Condo | FIV | Magazine

Student apartment as a capital investment: investing, renting & managing – investing with just 5,000 euros

F_kinski — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:35:54 +0000

Imagine entering the world of real estate – not with millions in your bank account, but with only around 5,000 euros in equity. Sounds like a dream? But it is possible. That’s what today’s special is all about: how to start your first own apartment as an investment with style, color and a little courage.

Real estate investment for beginners: how to do it on a budget

Geld anlegen?

In conversation with Lukinski / Kapitalanlagen (Stephan M. Czaja) – Buying your first condominium (as an investment) without risking everything right away – it’s possible. Small apartments around 25,000 euros are the perfect place to start. In many German cities, you can find small properties near the university or in peripheral locations that can be transformed into modern micro-apartments with a little skill.

Invest cheaply: Small apartment, big style & clever returns

Why is that?

Why 5,000 euros can be enough

For many first-time buyers, this sounds too good to be true. But: if you can raise around 20% equity – i.e. around 5,000 euros for a purchase price of 25,000 euros – and the bank finances the rest, you have already laid the foundation. In addition, there is a small buffer for modernization – and this is exactly where your leeway lies.

Only 20 % equity required
Low entry hurdle for your first investment

Upgrading with style: color, kitchen, charm

What you can get out of a nondescript apartment with a small budget is enormous. A new wall color immediately creates a fresh atmosphere. A laminate floor from the DIY store enhances the feeling of living. And with an inexpensive fitted kitchen, you not only add function, but also real added value – especially for potential tenants.

Achieve more rent with little effort

Those who invest in simple furnishings often get significantly more per square meter. Especially for students, young professionals or single travelers, it’s not the size that counts – but whether everything you need is there. Renting out furnished means you can charge a premium and appeal to a target group that is looking for exactly that.

Fitted kitchen increases the rental value
Furnished apartments generate more income

Who you rent to: Students, Singles, Mobile

Your small, cleverly furnished apartment is in tune with the times. More and more people are living alone – and they don’t want to live in huge apartments. Whether student or digital nomad: An apartment with 25 m², furnished and in good condition, is quickly rented out. Especially in cities with universities or good public transport connections, the vacancy rate is often zero.

High demand for small apartments

So why spend more or opt for large properties? Small apartments are not only easier to finance – they are also back on the market more quickly. And with a property management company, you don’t have to worry about almost anything.

Stable demand for small units
Property management takes over letting & administration

Less risk, more control

A small start also means: you risk less, but learn just as much. You build up initial experience, benefit from monthly rental income and can sell again at any time. Thanks to the compact size, you have lower operating costs, less maintenance – and a very clear calculation.

More overview with a small area

Instead of renting out a 4-room apartment, where you might end up with three empty rooms, you invest in a single small unit – with a clear target group. Your fixed costs remain manageable and you have full control over your income.

Less effort, more overview
Lower operating costs

Start with little capital – but a lot of impact

You don’t need millions to start investing in real estate. Just 5,000 euros is enough to buy a small apartment, upgrade it a little – and turn it into a real source of income. And best of all, you’ll learn everything you need for your future portfolio.

Micro-apartment as a capital investment: advantages for you

Small apartment with 25 m² instead of a large 4-room apartment. Why? More and more people are living alone in single households. Students, singles, holidaymakers, but also professional groups such as fitters, who are often in different cities. Learn more about investing in small condominiums, so-called micro-apartments, here.

Micro-apartment as a capital investment

Buying your first condominium – criteria, purchase price & capital investment – 11 point checklist

Elisa — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:34:08 +0000

Buying your first condo – The property for first-timers. Want to buy a condo as your first property, but don’t know where to start? Here we’ve created a checklist of 11 items for you to determine the basics and criteria of your property search. Whether determining the maximum purchase price, the question of owner-occupancy or capital investment, yield or investment property as well as existing or new construction – here you will get all the answers to your questions.

Back: mistakes in buying real estate Next: Rented or Unrented

Checklist: Goals and criteria of the first condominium

When buying your first property, you should make a well-considered decision. You should set a goal for yourself, which criteria play the biggest role for you in a property and in no case buy for emotional reasons. Make your decision based on business facts and figures that compare well.

In the following post, we’ve broken down for you the points for setting goals when buying a property. Here are our eleven points summarized in short questions:

Self-interest or capital investment?
What is the maximum purchase price?
How low is the maximum gross rental yield?
Should I buy rented or unrented?
Which cities are eligible?
What is the perfect location?
Invest in existing or new buildings?
How old can a property be?
How big does a property need to be?
Ground lease?
Social binding or post-binding?

Step 1 – Self-interest or rather capital investment?

As already explained in our article on the subject of owner-occupation vs. capital investment, it is always better to use the first property as a capital investment. Because, with owner-occupancy, you always pay 100% of the running costs yourself. Capital investors, on the other hand, primarily let the tenant and the tax office pay.

Here you will find everything on the topic of self-interest vs. capital investment

Here in brief what self-interest and capital investment mean:

Self-interest: 100% responsible for costs
Capital investment: Tenant and tax office pay

Step 2 – What should be the maximum purchase price?

This question depends on many factors. However, the most important criterion is probably the creditworthiness in terms of assets, as well as the monthly balance of assets and equity. These are all decisive factors for your bank when it comes to deciding on financing.

Read more about maximum purchase price here.

Here is a brief overview of the most important factors:

Credit rating
Monthly balance sheet
Equity

Step 3 – How low can the minimum gross rental yield be?

You want to make the biggest possible profit from your apartment. How high must the rental yield be at least so that the tenant ideally pays off the property and you yourself do not have to pay for repayment and interest?

