Building savings contract: Saving for real estate financing

A building savings contract is a special type of loan. Building savings contracts usually consist of a savings plan and a real estate loan and are concluded with a building society. The basic idea of building savings and the associated building savings loan is the promotion of home ownership. You conclude the contract if you plan to build or renovate a house in the future or buy an existing property.

The building savings contract quickly summarized.

• Special type of loan
• Consists of savings plan and real estate loan
• Is concluded with a building society
• Serves to promote home ownership

Compare immediately current conditions for your building savings contract in the Immobilien-Erfahrung.de building savings calculator.

Building savings: How a building savings contract works

When you conclude a home savings contract, you specify various points that remain the same over the entire term of the contract. For example, you specify your savings target, also known as the building savings amount, and the term. A typical building savings contract has a term of between seven and ten years.

The building savings contract then goes through three phases:

1. The saving phase
2. The allocation phase
3. The loan phase

You will now learn the details of the individual phases.

Savings phase: Savings period in which equity is built up

The savings phase is the first phase that a building savings contract goes through on the way to financing your property. During this time, you save a contractually agreed percentage amount of the building savings sum. In addition to the savings target, which is between 30% and 50% of the bauspar sum, the duration of the savings phase is also defined when the contract is concluded.

The monthly savings rate is calculated according to the savings amount and term. During the savings phase, it is also possible to make special payments in addition to the monthly payments or even to provide the agreed minimum building savings balance through a one-time payment.

The savings phase in summary:

• Fixed part of the building savings sum is saved up
• Over a set period of time
• Monthly savings rate depends on savings amount and term

As soon as the savings target is reached, the building savings contract enters the second phase.

Allocation phase: Distribution of the building society loans by the building society.

The second phase of bauspar contracts is known as the allocation phase. In this phase, the amount of the bauspar loan is determined. The amount is determined by the difference between the building savings sum and the building savings balance. In order for the contract to be ready for allocation, certain requirements must be met.

The requirements for an allocation of a building savings loan are:

1. The agreed building savings balance was reached
2. Further allocation criteria were met

The exact allotment criteria vary from one building society to another. As soon as the allocation conditions are met, the loan is allocated and can be drawn down. The loan can only be used for residential purposes. This includes, for example, the construction, purchase or renovation of a property.

The loan is tied to a residential use.

Loan phase: disbursement and repayment of the real estate loan

Once you have decided to take out the loan, your building savings contract enters the final phase: the loan phase.

It begins directly after the allocation phase and starts with the loan application. The terms and conditions of the loan were already agreed when the building savings contract was concluded. This is often an annuity loan.

The amount of the building savings sum determined at the beginning influences the amount of the loan and consequently also the monthly repayment installments. In contrast to a construction loan, which often leaves a residual debt at the end of the fixed-interest period, the home savings loan is repaid in full within the term.

The loan phase at a glance:

• Starts with the loan application
• Terms of the loan already specified at the time of conclusion of the contract
• Repayment is made in monthly installments
• As a rule, no residual debt remains outstanding

Advantages of building savings contracts: Security and promotion

Like any financing method, the building savings contract also has advantages and disadvantages. Building savings contracts offer a flexible combination of savings and security for the construction or purchase of a home. They are characterized by attractive interest rates, favorable loan conditions, tax advantages and deposit protection. In addition, a home savings contract can also be used as a hedge against unforeseen events.

The advantages summarized:

• Combination of savings and credit product
• Flexible repayment options
• Attractive interest rate and favorable loan conditions
• State support through premiums
• Safe variant of real estate financing

Disadvantages of building savings: High fees and long commitment

In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages, as with all financial products. Due to the necessary prior savings phase, home savings contracts are less suitable for immediate financing.

The disadvantages at a glance:

• Long commitment period
• Low liquidity
• Higher costs compared to other forms of savings
• No availability of building savings in emergencies
• No flexible repayment options

For whom is a building savings contract worthwhile?

A building savings contract is suitable not only for those who want to fulfill their dream of owning a property, but also property owners. In addition to construction or purchase, the loan can also be used for modernization or as a maintenance reserve.

When and for whom is a building savings contract useful?

• People who want to purchase real estate in the next few years
• Investors who want to use government subsidies to build up assets
• Home savings customers who expect interest rates to rise
• Real estate owners who value calculation security
• Home purchase financing supplement

If you belong to one of these groups, a building savings contract can be doubly worthwhile. Building savers are supported by the state and receive state subsidies under certain conditions. The subsidies include the housing subsidy, the employee allowance and Wohn-Riester.

Tip: Taking out a home savings contract is particularly worthwhile during periods of low interest rates.

Crowdinvesting: basics and rental yields

Invest in real estate instead of the next sneaker? Sounds strange, but that’s no longer a problem with crowdinvesting. Crowdinvestment means as much as real estate investment for everyone. But what exactly is crowdinvesting?

Here in short, before we go into details, the most important summarized on the subject of crowdinvestment:

• Many shares of a property divided to private individuals
• Only a small outlay of equity
• Loan is not paid to developer, but only participation in property

What does crowdinvestment mean exactly?

Crowdinvestments are very similar to a corporation that sells many company shares to private individuals and institutions in order to obtain the necessary financing for the company’s growth. So too, with crowdinvestments, individual shares of a property are sold to private investors. The advantage? You can invest in such real estate even with a small amount of equity and thus secure your pension.

• Comparison: stock corporation
• Many shares of a property divided to private individuals
• Only a small outlay of equity

How does crowdinvestment work in the first place?

Let’s stay with the example of the stock corporation. When a property is newly built or renovated, it is published on a special crowdinvestment platform. This is responsible for the distribution of the real estate shares to capital investors. Through the platforms, the owners are considerably relieved.

Differences from a normal investment:

• No targeted partners for financing, but division of the property by platform
• Loan is not paid to developer, but only participation in property
• Share is not used for personal use, one obtains the part of a yield

How do I find profitable real estate?

