Rent in Leipzig! Real Estate, Neighborhoods – Real Estate Agent Interview

Real Estate Agent Interview in Leipzig – Are you interested in buying or renting a house or apartment in Leipzig? But you still lack the necessary knowledge and experience? Then you have come to the right place! We talked to a local real estate agent to learn all about the current real estate market. First of all, it is important to find the right type of real estate, whether apartment or penthouse, you need to be satisfied in the long term. You can expect exciting topics about additional costs, recommendations and popular districts in Leipzig. Back to the overview: Real estate agent Leipzig. Also in Germany in our article: Real Estate Agents Germany.

Rent, buy, live in Leipzig

Our interview partner, has specialized in the mediation, selling and renting of real estate in Leipzig and the surrounding area. We have talked with the real estate agent from Leipzig in an interview about attractive districts, financing options and the current real estate market. Here you can learn everything about the first apartment purchase, different types of houses and types of apartments.

Here you can see Leipzig at a glance:

Leipzig up close:

Rent: Tips on price development

You have decided to rent or even rent a house or apartment? Then you should definitely know more about bedroom furnishing and exclusive terrace design.

Buy: Good yield and districts

Find your new home in attractive districts of Leipzig such as Plagwitz, Connewitz or Gholis and avoid serious mistakes with your purchase! Find out what you should know before you buy in this article! Are you also interested in cities in NRW? We have selected other interesting cities for you, such as Frankfurt, Munich and Düsseldorf.

Interview about the Leipzig real estate market

In an interview, we got to know a Leipzig real estate company better and asked everything about the real estate world. Here you can find out everything from incidental purchase costs to the best capital investments.

Interview Partner: Home Real Estate

FIV: Before we go into Leipzig and its real estate market and your recommendations for tenants and buyers, we would like to know a little more about your agency “Nach Hause Immobilien”. Could you briefly summarize for our readers what your agency does and what you specialize in?

Daniela Kasch: The vision of our real estate agents is to give the real estate industry a righteous and human face. The purchase and also the sales of a real estate are finally very special and for the most part also very emotional life moments. Our founder, Daniela Kasch, herself comes from a management consulting background and today, as a certified appraiser and business economist, can count herself among the most popular real estate agents in the city with a team of five outstanding female brokers.

Due to her membership in the BNI – Business Network International – a professional association of regional business people, Daniela Kasch has an extensive network throughout Germany and is in constant exchange with financing specialists, architects and appraiser colleagues about the real estate market. A real estate sale is characterized by memories and the course towards new goals.

We accompany and support on this exciting journey, with know-how, many years of experience, empathy and personality from the first thought to the joyful toast after the notary appointment. Since 2010, Nach Hause Immobilien GmbH & Co KG has accompanied the purchase and sale of real estate in the Leipzig area and our entire team is aware that sellers and buyers place great trust in us.

It is not only our mission to achieve the best possible price in the shortest possible time, but also to find a worthy successor for the properties that have often been the living space of our clients for years. In recent years, we have been able to reunite hundreds of properties with new residents or users. We focus mainly on the areas of single-family homes, condominiums and apartment buildings.

Mediation of trendy real estate

FIV: As an agent in Leipzig, which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Daniela Kasch: The sale of real estate should be carefree and, above all, a pleasure – that is our claim for every owner who wants to part with his property. The more trusting and attentive the cooperation is, the more motivation there is to market the property. Properties where personal stories have been written, divorce properties, historic estates and older estate houses not only demand our mediation talent, but also our marketing know-how.

Also for this reason, these properties are welcome orders in our brokerage office. When selling rented and non-rented condominiums, we carefully consider whether the prospective buyers are owner-occupiers or capital investors. For owner-occupants it is more convenient if the condominiums they wish to purchase are not rented.

In this way, one avoids the notice of owner-occupancy and does not leave behind any worried tenants at the viewings. If the prospective buyers are capital investors, it is of course an easier process if the apartments are already rented. This way, the capital investor can count on secure rental income from day one.