Read more about minimum gross rental yield here.

Here, in brief, is the formula for calculating the gross rental yield:

Formula: Annual rent / purchase price x 100 = gross rental return

This goal is also called efficient asset accumulation. Accordingly, the gross rental yield of an investment property should also be high.

Step 4 – Buy a property rented or unrented?

When buying an apartment for personal use, it is always advisable to buy unrented. The exception: notice of termination for personal use. For capital investors, however, an unrented property would be much more time-consuming, since you have to look for new tenants.

Read all about buying rented or unrented here.

Buy unrented as an investment:

Here in brief the advantages and disadvantages!

Advantages:

Renovation work: Immediately feasible and deductible
Use of own lease
Market rent

Disadvantages:

Vacancy at the beginning: loss of rent
Renovation expense

Buy rented as an investment:

Advantages:

No time required for new leasing
Payment behavior and behavior of existing tenants is known
Low risk of vacancy

Disadvantages:

Rental mostly below current market value
Existing rental agreements must be taken over

Step 5 – Which cities are eligible?

A-, B- or C- location, where is the best place to buy my property? The central question here is whether I choose an investment property or a yield property.

Read more about layer types here.

A, B or C position

Here is a brief overview of how which of the three layer types is defined:

A-location (simply: metropolis)
B-location (simple: large city / city with positive development)
C-location (simple: small town / country in stagnation)

Where do I buy which property?

The different location types compare areas. Higher yields go hand in hand with lower appreciation. Therefore, depending on the location, one chooses between yield or investment property.

Investment property: Only to be found in A-location
Yield property: Good B- or also C- location

Macro, meso, micro location

After the comparison of the A-, B- or C- location, districts and the concrete neighborhood are compared.

Read all about macro- meso- micro- location here.

Here is a brief overview:

Macro location (A, B and C location, i.e. where in the country / which city?)
Meso location (where in the city)
Micro-location (exact location)

Step 6 – What is the perfect location?

Where exactly should I buy my first property? Owner-occupiers and capital investors, as well as yield properties or investors with the goal of value appreciation, accordingly, the decision of the perfect location is different. Here we go into the analysis again to help you find the best location for your goals!

The perfect location

Step 7 – Invest in existing or new buildings?

When buying a home, in addition to the question of owner-occupancy or capital investment and return or investment property, one wonders whether to invest in existing or new construction. Both forms have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, you will learn what they are.

Read all about existing or new construction here.

Advantages of new construction

Current state of the art
Low risk for maintenance and repairs
Co-determination in interior design

Disadvantages of new construction

Higher purchase price and incidental purchase costs
Lower rental yield
High value loss at the beginning
Other costs for public development

Step 8 – How old can a property be?

You want to invest in an old building? Then you need to consider a few things before buying. Old properties have some advantages, but also disadvantages. We have compiled a brief overview of all the facts of the different construction years in comparison.

The age of a property is a decisive factor when it comes to buying a property. But what are the differences and defects depending on the age and year of construction of a property? Is it worth investing in an aging house or apartment?

Year of manufacture and condition

Step 9 – How big does a property need to be?

How big should my first property be? Micro-apartment, 2, 3 or even more rooms? This question is answered here by comparing living space for owner-occupancy and investment. In general, the number of square meters and the room layout is particularly important.

Read all about the maximum size of a property here.

Here is a brief summary of the criteria for owner-occupants:

Well-being has priority
Plan sufficient living space for the future, e.g. family planning
Area not too oversized > Purchase price, ancillary costs
Equipment can be improved later

Here is an overview of the three goals for capital investors:

High rental yield
Good rentability
Few vacancies

Step 10 – Is a ground lease necessary?

When dealing with the topic of ground leases for the first time, many questions arise. What is a ground lease and does it make sense? Also one wants to know whether one can deduct the costs of the ground lease, the ground rent from the tax? All your questions will be answered here.

Read more about ground leases here.

Here is the ground lease summarized in brief:

Ownership and usage rights permanently separated
2 parties: ground lease giver and ground lease taker
Leasehold lender cedes a plot of land for development
Leasehold owner receives ground rent for it

Step 11 – Social binding & post-binding?

Before looking for housing, you should know everything about the topic of social commitment in housing. Here you will learn all the pros and cons and what you can do everything from low-interest loans by public authorities for social housing, to obligations, to the grace period.

Here you will find everything else about social binding and post-binding.

Social binding summarized in brief:

Affordable housing through public funding
Very good conditions for loans or grants
Rent for persons with a certificate of eligibility for housing

The rebinding in a nutshell:

Commitment to social housing until loan is repaid

Back: mistakes in buying real estate Next: Rented or Unrented

Investment risk checklist: avoid mistakes when investing in real estate

Team — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:46:55 +0000

5 mistakes investors make – that you should avoid. If you want to be successful with your first investment, avoiding these 5 mistakes should be your top priority. Learn from the mistakes of others and become a real estate professional! Click here to return to the guide: Real estate as an investment.

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Your goal is financial freedom? Anyone can build wealth with real estate. Investments allow you to build up money over the long term. By investing, you can make your real estate work for you and benefit from interest, dividends and price gains over time. However, investing in real estate without any knowledge is too risky. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Every real estate professional has already made mistakes that you can benefit from. Stick to this checklist, avoid the 5 mistakes and minimize your risk of failure. Let’s go!

Risk checklist: What you should avoid

Stick to these points and nothing will stand in the way of your successful investment:

Don’t invest in real estate with too low a return
Designing financing for the long term instead of the short term
Bring in enough equity
Financing compared
Calculate net return not just gross return

Find out now what the 5 biggest mistakes are that you can make when investing.