In order to know which property is worth investing in, one should know what the return on investment of the respective property is. Here you can use a simple formula to calculate this.

Formula Rental Yield:

Annual rent / investment x 100 = rental yield

If you want to know even more about rental yield, read our article Rental yield and purchase price factor here.

Financing real estate yourself? Equity

When you’re young, you often don’t have the equity directly available to invest in a property. Thus, equity probably plays the biggest role in real estate purchases for first-time investors. Many ask themselves the question, how much equity do you need at all for a regular property?

Equity depending on the situation

The answer is always related to the location of the property. If your property is in an A location such as Munich, Cologne or Hamburg, it is unaffordable for most people. In a B – location or good C- location, however, the prices fall. Depending on the micro-location, prices can also vary depending on how far into the city center you want to live.

• A- location (big city) extremely expensive
• B- location and good C- location moderate prices
• Microlocation is crucial

Equity investment depending on financing

No matter what the final purchase price of a property, the bank usually always requires an equity contribution of 15%, especially for first-time investors. In addition, one must always reckon with the addition of the ancillary purchase costs, brokerage costs (if commissioned) and the land transfer tax.

• 15% equity investment

Real estate as an investment: Provision for old age

Our pension is getting smaller and smaller and our money in the bank is subject to inflation in any case. So we are left with real estate as a good way to invest our money, as it neither loses its value due to inflation nor is it always in demand. Moreover, after a few years we benefit from the increase in value of the property.

The great advantage of a property as an investment is that it is rented out, unless you want to buy your property for your own use. The income from the rent generates a constant cash flow, with which the property and all costs incurred can be covered. By earning a high return at best, you build wealth on top of that. In addition, real estate always remains fairly constant on the market, which means that you minimize risk when you buy.

• Real estate is stable in value
• Real estate offers inflation protection
• Real estate provides constant cash flow
• Asset building

Crowdinvesting: Videos

To better illustrate crowdfunding, we have two videos here for you to illustrate the point.

What is crowdinvesting?

Here, crowdinvesting is explained to you with the help of graphics and drawings.

Self-disclosure for banks: Real Estate Financing

Whether Deutsche Bank, Volksbank or Sparkasse, banks need collateral for real estate financing. The more collateral you can offer, the less risk there is for the bank. So that bankers can assess your financial situation, there is the self-disclosure.

A self-disclosure has no fixed form. That means you will find different templates online.

Source: Real Estate Experience.com

What is the self-disclosure?

Self-disclosure lists your personal data, your monthly income and expenses, as well as your assets and debts. Your net worth (income and assets against expenses and liabilities) should be positive. This surplus is your financial leeway for the condominium or your new house.

In our article Buying an apartment, we have already explained the entire process of buying an apartment. Today we want to look again specifically at what must be in a self-disclosure. Because, importantly, once you submit the documents to your bank, everything should be accurate and complete.

Now let’s look at self-disclosure in detail.

What does the self-disclosure say?

• Summary of the financing request in short form
• Personal data of you as applicant, if necessary also of the co-applicant (e.g. your partner)
• Monthly balance sheet: income and expenditure
• Balance sheet: assets and liabilities (liabilities)
• Financing requirements in detail (property, financing structure, loan amount)
• Consent Schufa information
• Consent Data protection

Free Download: PDF and Word Template

Self-disclosure as PDF and Word template:

• Self Disclosure PDF Template
• Self Disclosure Word Template

Self-disclosure: simply explained

How does the self-disclosure, simply explained? Here are the answers!

Summary of the financing request in short form

Step number one is a brief summary of your financing requirements. In the self-disclosure form, you provide the following information:

Personal data of you as applicant, if necessary also with applicant (e.g. your partner)

After the short overview in the first step, the second step is the specification of personal data. Very basic information, name, address, date of birth, marital status, etc. Either by yourself as the applicant or together with a second person, e.g. a partner or a family member, the so-called co-applicant.

Monthly balance sheet: income and expenditure

Step number 3 deals with your monthly income and your monthly expenses. When you compare your monthly income and expenses, there should be a surplus. Or simply put, you earn more than you spend.

This surplus is the margin for your real estate financing, or the later monthly repayment.

This monthly overview is supplemented by your assets.

Income includes:

• Wage / salary (net)
• Recurring monthly variable income
• Income from self-employment
• Pensions and annuities
• Rental income (cold)
• Child benefit
• Maintenance
• Other income

Your expenses include:

• Housing costs; rent or loan and question: Will be eliminated in the future yes / no?
• Health insurance
• Other insurance (pension, building society, life insurance, etc.)
• Cost of living
• Loans
• Leasing
• Liabilities
• Child support obligations
• Other expenditure

Balance sheet: assets and liabilities (liabilities)

In the fourth step you compare your assets and your debts. Your assets include any simple savings account, but also securities and real estate, if you already own any.

Your credits include:

• Bank and savings accounts
• Securities (market value)
• Insurance policies (surrender value)
• Real estate assets
• Building savings balance
• Other assets

Your liabilities (debts) include:

• Bank, instalment and leasing loans
• Guarantees
• Other liabilities

Financing requirements in detail (property, financing structure, loan amount)

Step number 5 in the self-disclosure is a detailed description of your financing requirements. In detail, it is about the property that is to be financed, the financing structure and the amount of the loan.

Read more about it here (external):

• Self-disclosure: Financing

Consent Schufa information

In step number six, you give your consent for Schufa to obtain information about you. If you haven’t heard of Schufa yet, here’s a brief explanation!

What is Schufa? Schufa is a big card, so to speak, that collects information about consumers. This includes personal data, current loans, leasing contracts, as well as the general payment morale and creditworthiness of individual consumers.

Contractual partners can access the databases at any time and thus carry out rapid creditworthiness checks.

So when banks obtain a Schufa report, this is a completely normal process. That’s why you already give your consent in the self-disclosure.