Leipzig old building apartment:

Future districts: Schleußig, Leutzsch & Connewitz

FIV: Neighborhoods for Singles, Families & Co. – For those who do not yet live in Leipzig and want to move to Leipzig, which neighborhoods have a future? Where should you move to in Leipzig if you want to live nicely?

Daniela Kasch: Gentrifying and popular neighborhoods for young people, singles and the like in Leipzig are the trendy Südvorstadt district, the hot spot Connewitz, the creative Plagwitz district, Schleußig and the attractive neighborhoods around Leipzig’s Clara Zetkin Park. Families with children are more likely to be drawn to picturesque Gohlis, the quiet garden suburb of Marienbrunn, or Leutzsch, Böhlitz Ehrenberg and Knautkleeberg for the nature lovers among our shoppers. The peripheral areas close to the city are also currently in particularly high demand, as it still seems financially possible for young families to purchase here, or at least there is hope of an affordable purchase price.

Live beautifully in:

• Connewitz
• Plagwitz
• Schleußig
• Clara Zetkin Park
• Gohlis
• Marienbrunn
• Leutzsch
• Böhlitz-Ehrenberg
• Knautkleeberg

Marienbrunn district

On our homepage, we have created location descriptions for the advantages and flaws of the corresponding residential locations. In our real estate exposés you can also find out what makes the property and its surroundings so special. For each real estate offer the prospective customer receives an extensive documentation. From technical documents to evidence of ownership and ancillary costs, there is a digital file that gives prospective buyers a precise insight into the property details.

We generally recommend to our prospective buyers that the financing of the property is already clarified before the viewing, in order to be able to prove this in writing at the viewing, if possible. For this purpose we have prepared a guideline for our prospective buyers, so that also here – at least organizationally – nothing can go wrong. So they are then in a position to make a speedy decision when their gut feeling is also right. The probability of being outbid by other numerous competitors is quite low in this case.

Rental price development in the Leipzig area

FIV: Rents are a big topic, all over Germany. How has the real estate market and rental prices in Leipzig developed in recent years and how will they develop in the future?

Daniela Kasch: Leipzig’s housing market can be described as dynamic, but compared with cities such as Berlin or Munich, rental and purchase prices in the trade fair metropolis have risen rather moderately. Currently, the prospects are uncertain, some discourage based on the population growth of recent years with impending housing shortages and unaffordable rents, others predict that the many new construction projects could lead to new vacancies.

The average rent in Leipzig in 2019 was between €5.50/m² and €7.00/m². These figures reflect existing rents and asking rents. Existing rents relate to actual rents for existing tenancies and asking rents are the rents at which apartments are offered on the internet or in other media. In order to assess the market development in Leipzig correctly, some basic considerations would have to be made first.

To put it simply, it is important to remember that the housing market is made up of supply and demand, as well as other key indicators. Since supply does not currently match demand, it is not possible to speak of a balanced housing market. This tight market is therefore characterized by rising rents. In Leipzig, demand has developed more dynamically in recent years than in any other city.

Apartments built in prefabricated slab construction still have rents below the citywide average, while rents in refurbished old and new buildings are above average. Thus, in this level today one can rather expect apartment offers with a rent of 8.50 €/m² to 10.00 €/m².

Rent prices in comparison:

• 2019: 5,50 € to 7,00 € per m²
• 2022: 8,50 € to 10,00 € per m²

Luxurious family house:

Broker recommendation: Rent or buy?

FIV: In Germany, people rent more than they buy. What would you recommend to a young couple or even a single person, renting or buying in Leipzig?

Daniela Kasch: Germany has always been considered a country of renters, as the data from the Federal Statistical Office show. About 50% of real estate is occupied for rent, and there are historical reasons for this. Today the restraint is owed to the fact that living became more expensive, thus many city dwellers simply cannot afford their own real estate. Many factors make it difficult to buy real estate. Since the corporate purpose of Nach Hause Immobilien is the sale of real estate, we are biased on this issue, because we generally recommend buying.