Real estate as an investment: avoid mistakes

Investing in real estate as a capital investment can be a wise decision to achieve long-term income and asset growth. However, there are also risks and mistakes that should be avoided. Here are some tips from real professionals on how to avoid mistakes when using real estate as an investment.

1st error: yield below 9%

Why should the return on an investment be over 9%? When buying an investment, you shouldn’t just ask yourself the question: How much will the property earn me? You should also ask yourself: How much do I actually need to cover the costs? As a rule, you should assume a 2% repayment of the purchase price and 2% maintenance costs. After all, an investment property has to be paid off and rented out, which involves financial obligations. With the current 5 % interest rate, you then arrive at a return of 9 %, which the property must generate. So if the yield is currently below 9%, you are making a loss on the investment. It is better to stay away from such properties.

2nd error: short-term loan

Why should you choose long-term financing over short-term investments? In two words: Inflation and capital appreciation. When financing an investment and considering the impact of inflation, it is crucial to consider long-term strategies. Inflation leads to a loss in the purchasing power of money over time, which is why it is more favorable to finance long-term.

What are the advantages of long-term financing for you as an investor? Long-term loans usually have lower interest rates than short-term loans. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of the investment. Long-term financing offers stability and planning security. You know exactly what your monthly payments will be and can manage your budget better. Real estate generally increases in value over the long term. If you are buying real estate to benefit from the increase in value, long-term financing makes sense, as you need time to let the value of your property increase.

Long-term financing can also offer tax advantages, such as mortgage interest, which is tax-deductible in some countries. Long-term financing reduces the risk of interest rate changes. With short-term financing, you are more susceptible to interest rate increases that could increase your costs. Long-term financing can stabilize your monthly cash flow, as the installment payments are often lower than with short-term loans. This makes it easier to cover ongoing costs. Long-term financing offers flexibility. You can use your capital over the longer term and have the option of renting out the property, which can generate additional income.

The advantages of long-term financing at a glance:

Lower interest rates
Planning security
Benefit from real estate appreciation
Tax advantages
Risk minimization
Stable monthly cash flow
Flexibility

3rd error: below 20 % equity ratio

Why should you use at least 20% equity to finance an investment? A higher equity base often leads to lower monthly repayments, which can improve the stability of your cash flow. This is especially important if you are using rental income to cover loan installments.

4th mistake: do not compare financing

Comparing financing is important to ensure a successful investment. Why? By comparing financing options, you can identify the most favorable loan terms, such as lower interest rates and lower fees. This helps to minimize the overall cost of the investment. Depending on your financial goals and investment timeframe, different financing options may be more suitable. A comparison will help you choose the one that best suits your goals.

5th mistake: relying solely on gross return

The gross return merely serves as a basic measure for initial considerations and decisions. It provides a rough overview of the profitability of a capital investment. It can be helpful for quick orientation. However, the net return is the more meaningful indicator. Its importance lies in the fact that it is more comprehensive and precise, as it includes all actual income and expenses. This includes expenses such as taxes, insurance, maintenance, administration and financing costs. By taking this into account, the net yield provides a more realistic assessment of the actual return on your investment.

Tips: become successful with a capital investment

More tips from experts on becoming successful with an investment in this informative video.

Real estate as an investment for beginners: Guide

Want to get started with real estate now? Read one article, that’s all you need for the most important basics of investing in capital assets. Start your career in real estate now with the investor’s guide.

Guide for beginners

For whom is real estate a worthwhile investment? Requirements for asset accumulation

Team — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:46:51 +0000

For whom is real estate a worthwhile investment? – Does financial freedom, passive income and wealth accumulation sound tempting? So you want to invest in real estate, but are new to the subject and want to know whether you should take the plunge into the real estate sector. Then this article will help you. Click here to return to the guide: Real estate as an investment.

For whom is a property worthwhile as an investment?

Capital investments are currently becoming increasingly popular as protection against inflation. Inflation rates can reduce the purchasing power of your money over time. Real estate can serve as protection against inflation, as it tends to go hand in hand with rising prices. Rental income and the value of the property can thus benefit from increases in inflation.

Acquiring real estate as an investment is already a proven strategy for building wealth and generating passive income. However, this approach is not equally suitable for everyone. To assess whether real estate as an investment is right for you, you should consider your individual goals, financial resources and risk tolerance. In this article, we take a look at those for whom real estate investment might make sense.

Prerequisites for a successful investment

If you want to invest successfuly in a capital investment, you should be able to fulfill the following 5 requirements.

Financial stability
Clear investment objectives
Willingness to take risks
Market understanding
Patience

Nothing works without financial stability

You should have sufficient financial resources to finance the investment and cover any unexpected expenses. This can include equity, savings or guarantees. As a rule, a capital investment is financed with at least 20% equity at the bank. You can only get access to loans if you have sufficient liquidity. You should therefore calculate beforehand how expensive your property can really be. The ancillary costs of the purchase should also be taken into account.

Tip: Many readers are asking themselves at this point: How much income do I need to be able to buy my first property? Whether it’s a condominium or a house, Immobilien-erfahrung.de explains the rule of thumb: Repayments, interest and ancillary costs must not exceed 45% of your net salary. Click here for the article:

What is the minimum salary to buy a house?

Clear goals, profitable investments

You should know why you are investing in an investment. Is it long-term capital appreciation, income generation or diversification of your portfolio? Your goals will influence your choice of asset class and strategy.

Risk appetite & risk management

Every investment involves risk. You need to know your own risk tolerance and make sure that your investments match your risk profile. Properties in C locations are usually associated with higher risk. B-locations often offer a good balance of risk and return.