Tip. Once a year you get this self-disclosure free of charge:

• Schufa (external)

Proof of income

In the last step of the self-disclosure, you collect evidence of your income. If you are an employee, you need to provide proof of income, if you are self-employed, you need to provide your tax returns.

Documents for employees:

• Last 3 pay slips
• Wage statement from December, previous year
• Last tax assessment
• If real estate assets, also income tax return
• Copy of identity card
• Schufa self-disclosure

Documents for the self-employed:

• Last 3 tax assessment notices
• Last 3 tax returns / balance sheets
• Ongoing BWA (business management analysis)
• Copy of identity card
• Schufa self-disclosure

Done! Self-disclosure ready for the bank

That’s it. With that you have your self-disclosure for the bank, with your financing request, complete.

Here again the free download of the templates

• Self Disclosure PDF Template
• Self Disclosure Word Template

Buying your first apartment: Here’s how

Buying your own apartment – As soon as you move into your first own apartment, for most people it’s rent, rent, rent. Every month you go to work many hours to spend the largest part ultimately for the next rent due at the beginning of the month. It’s no wonder that many young people are considering buying a condominium as soon as possible.

• Buy first apartment

Real estate agent T. Andrich about Hamburg real estate market

Thorben Andrich is the founder and managing director of Redhome Immobilien GmbH and, as a young and modern real estate company, has made it his mission with his team to score points with expertise and communication at eye level. They are not only experienced in the Hamburg real estate market, but in the entire region around Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and northern Lower Saxony. The expert talked to us about his most exciting projects, costs, financing options, investments and popular districts in Hamburg.

Which properties do you particularly like to broker as an estate agent?

FIV: Before we go into the many details of the city: as a real estate agent in Hamburg, what type of house/apartment do you most like to broker? Are there any favourites, for example the normal 3-room apartment, the loft or rather the luxury property on the outskirts?

Andrich: I think that every agent likes to sell luxury properties, it’s different prices and often highly interesting personalities that you get to meet, and you always have to adapt to new people. With our in-house photographer, we have the opportunity to work very flexibly and present the property accordingly. Especially with luxury properties this is very important.

But also the classic 3-room apartment is presented by us accordingly, we make no distinctions. We are very self-critical and even a “small deal” includes good photos and a great exposé. Our goal is to pick up the customers with the exposé and even if we do not come into business, perhaps to be recommended.

• Website: Redhome Immobilien GmbH
• Instagram: redhome.realestate

FIV: What was the most exciting or beautiful property you remember from your years as a real estate agent?

There have been many great deals, but I always like to tell the story about one deal. It was an apartment building where I had been in regular contact with the owner for over 2 years. He was unable to get the price he wanted to put himself on the market for over two years. We kept talking very nicely and I often offered to take care of it for him. He would often call and ask all sorts of things and I would always help him along, even though I knew that if he sold the property himself, I would come up empty. At one point he called me and offered to let us show his house to our network clients.

After the exchange of documents and the photo session, we have created an exposé and offered the property to the appropriate customer from the network. The following weekend we visited the property and the following Friday we went to the notary. The seller received his desired sales price and the buyer was very happy to pay us the brokerage fee, because he knows that we always call him again for suitable properties. The buyer has since become a very good friend who has bought another investment property from us. The seller also came back to our office after 6 months and asked us for help regarding a planned new building. This example shows quite well how we work and what is important to us. We are happy to go the extra mile and convince with our service and expertise. Brokers who only want to make a quick buck will not be successful in the long run.

We see ourselves as a classic service provider and view every transaction and every contact in the context of a long-term cooperation. Especially with investment properties, this idea pays off time and again.

“If you’re a broker who just wants to make a quick buck, you’re not going to succeed in the long run.” – T. Andrich

Where should you move to in Hamburg? Districts for Singles, Families & Co.

FIV: The majority of our readers are buying a property for the first time. So that our readers have a direct insight: If someone newly moves to Hamburg and asks you as an expert in Hamburg the question “where should one move to?”, which districts would you recommend?

Andrich: This is not an easy question to answer, because there are certainly different approaches and ideas. If I may take myself as an example.

• Single / career-oriented? : Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Winterhude, Uhlenhorst, St. Georg, Eppendorf

Networking is the name of the game and extremely important, especially in this day and age. With social media (Instagram, Facebook, Xing, LinkedIn, etc.) there are endless possibilities to go to networking events and exchange ideas. Probably the most popular districts that offer a mix of networking, scene and fun are (Just to name a few): Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Winterhude, Uhlenhorst, St. Georg and Eppendorf. Here you meet the young entrepreneur as well as old hands and in general you have a very special mix. Each district has its own charm. Due to the central location, you can reach every district very quickly. I have lived here and have met many great people.

• Families with child(ren)? Lokstedt, Schnelsen, Eidelstedt, Poppenbüttel, Groß Borstel, Alsterdorf, Langenhorn and many others.

The central locations in Hamburg also offer great opportunities for families with children. Nevertheless, young families tend to move to the outskirts of Hamburg. Here you get a little more m² of living space for your money and that makes quite a difference. Popular districts are for example: Lokstedt, Schnelsen, Eidelstedt, Poppenbüttel, Groß Borstel, Alsterdorf, Langenhorn and many others. It simply depends on what people can afford and want.

• Wealthy people (property prices over 1 million)? : Rissen, Blankenese, Ottensen, Wellingsbüttel, Duvenstedt, Klein Flottbek

The 1 million euro mark is quickly cracked in Hamburg. Around the Alster it goes particularly fast, but also the city districts that are far away from the Alster are partly very expensive, or have become expensive. Examples: Rissen, Blankenese, Ottensen, Wellingsbüttel, Duvenstedt, Klein Flottbek.

Costs, rents & prices in Hamburg: Estimation from a professional

FIV: What costs should one expect in Hamburg when renting, and more importantly when buying an apartment or house? How would you compare Hamburg with other cities, and which districts are currently particularly attractive?