Whether renting or buying is the better recommendation depends not only on age but above all on what one’s own life plans envisage.

We would like to advise young families to buy real estate, because the old adage “material value beats monetary value” still holds true today. Older people, on the other hand, we recommend renting an apartment after selling real estate, because what was not a problem in the past can cloud the joy of owning your own little house in old age. The garden is more work than fun. The children’s rooms have been unused for years. The stairs to the upper floor are becoming more and more arduous. Perhaps the time has come to put down new roots, sell the cottage, become financially independent and start the fourth phase of life carefree with a comfortable, barrier-free apartment.

Typical first-time buyer mistakes: tips & experiences

FIV: Anyone who rents in Leipzig is relatively flexible and can move if necessary. Anyone who buys a property, whether a home or a condominium, is at least tied to the property for the long term by the loan or financing. What are typical first-time buyer mistakes from your experience as a real estate agent and how can you avoid them?

Daniela Kasch: Anyone buying real estate for the first time faces many questions. It is therefore useful to prepare well in advance in order to carry out the real estate purchase safely and without risks. We support our buyers in their preparation. And so that they can plan reliably, we have developed a guide on how the real estate purchase will be successful. And for this, first of all, it is absolutely necessary that the prospective buyers bring all the people who are important for their decision making to the viewing appointment.

In this way, they are able to clarify the points that are open to you and can make an unhindered and binding decision. The right financing advice is what counts: The most important stage to the purchase of the property is the financing concept, because today we conduct viewings only with those interested parties who have clarified the financing of the property and can prove this in writing. A common mistake made by first-time buyers is the assumption that they need to have seen the property before they talk to a financing advisor.

Bedroom in Leipzig apartment:

Now put yourself in the seller’s position: Why should the owner of the offered property let you into his house if he doesn’t even know whether you can afford this property at all. Also the purchase from private holds high risks. Here saving can become then correctly expensive. Simply put, two beginners meet each other here.

Our prospective buyers can avoid the most common beginner’s mistakes by hiring an experienced real estate agent for the purchase, who supports and guides them, procures all documents for their financing bank, prepares an informative exposé for them, explains a purchase contract, checks floor plans and living spaces, takes over their dealings with the authorities, determines the market price, negotiates with the seller, points out critical areas to them and recommends the property to them without hesitation. Because buying real estate is not “without”.

Service charges & taxes: You have to reckon with that!

FIV: The purchase price of a property is one thing, but what ancillary costs and taxes must buyers in Leipzig expect?

Daniela Kasch: Incidental purchase costs are incurred with every real estate purchase. In addition to the purchase price, buyers of a property must factor in incidental costs of around 10 to 12 percent, because different rules may apply in each federal state and different brokerage commissions may apply depending on the type of property. For example, if a single-family home is offered by a real estate agent, a brokerage commission of 7.14 percent of the purchase price is due.

Since the end of December 2020, in accordance with the new commission law, the buyer and seller share this brokerage commission, so that the purchaser of this single-family house must calculate a brokerage fee of 3.57 percent. The next cost item is for the notarization of the purchase contract and the entry in the land register. These fees amount to around 2 percent of the purchase price. The last cost item to be mentioned is the land transfer tax (GrESt). The amount varies between 3.5 and 6.5 percent depending on the federal state and is currently 3.5 percent in Saxony.

Incidental expenses:

• Commission 7,14 % of the purchase price
• Notary + land register 2 %
• Real estate transfer tax 3.5
• Total 10-12 % Incidental costs

Real estate as an investment

FIV: Leipzig districts for real estate investment – we come still to real estates as capital investment in Leipzig, for those, which want to buy and let. If our*r Leser*in for the purchase, with following letting, decides: Which 2 districts or satellites around Leipzig would you recommend to a buyer for their capital investment in Leipzig? In your opinion as an expert, where do the most future opportunities lie?