You can find more information on the various real estate locations and which investments you should or should not invest in in our guide for investors:

Real estate as an investment for beginners

Market understanding is the be-all and end-all

You should understand the specific asset class you want to invest in, be it stocks, bonds, real estate or other assets. Market knowledge is key to making smart decisions. How to build wealth with real estate or investments is still a mystery to you? Then quickly get the most important basics here so that you can start investing in your first capital investment straight away:

Guide for investors

Patience is handsomely rewarded

Patience is not only a virtue, it also brings you big money. Why? In one word: real estate appreciation. Capital investments often require a long-term view. Patience is necessary to achieve appreciation and returns over time. Real estate as a capital investment is best suited to investors with a long-term investment horizon. The value of real estate usually increases over time, and the rental income can lead to a stable income. If you are prepared to invest your money for years or even decades, real estate can be a good choice.

Tip! Diversification: Real estate investments offer a way to diversify your portfolio. If you already invest in stocks and bonds, adding real estate can provide risk diversification, as real estate markets often perform independently of other asset classes.

Real estate as an investment: secure financial freedom, passive income & pension – Guide

F_kinski — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 08:46:48 +0000

Real estate as a capital investment – investing money in real estate for the long term: What really matters! Are you looking for a clever way to invest your hard-earned money wisely? Then you should definitely consider investing in real estate as a capital investment. But be careful, not every property is automatically a cash cow. In this article, we’ll show you what really matters in order to get the best return on your investment.

Is it worth investing in capital assets?

Does real estate make sense as an investment? Capital investments are currently becoming increasingly popular as protection against inflation. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. Real estate increases in value over time and can therefore serve as inflation protection and wealth accumulation. For more and more people, capital investments are the path to financial freedom and a secure pension.

For whom is a property worthwhile as an investment? Purchasing condominiums as an investment has become a proven strategy for generating passive income. However, this approach is not equally suitable for everyone. To assess whether a property as an investment is worthwhile for you, you should consider your individual goals, financial resources and risk tolerance.

Real estate as an investment: that’s what counts!

Investing in real estate can be a smart investment if you pay attention to the right factors. The choice of location, return targets and the right financing are crucial to your success. Remember that real estate investments require patience and are best invested for the long term. If you keep these points in mind, real estate as an investment can be a lucrative investment that offers you long-term financial stability.

That’s basically what matters:

The right location for the property
Cost-covering return and positive cash flow
Long-term financing with 20 % equity

Let’s take a closer look at the whole spectacle.

The right real estate location: (A, B, C location)

The right location: The first rule of real estate investment is: location makes all the difference! You need to be aware that not every area provides the same returns. A-locations, such as sought-after city center locations, often offer the highest rental and appreciation opportunities. B-locations, i.e. areas close to the city, can also be attractive. C-locations, the outskirts or less popular neighborhoods, are often less expensive, but also involve more risks. Choose the location wisely, as it has a significant influence on your return.

Return and positive cash flow

How to find real estate with good returns: Your investment should be worthwhile, right? To achieve a solid return, aim for at least 9%. This means that after deducting all costs (maintenance, taxes, insurance), you still achieve a positive return. A positive cash flow is crucial to generate profits beyond cost recovery. Remember that real estate investments are for the long term, so it’s worth waiting patiently for a good return.

The right financing for capital investments

Financing is a key aspect of your real estate investment. We recommend putting at least 20% equity into the property. This reduces the risk and increases the chances of a positive return. The loan should pay for itself through the rental income. This means that the monthly rental payments cover the loan installments and also generate a profit after some time.

These were the essential basics of what is important when investing in capital assets. Do you want to get started with real estate now?

The first capital investment: guide & tips

Read an article and take away the most important tips for investing in capital assets. Start your career in the real estate industry now with the investor’s guide. Learn how to do it:

Real estate as an investment for beginners

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Successful investments are the key to financial stability and independence. But how do you achieve this goal? In this article, we present you with a useful step-by-step guide on how to invest successfuly. Whether you already have experience or are new to the world of investing, this checklist will help you achieve your financial goals. Get started with real estate now!

Our readers were subsequently interested in these articles:

Investment book recommendations: Basics & C0.

Would you like to invest in a property as a capital investment? For the bookworms among you, here are some great book recommendations on specific real estate topics such as taxes.

Video tips: Real estate as a capital investment

Do you prefer to learn with helpful videos? Then these video tips are just right for you. Find out about the basics of real estate investment now!

Learning tips: Building wealth with real estate

No time to study? With these real estate podcasts and real estate apps, you can get all the important information you need to be successful in real estate on the side.

Real Estate Agents Germany: Top 100! The best real estate agents – recommendation

Stephan — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 06:30:21 +0000

Berlin

Real estate agent Berlin

Real estate agent Düsseldorf

Cologne

Broker Cologne

Frankfurt

Broker Frankfurt on the Main

Food

Broker Essen

Dortmund

Real estate agent Dortmund

Stuttgart

Real estate agent Stuttgart

Leipzig

Broker Leipzig

Bremen

Bremen real estate agent

Ranking. The biggest German cities + recommendations

Real Estate Agents in Germany – Here you can find recommendations for Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Leipzig and many more big cities in Germany! With evaluation of the community and free of charge. Also read interesting interviews about all cities with local experts on the question: rent, buy, live? After the list with all cities around recommendations, we have still practical tips for your broker search (whether purchase or rent) to the selection, costs and procedure. Now: Have fun with your real estate search!