Andrich:

• Rent: The average rent in Hamburg is currently around 14,-/m².
• Apartment purchase: The average purchase price for condominiums is currently around 4,500/m².
• House purchase: The average purchase price for houses is currently around 4,200/m².

The prices vary extremely depending on location, size and equipment. Hamburg has a very good infrastructure, endless recreational opportunities. With the Alster and the many parks, this city also has very good recreational areas and is very popular with tourists. Hamburg is large, but still manageable and each location offers different aspects and has its own charm.

The most popular districts are: all districts around the Alster, such as Rotherbaum, Harvestehude, Uhlenhorst, Winterhude, Eppendorf, St. Georg, but also Ottensen, Sternschanze, St. Pauli, Altona, Eimsbüttel and Barmbek-Süd. I could certainly list more, but that would go beyond the scope now.

Hamburg districts for real estate investment? Tips from the investor expert

FIV: Another look at those who want to invest and rent out. As a real Hamburg insider, which district(s) are currently experiencing an upswing and are particularly interesting for capital investors / investors? Which districts are exciting for landlords and investors here?

Andrich: The outskirts of Hamburg currently still offer good investment opportunities. However, a large proportion of investors have already moved to Hamburg’s suburbs. This has also led to strong price increases here. As a rule, an investor still wants to exploit potential and achieve returns. A classic investor wants to “park” his money in a property, is perhaps still counting on appreciation and is interested in top locations.

Investors are therefore more interested in urban districts such as: Barmbek, Schnelsen, Stellingen, Hamm, Eilbek or Wandsbek. Larger investors and capital investors tend to focus on, for example: Winterhude, Eppendorf, Uhlenhorst, Neustadt and St. Georg. Each district also has good and bad locations.

“Every neighborhood has good locations and bad locations.” – T. Andrich

Real estate purchase & sale with broker or private search: advantages and disadvantages

FIV: According to statistics, well over 50% of all properties in Hamburg are bought / sold with an estate agent. From your point of view: when should one search privately and when should one hire a professional real estate agent for the search? Where are the advantages and disadvantages?

Andrich: If you are a private individual looking for a property in a specific district, you should introduce yourself as a customer to the local estate agents and have a corresponding search profile created. Many offers no longer go online and are offered internally in the customer files. As a private person who is looking for a property, one usually gets nothing of this. In addition, one should place “search agents” with the usual portals in order to be informed about new objects. Filled out customer profiles, with all information, help brokers to decide for customers. In addition, the financing should already be clarified in the rough, in order to be able to act quickly.

• Advantages of searching with a real estate agent: You get offered more properties, you may receive exclusive offers and you experience a different appreciation.
• Disadvantages of searching with a broker: Usually higher additional costs, the broker also works for other interested parties.

Typical first-time buyer mistakes, and how to avoid them

FIV: As I said before, the majority of our readers are first-time buyers. What are the mistakes that first-time buyers typically make? Conversely, as an expert, what advice would you give to someone buying his or her first property?

Andrich: It is extremely important to be quick, especially with good offers. If you know what you want and are looking for, you can go through a financing with a sample offer. You get so a good feeling up to which volume you can look, and in the case of the cases you can then strike quickly and give the broker a purchase commitment in the inspection, perhaps with a financing confirmation. Also, know how to read different documents. It’s best to enquire about different properties and “practice”.

Real estate financing: Annuity loans & Co. – options and tips

FIV: What financing options for a property would you most likely recommend in Hamburg – or in general – and what options do first-time buyers have?

Andrich: In most cases, buyers pay at least the ancillary costs themselves. Sometimes it makes sense to include the brokerage costs in the purchase price to make the financing more comfortable. I would generally recommend, for owner-occupied properties, to repay a little more than 2% and to secure the favourable interest rates with a longer fixed interest rate. The classic annuity loan is often used as the financing model. In some cases, it can also make sense to completely finance the ancillary costs – in addition, you should include necessary renovations in the calculation. Financing is a very complex topic and you should look into the possibilities in advance.

FIV: How much equity should you have and what other factors influence financing / creditworthiness? What tips can you give as an expert from your experience?

Andrich: The banks usually want at least the incidental costs to be paid from equity. The interest rates will be better if additionally a part of the purchase price is paid from equity. Whether and how far it makes sense, depends on the buyer and also the property. Here there is no right or wrong.

Service charges & taxes in Hamburg: These are the costs you have to reckon with

FIV: In addition to the purchase price, there are of course also additional costs. A big factor for buyers in Hamburg are taxes. What taxes do buyers in Hamburg have to reckon with when they buy a house on the outskirts of the city or a condominium in Hamburg Mitte/ Hafen-City?

Andrich: When buying a property, a different land transfer tax is incurred depending on the federal state. In Hamburg, for example, it is 4.5% of the purchase price and in Schleswig-Holstein 6.5%. If ancillary costs, such as the brokerage costs, are transferred to the purchase price, the purchase price increases and the land transfer tax also applies to these costs. Further taxes are only incurred in the event of a sale – depending on the constellation and the period of use. (speculation tax)

High prices Hamburg, when is an investment in real estate property worthwhile?

FIV: Rents and purchase prices in Hamburg have risen sharply in recent years. What is the decisive factor driving this development most strongly in the Hamburg property market? Would you currently recommend investing in property or wait?

Andrich: The achievable income in Hamburg is significantly higher than in rural regions such as Dithmarschen, for example. Young people in particular move to Hamburg to study and pursue a career.

On the one hand, it is the growth from the other regions that is causing prices to rise, and on the other hand, the favourable interest rates have made it possible for people with not so high incomes to purchase property in Hamburg. Hamburg is one of the most popular cities in Germany. In principle, I would always advise to own property, but only with the right income. The relationship to the value of the property and the income must fit and should be sustainable.

