in international buyers. In this way, you avoid unpleasant surprises and receive a legally compliant assessment of your personal situation.
I don't speak perfect German. Who can help me buy a property?
Do you understand what the purchase contract says? Do you know what happens at the notary appointment? We make sure that you are accompanied in your language - be it through interpreters, bilingual documents or personal counselling.
Our team - consisting of experienced brokers and consultants - speaks German, English, French, Farsi, Norwegian, Swedish, Greek, Russian and Mandarin.
You can therefore rely on us to provide you with not only professional but also linguistic support.
This will ensure that there are no misunderstandings - legal or financial.
We support you.
Book a 30-minute free consultation.
Discuss your questions about buying or selling your property individually, without obligation and free of charge with one of our estate agents.