Moving on, with our broker recommendations:

Augsburg, Wiesbaden & more

Rent an apartment in Stuttgart: House, apartment & investment – Real estate agent interview

Lisa-Marie — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 07:34:04 +0000

Rent or buy in Stuttgart. Beautiful period buildings, detached houses and villas. Stuttgart offers you everything! Real estate agent Michael Maile tells you everything you need to know about Stuttgart in his interview with FIV Magazine. Should you rather buy and rent? How good are the returns in Stuttgart and the surrounding area? And which districts are the most beautiful in all of Stuttgart to live in? You can find out all this and more here in this article. More broker recommendations for Stuttgart. Also in Germany in our article: Realtors Germany.

Rent, buy, live in Stuttgart

A good start in the real estate world is always the purchase of the first apartment. Michael Maile explains in his interview with FIV Magazine his experience with real estate in a good A-location. The yield here depends on the type of house or apartment. For example, microapartments have different exploitation possibilities than single-family homes. The meso location is also decisive in pricing, whether in Bad Canstatt, Feuerbach and other districts such as Sillenbuch or Vaihingen.

This is Stuttgart in Germany:

Stuttgart from close up:

Rent: Contract & Settlement

After the successful purchase of the property and the execution of the purchase contract, you naturally want to furnish your newly acquired property according to your individual needs. From the living room furnishings, to the garden design, nothing stands in their way of your creative imagination.

Buy: Return on investment through real estate

In our interview, you will learn everything about real estate and returns in Stuttgart. Should you buy a property in Stuttgart or is it more worthwhile to buy nearby, for example in Esslingen or Ludwigsburg?

Real estate agent interview about real estate in Stuttgart

The first condominium or real estate as an investment? In this interview you will learn the most important tips & tricks. Buy, rent, live in Stuttgart but also tips for capital investments. We ask the questions, he provides the answers.

Maile Immobilien: Interview Partner

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

Michael Maile: We are a real family business with me in the 4th generation. To guarantee a service with one’s name for so many decades is not a matter of course and of course totally shapes one’s daily actions and dealings with our customers.

Some of our customer relationships even date back to the founding year of 1925.
We have been located extremely centrally in Stuttgart’s Königstraße for almost 100 years and serve the entire greater Stuttgart area from here as a reliable contact for valuations, sales and rentals.

Interview partner Michael Maile:

Single family home or townhouse? Favorite properties

FIV: As a real estate agent in Stuttgart, which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Michael Maile: Most people probably think that real estate agents always dream of the large luxury villas that undoubtedly exist in Stuttgart. Personally, however, I have always had the best experiences with somewhat smaller properties such as small detached houses, semi-detached houses or terraced houses. These are basically my favorite objects, also because you often have to deal with very pleasant customers on both the seller’s and the buyer’s side.

Rents in Stuttgart: Neighborhoods with a future

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

Michael Maile: Stuttgart has a very unique topography with the well-known Stuttgart Kessel. This in turn means that the city center is relatively limited. So if you want to live very urban with short distances or perfect local connections, there is something for everyone here. I wouldn’t make any big distinctions between the districts.

As before, the west and south is certainly the most popular.

For families, again, other priorities apply with something quieter, safer and greener location. There are plenty of these around Stuttgart, too. I personally favor the southern parts of the city, such as Sillenbuch, Degerloch and Möhringen, because of their very good infrastructure and short distances not only to the city center, but also to the airport or the highway.

Development of the real estate market: rent stagnation

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

Michael Maile: Even if you hear different things in the media. We are noticing a clear stagnation of rents in all areas. The times of constant increases seem to be over for the time being. However, due to the natural limitation of the Stuttgart cauldron, the supply remains fundamentally very manageable. Even redensification or additions to existing buildings are only marginally feasible. In this respect, demand is still significantly higher than supply.

Through Corona, however, there are already sustainable reasons here, such as the home office, which rather provide for some relaxation in the inner city area. In turn, the green peripheral locations have become more sought-after. The future always means looking into a crystal ball, but I still consider Stuttgart to be a very stable location, although it seems to be settling at a fairly high level.

Modern apartments in Stuttgart-Vaihingen:

Recommendations for beginners: rent or buy?

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

Michael Maile: As you know, there are different philosophies here. And there are simply no blanket statements here. I myself am a big fan of owner-occupied property because it simply means a lot of freedom in everyday life and, in case of doubt, also a good retirement provision.

However, this must be preceded by a clear commitment to the location and solid financing that still leaves enough leeway for vacation, children, etc. These are often quite big hurdles. On the one hand, flexibility in the job often has to be higher today, and on the other hand, the purchase price is so high that financing is only possible with considerable restrictions.

In such cases I advise then rather to rent and rather to buy only if a family is to be founded. And then, in case of doubt, clearly outside the city at affordable prices and with other priorities such as short distances to school or a large garden.

Buying the first condominium in the city

FIV: Anyone who rents in Stuttgart 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?

Michael Maile: There are plenty of mistakes lurking around when selling and buying. For example, buyers tend to underestimate the capital required, look too much at the property and not enough at the location, or inspect the property superficially without an expert opinion. For me, however, one of the most serious is the lack of willingness to make sacrifices.

The perfect property simply does not exist.

And the sooner you recognize this and consciously set priorities, the sooner you will find something. In many cases, people have been looking for many years. And while the real estate became more and more expensive, it simply did not succeed at some points to be satisfied with less. In the end, I often hear “if only we had…”.

Therefore: Make a clear priority list with weightings and then do not hesitate for long when a good object appears. You will not find the perfect object.

Real estate transfer tax and incidental purchase costs

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

Michael Maile: The land transfer tax in Baden-Württemberg is currently 5% of the purchase price. For the notary and the land registry you should calculate 1.5%. If a broker is involved, this is between 0%-3.5%. Sometimes the seller pays the broker alone. In total, this is about 6.5-10% of the purchase price.