Tip: Luxury condominiums in HafenCity Hamburg – The Crown

Pure luxury: this is what the new residential tower “The Crown” in Hamburg’s HafenCity promises. Anyone who likes luxury real estate is definitely at the right address with this property. Imagine standing on your balcony, some 50 metres above the Elbe, looking down on the wave-shaped building of the Elbphilharmonie and enjoying the sun reflected in the Elbe, making the water glisten. Doesn’t that sound dreamlike? No wonder, then, that almost all of the residential units in the project have already been sold.

• Hafen City luxury condo: The Crown Hamburg

Real estate agent Robiné about the Düsseldorf real estate market, experiences & tips

Harald Robiné has made a name for himself with his company in Düsseldorf and beyond the city limits as a competent and exclusive real estate agent. ROBINÉ Immobilien attaches great importance to quality and customer service, and has specialised in the brokerage of premium properties. In addition to the brokerage and marketing of real estate, ROBINÉ Projektmanagement’s services also include the acquisition of land, the conversion & refurbishment of existing buildings, project development and management, as well as the turnkey construction of high-quality new buildings in the best locations in Düsseldorf.

In the interview, the real estate agent shared tips and tricks with us, talked about investments and he also gave us his assessment of what to consider when buying a property. Learn more about real estate in Düsseldorf and learn from the pros!

Tip! Luxurious living is also possible in Berlin! Take a look at a very special villa by Graft Architekten: Villa M

Brokerage introductions: Popular house types & most spectacular property

FIV: Dear Mr Robiné, before we go into the many details of Düsseldorf: As a real estate agent in Düsseldorf, what type of house or apartment do you most like to broker? Are there any favourites, for example the normal 3-room apartment, the loft or rather the luxury property on the outskirts of the city?

Robiné: The first property I brokered more than 25 years ago was a luxurious villa owned by a renowned Düsseldorf entrepreneur. Thanks to my good contacts and innate sales talent, I was able to successfuly market the property within a short time and quickly made a name for myself in Düsseldorf. After that, everything happened very quickly, I was offered one villa after the other for marketing and included in my portfolio.

However, this does not mean that we only broker premium properties today. Well-maintained detached houses in suburban locations are just as much a part of our range as courtyards in need of renovation, apartment buildings and commercial properties. Of course, it is much more exciting to broker high-priced properties in the luxury segment than a standard 3-room apartment in the city centre. Whether it’s luxurious villas, stylish loft apartments or classicist townhouses, it doesn’t really matter – ultimately, it’s important that the property has a certain character and represents something special.

• Website: Robiné Real Estate
• Instagram: Robiné Real Estate

FIV: What was the most spectacular property you remember from your years as a real estate agent?

Robiné: The most spectacular property was a historic castle complex from the 11th century. The tenant at the time was a U.S.-born goalkeeper for Borussia Monchengladbach, Kasey Keller. NBC visited the player at his home several times. Through these activities, the German media such as WDR, RTL etc. also became aware of me and the property. At the time, the landmarked property was literally getting quite old and was in dire need of renovation. Like me, the buyer at the time recognised the unique potential of this property and renovated it with great attention to detail for private residential purposes. It was incredible to see the property shine in new splendour a few years later. In an ambience that leaves nothing to be desired, a unique combination of history and modernity was created here.

Where should you move to in Düsseldorf? Districts and tips from the real estate agent

FIV: The majority of our readers are buying a property for the first time. So that our readers have a direct insight into Düsseldorf: If someone newly moves to Düsseldorf and asks you as an expert the question “where should one move to?”, which districts would you recommend for:

1. Single / career-oriented? Ober- and Niederkassel, Harbour, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal, Bilk
2. Families with children? Grafenberg, Gerresheim, Golzheim, Kaiserswerth, Lohausen, Derendorf, Bilk
3. Wealthy individuals (real estate prices over 1 million)? Meerbusch, Ober- and Niederkassel, Golzheim, Zoo

Costs & prices for renting or buying a property in Düsseldorf + comparisons

FIV: What costs do you have to reckon with in Düsseldorf when renting, and more importantly when buying an apartment or house? How would you compare Düsseldorf with other cities and which districts are currently particularly attractive?

Robiné: The rents vary greatly depending on the district and the amenities. The cheapest properties in the simple locations start at around €7 per square metre. These apartments are very simply equipped and often there is even a renovation backlog. Even bathrooms from the 70s are not uncommon in such properties. Upwards the borders are open. Furnished apartments in good locations, on the other hand, reach prices beyond 30, – € per square meter. Of course, these are both extremes. The average rent for an existing property in Düsseldorf in 2020 was around €11.40 per square metre of living space, while the average price per square metre for a new-build property was around €14.

• Rents vary greatly according to district and amenities
• Cheap objects from approx. 7 € per m²
• High-quality, furnished apartments in good locations reach prices of 30€ per m² and more
• Average rent for existing property Düsseldorf 2020: €11.40 per m² living space
• Average price per square metre for a new property in Düsseldorf 2020: approx. 14€.

Robiné: It’s no different with condominiums. Here, too, location and furnishings determine the price, of course. While a simple 2-room apartment in the city centre can still be had for just under 250,000 euros, you pay three times that price for a well-equipped penthouse in a preferred location of the same size.

As a guide, the average asking price for existing apartments in 2020 was around €4,400 per square metre, while the average asking price for new builds was around €7,300 per square metre. Incidentally, the average asking price for detached houses is around 1.2 million euros.

Average bid price 2020 for:

• Existing apartments: € 4,400 per m²
• New buildings: approx. 7,300 € per m²
• Single-family houses: approx. € 1.2 million

Reasons for rising property prices in Düsseldorf

FIV: Rents and purchase prices in Düsseldorf have risen sharply in recent years. In your opinion, what is the decisive factor driving this development most strongly in the Düsseldorf real estate market?