Daniela Kasch: In our opinion, investors will find the most future opportunities in the outskirts of the city, because this is where the greatest development potential lies and purchase prices have not yet been exhausted in the peripheral areas. Popular peripheral areas are, for example, Markkleeberg, Markranstädt or also Großpösna and Taucha. However, if you have the opportunity to purchase a property in districts such as Schleußig or Plagwitz at a moderate purchase price, then you should strike here.

Popular fringe areas:

• Markkleeberg
• Markranstädt
• Großpösna
• Taucha
• Schleußig
• Plagwitz

Markranstädt at a glance:

Schleußig district:

These two districts are very popular with families due to their proximity to the city center, the direct water connection to the river “Weiße Elster” and their proximity to the Clara Zetkin Park. Due to the fact that there are many families with children in these two districts, living space is always needed and also sought in this area.

Real estate with a future: listed properties, apartments & student housing

FIV: In your opinion, what type of real estate has a future in Leipzig, what should one invest in? Small, large, existing, new construction?

Daniela Kasch: As a native of Leipzig, I have to say that Leipzig as a real estate location is in principle a location with a future. (Laughing face) Nevertheless, this question cannot be answered simply in one sentence, because it is important to ask which type of real estate best suits the investor. Here one must discuss exactly what the ideas and goals of the real estate buyer are.

For example, does the investor have a very high taxable income? In this case, an investment in a listed property can make sense in order to reduce the annual tax burden. Investments in listed properties are very popular anyway because, in addition to the depreciation on listed buildings, they are often also subsidized by the KfW Bank. Another point is, for example, the question of the target tenant group.

Many investors like to buy 2-room apartments, preferably as apartments, equipped with a fitted kitchen. Leipzig is a student city, so such an investment can always make sense. Of course, always provided that the return is right.

Broker tips & first steps

FIV: Finally, one more question: You mentioned the typical buying mistakes of a property. Many buy, but some also want to sell. As an experienced broker in Leipzig, what tips can you give to those who are selling a property for the first time? What are the first steps and how do you successfully sell a property in Leipzig?

Daniela Kasch: At least once in a lifetime, the moment comes when the previous home no longer fits. Whether it has become too big or too small, the family situation has changed or a move to another city is pending – in any case, we are familiar with these situations and accompany the change to the new four walls in a particularly uncomplicated and charming way. Above all, we ensure that no mistake is made in this situation when selling the property.

Kitchen with dining room area:

We find the fairest price for the property and with a few adjusting screws we can still optimize the price. For example, it sometimes makes sense to spruce up the property with a light renovation or to present the property to potential buyers for viewing in a particularly homely ambience with borrowed furniture – so-called “home staging”. Even if a marriage or relationship breaks down, the joint home does not have to become a cost trap, but should provide both parties with a good financial cushion for a new start.

As trained mediators, we brokers circumnavigate every war of the roses and always keep the greatest benefit for all in focus. We organize flyers, direct mailing, marketing in internet portals, presentation on our homepage and in print media. Your property has now generated a lot of attention. Now it is time to separate the wheat from the chaff among the interested parties. Only a suitable preselection comes to the viewings, in order to spare you the “inspection tourists” in your four walls.

We negotiate with buyers according to your specifications – something that also needs to be learned. The most promising prospective buyers are subjected to a credit check, so the owners are spared the unpleasant question about the financial framework of the possible buyers. It is often helpful to also offer the potential buyers healthy financing, so that the sellers can get their money without complications.

With the notarization of the purchase contract at the notary, the purchase is bindingly completed. And even after that, we are still at your side, e.g. when you move into your new dream property.

In conclusion, the sale of a property follows a well-planned strategy.

At every stage of this process, you have both the professional experience and the passion for the property at your side with the female brokers. Each phase is planned and carried out with the necessary care and the possible speed, so that for the owners the sale of your property is not a stressful feat, but the most exciting business of your life.

Many thanks to Daniela Kasch for the interview!

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