The German property market in 2023 is facing several challenges, including rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. The market is also experiencing a housing shortage, which has led to a backlog of construction that is needed. Let’s look at real estate prices, rental market, government policies, investment opportunities, and market trends in Germany. Real Estate Prices Nationwide house prices rose by 8.74% in 2020 and by another 12.61% in 2021. However, during 2022, the nationwide house price index fell by 3.57%, in stark contrast to year-on-year rises of the previous years ..read more

Germany is a popular destination for expats looking to start their investing journey. With infrastructure and an economy that is open to investments in real estate, Germany offers a great opportunity for those who want to get started with investing abroad.  Whether you’re looking to buy your first investment property or diversify your portfolio with an overseas asset, the German market has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 6 steps necessary to start investing in German real estate as an expat so you can begin building your financial future—no matter where you cu ..read more

Germany’s current citizenship laws have been in place since 1913 and are quite restrictive. However, a new draft law has recently been proposed that would lower the barriers to dual citizenship. The proposed changes to the laws would make it easier for those with multiple nationalities to live and work in Germany. Currently, German citizens must renounce their original citizenship if they want to become naturalized as German citizens. This process can be lengthy and expensive, often taking years before an individual is granted German citizenship. The proposed law would allow people with multip ..read more

Germany’s visa process is quite straightforward and can be managed online. There are different types of visas available for various purposes, including business, tourism, visiting family members or friends, medical treatment, language learning and study. The application requirements depend on the type of visa you are applying for. Generally speaking, most applicants will need to provide a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining after their intended stay in Germany; proof of sufficient funds; travel health insurance; and evidence of accommodation (such as a hotel booking). The ..read more

If you’re planning to move to Germany, one of the many things you’ll need to take into account is your monthly utility bills. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on what to expect, including average costs and which services are included. So whether you’re already living in Germany or just getting ready to make the move, be sure to read on for all the details! Utility bills in Germany can be divided into six main categories: electricity, water, phone/internet, refuse collection, heating, and land tax/real property tax (Grundsteuer). Electricity Bills Electricity bills are usual ..read more

Over the past year, house prices and interest rates have increased making it increasingly difficult to buy a house and get on the property ladder. These soaring prices are a result of a shortage of housing throughout Germany as well as the rising costs of living, financialisation and inflation. In this article, we take a look at the housing market and how high house prices have increased over the last number of months as well as the current housing market and what is to be expected in regard to house prices in Germany in the next few months. Why have house prices increased substantially? The c ..read more

Recently, the German federal government has agreed upon a €65 billion relief package that is to be used to assist those struggling with the soaring costs of living. This plan is implemented to ease the pressure on households amid spiraling inflation and energy costs as Russia cuts off its gas supplies to Europe. In this article, we have broken down everything you need to know regarding the relief package and how it will be implemented to help you. What problems do German households currently face? The Federal Statistics Office reports that inflation in Germany rose to almost 8% in August after ..read more

Are you an expat living in Germany and looking to buy a property? Then you may have some questions, such as “is now the right time to buy?” and “how does the mortgage process work?”  In this comprehensive guide, we answer your most pressing questions about the German property market and take you through all the necessary steps from finding the right property in Germany to purchasing your dream home.  The German Property Market If you have been living in Germany for a while, you will have noticed that property prices have increased significantly over the past few years. The obvious qu ..read more

The pros and cons of buying in the current German market   Those who are currently considering buying property in Germany are looking at increased interest rates and the ECB’s tightening of monetary policy. So what to do? Should you buy now or wait? And if you wait, could you be priced out of the market completely?  The good news is that as a first-time buyer in Germany, you still enjoy several advantages in the current housing market if you choose to buy now.  In this article, we help you understand the current situation in the German property market, and give you an overview o ..read more

Are you looking to refinance your mortgage and want to secure a favourable interest rate for the future?  As mortgage interest rates in Germany are expected to rise by between 1% and 2% within the next year, an increasing number of people are now looking for favourable follow-up financing for their mortgage loans.  We have put together a guide on everything you need to know about switching your mortgage and securing good refinancing rates for the future. In it, we explain why it makes sense to think about remortgaging, when you should refinance, how much it costs and what options you ..read more