Robiné: Düsseldorf is an extremely economically strong city in the Rhine-Ruhr conurbation. In addition to its central location, important factors include Germany’s third-largest airport and the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre with 24 leading international trade fairs. Düsseldorf is a leading location in the advertising, European patent, telecommunications and management consulting industries, as well as Germany’s “City of Fashion”. Our state capital is a globally oriented metropolis. Numerous internationally active companies and foreign firms have their headquarters in Düsseldorf.

The fact that the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is so popular as a place to live and work is certainly also due to the high quality of life on site. For example, the Rhine metropolis repeatedly takes one of the top places in various rankings for assessing economic strength and future viability.

As in most other major cities, Düsseldorf is experiencing a large influx of people from Germany and abroad. Since 2010, the demand for housing has increased permanently. However, land for the development and construction of new residential areas in the Düsseldorf urban area is scarce. Thus, the low supply of affordable housing combined with the high demand is constantly driving up prices in Düsseldorf.

FIV: As an expert of the Düsseldorf real estate market, would you currently recommend an investment in property or wait?

Robiné: In principle, I would always recommend investing in property, as tangible assets are sustainable and stable and the low interest rate policy encourages the purchase of property. In addition, there is the steady increase in the value of real estate. With a property you invest in your future and build assets for your retirement. Rental costs, on the other hand, are lost capital.

“Generally, I would always recommend investing in property as tangible assets are sustainable and enduring and the low interest rate policy encourages the purchase of property. In addition, there is the steady increase in property values.”

Where should you invest as an investor in Düsseldorf? Tips from the expert

FIV: Another look at those who want to invest and rent. As a real Düsseldorf insider, which districts are currently experiencing an upswing and are particularly interesting for capital investors / investors? Which districts are exciting for landlords and investors here?

Robiné: For capital investors, properties in the simple locations south of the city centre, such as Oberbilk, Wersten, Holthausen and Eller, are particularly interesting. Here, the price level is currently still relatively low compared to the other districts of Düsseldorf. Property prices for multi-family houses already start at around 2,000 euros per square metre. Since a rapid increase in value can also be assumed here in the future, these locations offer particularly good investment and yield opportunities.

Properties in central locations such as Bilk, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal and Stadtmitte are also of interest. These parts of the city currently still have a rather average price level, but are very popular due to their central location and urban character. However, some of the prices per square metre are already almost twice as high as in the more modest locations.

• Simple locations with appreciation potential: Oberbilk, Wersten, Holthausen and Eller
• Medium-sized locations that are very popular: Bilk, Derendorf, Pempelfort, Düsseltal and Stadtmitte.

Real estate agent: advantages & disadvantages, costs and when to hire an agent?

FIV: According to statistics, well over 50% of all properties in Düsseldorf are bought / sold with an estate agent. From your point of view: When should one search privately and when should one hire a professional real estate agent for the search? Where are the advantages and disadvantages?

Robiné: Many owners and buyers underestimate the effort involved in selling / buying a property. For example, numerous documents such as energy certificates, floor plans, building and contamination information or the land register must be submitted in order to successfuly complete the sale. The real estate agent is familiar with all these requirements and covers all the necessary activities such as dealing with the authorities. Furthermore, he accompanies the seller and the buyer from the beginning and is still available for them after the conclusion of the sales contract. For this reason, I would always advise a layman to use the services of a real estate agent. A reputable real estate agent knows the local real estate market exactly and also supports the customer in finding a realistic purchase price.

I can’t think of any disadvantages. In most cases, the broker is commissioned by the owner of the property. However, since as a service provider he also represents the interests of the potential buyer, the buyer also pays a commission to the agent after the conclusion of a purchase contract. A new law, which came into force in December 2020, stipulates that in cases of dual consultancy, the owner and the buyer share the broker’s commission equally, mostly 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarised purchase price nationwide.

• Broker commission nationwide mostly 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price
• Since 2020 law: owner & buyer share the brokerage commission in case of double consultancy half

Common mistakes & tips for buying your first property

FIV: As I said before, the majority of our readers are first-time buyers. What are the mistakes that first-time buyers typically make? Conversely, as an expert, what advice would you give to someone buying his or her first property?

Robiné: A mistake is often that real estate – as far as the purchase is not accompanied by a broker – is bought hastily and the buyer has not considered, for example, all technical data, a possible renovation backlog and special features of a property. Here it can come after a purchase to bad surprises. I recommend interested parties who are not familiar with the area to first rent a property in order to then calmly familiarize themselves with the individual districts and the available opportunities in the real estate market.

Real estate financing: equity, options & recommendations of the professional

FIV: What financing options for a property would you most likely recommend in Düsseldorf – or in general – what options do first-time buyers have?

Robiné: This depends primarily on the respective creditworthiness of a buyer. With the currently very low interest rates on loans, a loan from a bank is recommended. A real estate loan is a big financial and for many also a unique decision. All the more important it is to know the right financing partner at his side. Trust also plays an important role here. Therefore, it is understandable that many real estate buyers turn to the advisor of their house bank for construction financing.

Alternatives to the various banks are intermediaries. They compare the offers of many large banks for you and can sometimes offer you more favourable interest rates and better conditions.

FIV: How much equity should you have and what other factors influence financing / creditworthiness? What tips can you give as an expert from your experience?

Robiné: When it comes to equity, there is a simple basic rule: the more you bring in, the better, because bringing in your own money significantly reduces the financing risk. That’s why banks grant lower interest rates for financing with equity. Without equity, the interest costs can be twice or even three times as high. The existing equity should be at least between 20% and 40% of the purchase price, including incidental purchase costs. In addition, a buffer should also be set aside for maintenance reserves. Furthermore, a secure professional position should of course be a matter of course.