Stuttgart at a glance:

Real estate transfer tax: 5%
Notary fees: 1.5%
Brokerage costs: 0-3.5%
Total: 6.5 – 10%

Real estate as an investment – city proximity & old buildings

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

Locations close to the city center continue to be of interest to investors.

Michael Maile: Here I would rather aim at charming old buildings than at replaceable new buildings. The development of the Rosenstein Quarter in particular will mean that quite a lot of apartments will be built in the city center in the medium term. So you should also be able to offer something unique here in the long term.
The better returns, however, are certainly to be found outside the confines of the city. I see Möhringen and Vaihingen, for example, as very interesting locations with very good infrastructure and large employers.

Types of real estate with a future – optics and efficiency

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

Michael Maile: As already mentioned, I am rather a friend of the charming old building. Energy efficiency will certainly play an even more important role in the future, but the beautiful sandstone Art Nouveau façade will certainly not be insulated. Such buildings will always be sought after and in demand. Personally, I am not a fan of the often very monotonous new building architecture with the same residential silos that are arranged around a sad little playground, in which even the last square meter of the property is built on.

Nevertheless, it must also be emphasized that, for example, accessibility will be a more important issue, which is more likely to be found in newer buildings. Here, everyone has to weigh things up for themselves. And then, of course, it’s better to have three small apartments than one large one, also in terms of risk diversification.

Attic room of a family house:

Selling a property – quality check

FIV: Finally, one more question: You had mentioned the typical mistakes buying a property. Many buy, but some also want to sell. As an experienced real estate agent in Stuttgart, 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 successfuly sell a property in Stuttgart?

Michael Maile: First of all: In principle, you can do most things in the world yourself. The question is always how much time you have available and in what quality you can do this sustainably. Therefore, I would always strongly advise an inexperienced real estate seller to take an experienced broker on board. Simply because selling real estate at the best possible price involves much more effort than is commonly imagined. You should ask around among friends and acquaintances, check references and get a non-binding impression of the real estate company.

Renovation and modernization are always worthwhile!

Otherwise, it is important to make the bride pretty before the wedding. Small renovation works up to the conscious “stagen” of the real estate are financially worthwhile practically always. You should not only have all the documents relevant for the banks at hand, but also understand them and thus know, for example, the circumstances under land registry law or the regulations in the declaration of partition and be able to communicate them accordingly.

Deficiencies must be known and skillfully communicated. What is fatal here, of course, is the wilful concealment of such a defect.
On site it is important to arouse the emotions of a buyer. To understand which priorities he has and with which details you can arouse his final interest. Price negotiations are also often a fine line, where inexperienced sellers all too often have great difficulties.

Conclusion: Inexperienced sellers should definitely seek advice from a reliable and trustworthy expert first. Experienced sellers usually know that a good broker does not cost money, but brings money through his know-how, contacts and the enormous time savings.

FIV: Thanks to Maile Immobilien for the interview!

Buying your first apartment: Owner occupation or capital investment

You want to realize the dream of the first own property, but do not know where to start? Learn everything about the first home and the most important steps in our article.

Buy first apartment

Rent, buy, live in Stuttgart

For the realization of their dream of the first home, whether you rent with or buy, and how to achieve the maximum return in Stuttgart, you can learn in our article about realtors in Stuttgart.

Real estate agent in Stuttgart

Rent + buy in Duisburg: house, apartment & apartment – interview with real estate agent

Lisa-Marie — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 11:41:16 +0000

Rent or buy in Duisburg – In the south of Duisburg you have the six-lake plateau, a lot of “green”, the climbing forest and the proximity to the city. The realtor Manuela Ceresa tells everything important about Duisburg in his interview with FIV Magazine. Should you rather buy and rent? How good are the returns in Duisburg and the surrounding area? And which districts are the most beautiful in all of Duisburg to live? This and more you will learn here in this article. More broker recommendations for Duisburg. Also in Germany in our article: Realtors Germany.

First condominium in Duisburg

A good start in the real estate world is always the purchase of the first apartment. Manuela Ceresa explains in his interview with FIV Magazine his experience with real estate in a good B location. The yield here depends on the type of house or apartment. For example, microapartments have different exploitation possibilities than single-family homes. The meso location is also decisive in pricing, whether in Buchholz, Wedau and other districts such as Meiderich/Beeck and Hamborn.

Here Duisburg is located in Germany:

Duisburg up close:

Rent: Contract & Settlement

After the successful purchase of the property and the execution of the purchase contract, you naturally want to furnish your freshly acquired property according to your individual needs. From the living room furnishings, to the garden design, nothing stands in their way of your creative imagination.

Buy in Duisburg

In our interview, you will learn everything about real estate and returns in Duisburg. Should you buy a property in Duisburg or is it more worthwhile to buy nearby, for example in Oberhausen or Moers?

Real estate agent interview about real estate in Duisburg

The first condominium or real estate as an investment? In this interview you will learn the most important tips & tricks. Buy, rent, live in Duisburg but also tips for capital investment. We ask the questions, she provides the answers.

MC Immo Service: Interview Partner

FIV: Before we go into Duisburg and its real estate market and your recommendations for tenants and buyers, we would like to know a little more about your agency MC Immo Service. Could you briefly summarize for our readers what your agency does and what you specialize in?

Manuela Ceresa: My goal in principle (and I mean it exactly as I say) is that both sides, i.e. buyer and seller, are really satisfied and happy in the end. This is our top priority and starts already with the contact to the customer. To be open and honest and never lose the charm – is the basis for a trustful cooperation and very important to us.