• Financing with equity: Bank grants lower interest rates
• Without equity, interest costs can be twice or even three times as high
• Existing equity capital should amount to between 20% and 40% of the purchase price incl. ancillary purchase costs
• Ideal: Financial buffer for possible maintenance measures

There is also the possibility of financing without equity, but this is associated with greater risks. This is because full financing runs over a longer period of time, and interest and repayments are considerably higher. Should it come to the foreclosure of your property, you are left with a mountain of debt. Therefore, it is advisable to buy a property only if you have sufficient equity available.

“The more equity you bring to the table, the better! That lowers the financing risk.”

Incidental purchase costs: land transfer tax, notary, broker’s commission

FIV: In addition to the purchase price, there are of course ancillary costs. A big factor for buyers are taxes. What taxes do buyers in Düsseldorf have to reckon with when they buy a house on the outskirts of the city or a condominium in Düsseldorf’s city centre?

Robiné: In NRW, the land transfer tax on the purchase of a privately used property is always 6.5% of the purchase price, regardless of whether it is a detached house or a condominium in an apartment building. For the registration in the land register and the notary approx. 1.5 % must be applied. If the purchase is made through a real estate agent, the buyer usually has to pay 3.57% incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price. Summa summarum one must plan thus on top approx. 11.5% of the purchase price as acquisition additional costs. Depending on the amount of the purchase price, there are quite a few additional costs, which should not be underestimated.

• Land transfer tax in NRW: Always 6.5% of the purchase price
• Entry in the land register and notary: approx. 1.5 %.
• Broker commission: usually 3.57 % incl. VAT of the notarized purchase price

“You should plan for about 11.5% of the purchase price as acquisition costs!”

FIV: Thank you very much for this competent and detailed interview Mr. Robiné. We wish you, your company and your team all the best!

Tip: To buy property or not? Big cities in comparison

Many people play with the idea of buying a property in one of the popular cities. These cities include Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Munich. But to find the right property is not so easy and as a layman it is often difficult to assess whether it is worth investing in an apartment or a house as an investment. We have conducted an interview with an expert for you.

• Buy a property? Düsseldorf

Rent, buy or… build?!

Here’s a first comparison, how does renting and buying differ in principle? After that, we jump to buy or build.

Yield real estate

At what point is it worth buying an apartment as an investment?

Calculate yield quickly in just a few steps

What does a house / new building cost?

What does a house / new building cost? These are the costs you will have to reckon with when financing a property.

Costs: Checklist for house construction

What do you need to consider if you want to keep an eye on your tree costs? Here’s a good checklist with all the important steps. In a nutshell, here’s what’s in store for you:

1. New building plot
2. Building costs fixed price
3. Offer construction company
4. Building contract
5. Building with architect
6. House building costs
7. Incidental building costs
8. House building planning

Here you can find the checklist for house construction: Checklists (external).

How much did it really cost?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYKmmmxs_6c

How much house can you afford?

Alternative: Buy an apartment and rent it out

An alternative to direct new construction: Start with owner-occupation! This brings you several advantages. For example, banks do not set such high criteria for owner-occupied properties as they do for investment properties. With owner-occupiers, they also like to turn a blind eye to equity and monthly income. If you then move out after a year or two and rent the apartment, then that’s your business and no problem at all.

• Buy and rent an apartment (external)

Buying a house: Tips, experiences and mistakes

Incidental building costs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_R9luCYi_I

Building vs prefabricated house: 10 biggest mistakes

Apartment building: live and rent

The effective interest rate on mortgage loans (construction interest rate) has dropped -6.4% from 1994 to 2018 (last survey) to just 1.4%. Convinced to buy? Construction interest rates have been at rock bottom for several years. It’s worth comparing construction rates because: How long will it stay like this? Many of our customers approach us with the question and would like to know whether it is worth waiting or whether the construction interest rates will rise again in the future. The construction interest rates do not only stand for themselves, but significantly influence the mortgage rates. In our consultation you will find out quickly and reliably when and how you can best finance and secure the favourable construction interest rates for multi-family houses.

• Build or buy a multi-family house? (external)

House forms at a glance: List

In the real estate market, there are a lot of different types of construction. Both in the field of apartment and houses, there are many forms and types according to which a property is designed. These are divided into different formats. We have clearly listed some of the most common house and apartment types for you here. You can find more information about the respective property type in the corresponding article by clicking on the corresponding link.

Overview of house types: from bungalow to country house to prefabricated house

Here you will find a list with an overview of all common house types. The linked article provides you with more information about the respective house form, introduces you to characteristics and definitions and you also learn which house type is suitable for whom and why. In addition, we introduce you to the advantages and disadvantages of the respective house form in the associated articles.

• Bungalow
• Semi-detached house
• Single-family house
• Half-timbered house
• Holiday home / weekend house
• Beach house
• Prefabricated house
• Country house
• Massive house
• Terraced house
• Villa
• Low-energy house
• Zero-energy house
• Passive House

Real estate as an investment: book tips & recommendations

Getting started in real estate as an investment isn’t easy: Buying your first property means first of all having to learn and understand a lot – whether it’s a penthouse, apartment, maisonette, terraced house or even a detached house. Here you’ll learn: How to get started in real estate (buying your first property)? We always refer to real estate for investment. Here, you’ll be guided through six steps that suggest a structured approach to getting started in real estate. So that buying property is soon no longer just an investment idea for you – but something that you successfuly implement alongside your everyday life. So we’ll help you become a landlord or buy a condo and rent it out.

Here’s another tip for you! Online you can find a lot of articles and tips on Lukinski.de. Here you can learn everything: from tax basics for asset accumulation, to real estate as a capital investment through renting, to saving taxes with real estate (external). Everything free of charge from the expert.

Tip! Overview Real Estate XXL

The world of real estate is complex and multifaceted. If you want to keep an overview and avoid making mistakes, you should prepare well and clarify as many open questions as possible in good time. No matter whether you want to build, buy and rent out a property or live in it yourself, or even use a property as an investment to generate passive income: The preparation is the A&O. Here you will find articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of real estate – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate

Buy real estate, rent & earn money

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (147 ratings)

The ultimate advisor for passive income from residential real estate.