Offers of MC Immo Service Agency

Manuela Ceresa: We mainly sell single-family houses, apartments and investments, so we have quite a large target group. We are very well positioned through our business partner Magnu GmbH because they cover insurance and finance, so the customer doesn’t have to go far.

In addition, we offer a pool of craftsmen of all kinds, moving companies, banks, etc. so that we can cover any area very well and recommend.

Service is everything in the end and with us the customer is indeed still king. We also work with great cooperation partners and have a good network. Commitment and many years of market experience are a prerequisite for us to keep the right perspective in a real estate market that is very complex and constantly changing.

Favorite properties: special youth villas

FIV: As a real estate agent in Duisburg, which properties do you personally prefer to broker?

Manuela Ceresa: Personally, I have an absolute soft spot for charming old buildings. I love high ceilings, the charm of the youth villas, the old creaky parquet and wooden floors… I could list a lot more. In principle, however, I rent and sell all types of real estate and I have no tendencies to do so, because each property has its specificity and is valued.

Modern bathroom in an apartment in Duisburg:

Neighborhoods with a future: Südstadt trend

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

Manuela Ceresa: I clearly recommend the south of Duisburg, because it has a lot to offer, such as the Sechs-Seen-Platte, a lot of “green”, the Kletterwald, the proximity to the city, but it is also a stone’s throw to Düsseldorf. An excellent connection and also with public transport no problem.

Real Estate Market Development: Rents & Yields

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

The rent prices have generally increased, some major cities are now unaffordable, I can absolutely confirm this

Manuela Ceresa: Especially in the south of Duisburg, which is very popular with Düsseldorfers because of the short distance to Düsseldorf. Here, Duisburg has absolutely benefited, but I think at least currently due to the crisis that rental prices will not continue to rise at the moment.

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

Manuela Ceresa: A mobile home, so you always have your home with you! Joking aside, in principle it makes sense to own property, which in my view many young people have also taken advantage of due to the low interest rates. Depending on what demands you have, renting can also be quite expensive, especially over the years.

First condominium in Duisburg: costs & financing

FIV: Anyone who rents in Duisburg 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?

Manuela Ceresa: Many people (so my observations) is not always clear when buying a property that these are then also first bound to their loan agreement and in the event of premature sale or exit from the contract must pay significant prepayments to the bank, these sums are of course based on the financing and are not without!

The rent is then omitted, however, one must include several other expenses in the budget. This includes the maintenance of the property, the administration, the running costs, possible follow-up financing etc. With the purchase itself, the land transfer tax, the brokerage for the broker and the fees for the notary, this must not remain unconsidered and must be included in the calculation.

Real estate transfer tax and incidental purchase costs

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

Manuela Ceresa: The purchase is subject to real estate transfer tax, which is currently 6.5%, notary fees (fee table) and the broker’s commission.

Apartments in Duisburg:

Good capital investments: which districts?

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

Manuela Ceresa: Buchholz, Wedau – directly at the Sechs-Seen-Platte and Wanheim-Angerhausen, but for investors the districts like Meiderich/Beeck and Hamborn are also very interesting. These districts are developing very positively.

The districts summarized:

Buchholz
Wedau
Wanheim-Angerhausen
Meiderich/Beeck
Hamborn

Invest: Real estate return

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

Manuela Ceresa: The decisive factor is the location. Would you rather live in the city or in the country? Can you imagine growing old here? What are the conditions, etc., and all the rest of course corresponds to the need. In the case of capital investments, of course, the return plays a major role, and capital investors can assess that very well.

Selling an apartment in Duisburg: Documents for notary

FIV: Finally, one more question: You had mentioned the typical mistakes buying a property. Many buy, but some also want to sell. As an experienced broker in Duisburg, 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 successfuly sell a property in Duisburg?

A sale not only costs time but is also associated with some challenges.

Manuela Ceresa: First of all, sellers, i.e. owners, should know what their property is realistically worth, clarify the ownership situation in advance (in the case of married couples or communities of heirs), check any encumbrances on the property, take a look at the building encumbrance register, a possible right of residence or right of first refusal, would you like to work with or without a broker, involve a notary, at the latest when selling, plan the move in good time etc.

What is also very important, are various documents that must be provided to the buyer such as a current land register extract, floor plans, living space calculation, etc..

In my opinion, a property can be sold successfuly if it is dealt with openly and honestly. Damages and defects must not be concealed, the purchase price should correspond to the current market value, create a trusting basis between the seller and buyer and in the end the property must please!

FIV: Thanks to MC Immo Service for the interview!

Buying your first apartment: Owner occupation or capital investment

You want to realize the dream of the first own property, but do not know where to start? Learn everything about the first home and the most important steps in our article.

Buy first apartment

Rent, buy, live in Duisburg

For the realization of their dream of the first home, whether you rent with or buy, and how to achieve the maximum return in Duisburg learn in our article about brokers in Duisburg.

Real estate agent in Duisburg

Real Estate Broker and Property Developer Ordinance (MaBV): Protection for Real Estate Buyers

Lisa-Marie — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 11:54:09 +0000

Broker and developer regulation – You are not satisfied with the advice of your broker or there are problems with the work of your developer? This situation may be very nerve-wracking and annoying for you. In this article you will learn everything about your rights as a real estate buyer and how the MaBV protects you in case of fraud.

Broker and property developer ordinance at a glance

The Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance is a legal ordinance that primarily issues specifications to protect the purchaser of real estate during the process. It regulates the form and general provisions for concluding a real estate development contract, but also applies to brokers, lenders, loan agents and construction supervisors.

The most important facts in brief

Regulations regarding property development and brokerage contracts
Determines the timing and amount of payments
A guarantor is needed to accept payments
Surety bond can be equated with indemnity bond

You can find out all the details you need to know about the Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance in this article.

What does the MaBV regulate?

At what point is a broker or developer allowed to take money from you? These and other questions are answered by the Real Estate Broker and Property Developer Ordinance. The ordinance aims to create clarity in confusing processes in the real estate industry and to protect the money of real estate buyers from misuse or unauthorized access.

The most important points at a glance:

Performance of the developer is secured with a guarantee
Payments (in %) by buyers are based on construction progress
Payments may only be used for the contractual projects
Separate asset management for different projects

The background to the guarantee is to secure claims for damages by the purchaser. These may arise if the developer or subcontractors commissioned by the developer have deliberately committed tortious acts. However, the guarantee is not a completion guarantee

For whom is the Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance relevant?

For example, you want to move into an apartment as a tenant in a large city? Especially in urban areas, the real estate market is a highly competitive area, where in many cases you cannot avoid a real estate agent. Through the guidelines of the MaBV you have the possibility to regulate and control the performance of your real estate agent. If agreements made or services rendered are not fulfilled, you can, for example, refuse payment.

Real Estate Buyers

Even those who want to buy a house, whether as their own home or as an investment, can benefit from the regulation: The precise regulations, which govern down to the smallest detail when and how much is to be paid, safeguard the buyer against the developer.

Read on to learn when your broker or developer may require payment from you.

Requirements for payments

If a developer contract is concluded, this does not mean that the developer can immediately demand the corresponding purchase price from you. The reason for this is that you as the buyer should be protected by the MaBV. Therefore, some conditions are attached to the receipt of payments (payment claim), so must/must:

A legally binding purchase agreement is available
The purchase contract must be confirmed by a notary
All permits have been obtained (e.g. building permit)
A priority notice of conveyance for the buyer exist
The object of purchase to be free from land register liens
All other benefits of the contract must be fulfilled

Only then can the broker or developer demand payment from you as the buyer of a property. However, if points of the contract have not been fulfilled by the developer or broker, you as the buyer can:

Refuse payments
Demand compensation
Demand repayments

In summary: Buyer protection and legal consequences

The Real Estate Agent and Property Developer Ordinance is intended to guarantee security for buyers of real estate in particular and to protect them from fraud. This is to ensure that the contractually agreed services on the part of the developer or broker are fulfilled in full. In the event of non-fulfillment of his performance obligation, the buyer can assert rights against his contractual partner. These rights can be, for example, damages or a refusal to pay.

Purchase contract of your first apartment: Documents for the notary appointment – What do I need?

Elisa — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 15:52:12 +0000

Purchase contract – Your dream property has been found! After a detailed assessment of the situation, a commercial check and a technical check, you can now draw up the draft purchase contract for the notary appointment and to complete your bank documents. But what does such a purchase contract actually consist of? You can learn everything you need to know to draw up the purchase contract for your first own apartment here.

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Documents of the contract of sale: What do I need?

Here we have summarized step by step the structure of a sales contract for a condominium.

Part 1: Master data buyer and seller

First of all, the master data of the buyer and the seller, which should be listed first on every contract. Here should be noted in any case the full name, address and date of birth of both sides.

Master data buyer and seller

Part 2: Master data of the property

The apartment being purchased should also be described in detail in the purchase agreement. The data of the apartment, such as address and number of the housing unit, also includes the land register sheet number or the extract from the land register.

Master data of the property
Land register excerpt

Part 3: Purchase price of the property

Next, the purchase price of your apartment including all additional costs must be listed, as well as the day by which the payment must be received at the latest, i.e. the payment deadline.

Purchase price and payment term

Part 4: Tenant data

If you are buying your apartment as an investment, you should add the leases of the future tenants both to the documentation for the bank and as the next page of the lease.

What else is listed:

Tenant data / Tenant list (as attachment)
Current status of tenancies
Deposits paid by tenants
Confirmation: No rent arrears

Part 5: Promises of the seller

It is important for you as a buyer to have listed in the lease agreement all previously verbally agreed commitments of the seller. This includes, for example, renovation work in the apartment or similar.

Should be listed:

Representations of the seller

Part 6: Billing and costs

You have finally decided to rent out your apartment. To do this, you also need the tenant’s statements of account and the cost claims of the residents’ contributions.

Accounting

If the economic transfer takes place before the middle of the year, the settlement must be taken over by the seller. If it takes place after the middle of the year, you as the buyer must take care of the settlement.

Before mid-year: Seller
After mid-year: Buyer

Costs

The costs of the adjoining owners must also be taken into account and listed. Separation is made from the moment of transfer of the apartment. Costs incurred before the transfer are borne by the seller. All costs thereafter must be borne by the buyer.

Separation from the date of transition
Before transition: Seller
After transition: Buyer

What else is there to do?

If you are already a little deeper into the subject, you should definitely know that you should separate items of an apartment. Separate things such as outdoor facilities, garages, fitted kitchens, but also furniture taken over, which reduces land transfer tax. In addition, an assignment of claims against craftsmen should be made. If you have already received the documents from your bank before the notary appointment, you should also have the land charge documents ready.

What else should be in the lease?

Separate items
Assignment of claims against craftsmen
Land charge documents

The first step: types of real estate

The first own property, but in which type of real estate should I invest best? This question is often asked by young investors and this is exactly where we have the answers for you! Whether it’s a house, apartment building, condominium, special real estate or commercial real estate, we have put together a comparison of all types of real estate. With this guide, you’ll find the easiest entry into the real estate world. Besides the profitable sides, the real estate industry also holds some risks for you. In order to keep these as low as possible, we have put together a guide to buying your first property!

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