• With a real estate yields of up to 8 % are possible (if the investor manages cleverly).
• Real estate is a stable investment – in the long run, an increase in value can even be expected.
• Who invests correctly, builds up a lucrative additional source of income, an optimal old age provision or even a completely new professional mainstay!
• The demand for housing is growing and there is no end in sight. Due to the housing shortage, higher and higher yields can be achieved, especially in cities.
• With a real estate investment you can save a lot of taxes
• Buy at Amazon

Tax Guide for Real Estate Investors

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (233 ratings)

The ultimate tax guide for private investments in residential real estate. Secure maximum tax advantages through superior knowledge!

• Maximum recognition of income-related expenses
• Realisation of tax-free capital gains
• Tax advantages for listed properties
• Holiday real estate at home and abroad as an investment property
• Inheritance and gift tax (tax-optimised transfer to spouse & children)
• Bonus material: Excel tool for calculating return, financing costs and cash flow
• Buy at Amazon

A real estate millionaire in five years without start-up capital

Rating: 4.2 / 5.0 (387 ratings)

The ultimate guide to entrepreneur basics, investing, equity and managing money.

• 43 timeless laws of success, with which you become financially, professionally and privately more successful and achieve your goals.
• Precise step-by-step guidance to financial freedom so you can avoid frustrating mistakes while following your passion.
• In total, the book contains 668 Learnings that specifically help you enjoy a happier and more fulfilling life
• Proven strategies, tools and techniques to help you build passive income and a fortune (with real estate), even without any start-up capital.
• The secrets of rich, happy and successful people, presented in such an inspiring and practical way that you will be able to put them into practice even without any previous knowledge.
• Buy at Amazon

The 1×1 of the real estate millionaire: your precise guide to investing

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (257 ratings)

• The ultimate guide on how to become a millionaire in real estate.
• How do I build wealth with real estate and generate equity returns of over 30%?
• How to achieve high returns with very little risk?
• How do I choose the right object and how do I find it?
• How is real estate financed correctly and what mistakes should be avoided?
• How do I choose the right tenant?
• How do I deal with sellers and brokers?
• Buy at Amazon

How to successfuly invest & get drastically closer to financial freedom.

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0 (110 ratings)

The ultimate guide on how you can successfuly invest as a beginner or advanced investor to get closer to financial freedom.

• Learn to master passive investing and make high profits!
• You will achieve strong returns with the lowest possible risk and the highest security!
• You learn to be an investor and finally walk the path to financial freedom.
• You will learn everything about passive investing and will no longer be afraid of retirement!
• You develop a successful mindset and understand the difference between stocks, ETFs and funds.
• You’ll really get started with the detailed step-by-step instructions!
• And last but not least, you’ll learn how to enjoy life while saving and approach the subject the right way.
• Buy from Amazon.

Understanding finance: 100 graphics from Finanztest – Investment, law, finance

Ratings: 4.8 / 5.0 (15 ratings)

The ultimate guide to the visual explanation of all things financial.

• Immediately see what matters in everyday finance: With the 100 best infographics from Finanztest, complex relationships around money and finance can be easily understood.
• When does the airline have to pay for flight delays?
• How does crowdfunding work?
• Under what conditions can I retire earlier?
• Who inherits according to intestate succession?
• Any number of financial questions that you encounter in everyday life, from retirement planning to investments and taxes to supplementary insurance are explained here in a visually appealing way.
• In this way, the dry subject matter comes to life and you quickly see what is important in the respective topic.
• Buy from Amazon.

Investment strategy, tax strategy & tax-optimised choice of legal form

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 (72 ratings)

The Secret to Rising from Middle Class to Millionaire – The ultimate guide to becoming successful through investing.

• Many middle class people fail to make it to millionaire status only because they lack the critical information to reduce their tax burden and build wealth through smart investments.
• This is particularly true for highly qualified workers and smaller medium-sized entrepreneurs.
• To achieve financial freedom and economic independence, the accumulation of greater wealth is essential.
• To this end, three crucial building blocks need to be adressed:
  • Increase in revenue
  • Intelligent investment of capital to generate passive income
  • Limitation of the tax burden

• This guidebook provides the critical knowledge needed to create a sophisticated investment and tax strategy that anyone can implement, paving the way to financial freedom and independence.
• A self-made millionaire and best-selling author, Goldwein is a trained lawyer specializing in real estate and tax law.
• He has inspired numerous readers with his books of advice and led them to economic success.
• Buy at Amazon

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Sell property

Selling real estate – You have already invested in real estate or inherited a house, and now you want to sell it for a profit? In this article we give you book tips on the subject of selling real estate! In this article you will find all the information about selling real estate – packed in book tips with which you can not go wrong.

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Overview real estate XXL: Investment, broker, renting & Co.

Here you get back to the overview of book and video recommendations on the subject of real estate in Germany. Investment cases, capital investment, passive income, house or apartment buy and rent and much more is explained to you here by experts and understandable. In this XXL guide you will find information and articles on the most diverse questions on the subject of real estate.

• Back to Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate

Overview Video Tips Real Estate

Getting started in real estate as an investment is not easy: Buying your first property means first of all having to learn and understand a lot. Here you will find all the important information about real estate: from real estate agents to successful investing in real estate. Check out our video tips including explanations and summaries so you can become a pro in this field too!

If you are looking for tips online, we can recommend Lukinski.de. Here you will find everything from getting started in real estate to real estate as an investment through renting to saving taxes with real estate (external). All free of charge.

Building Real Estate: Financing, equity and tips & tricks

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Renting out property: Experience, Landlord, Service Charges & Taxes

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Real Estate Investment: Getting Started, Financing & Tips for Beginners

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Make money with real estate: Investing, Passive Income & Equity

Earn money with real estate – this is a plan that many people have. What one or the other hopes for: to receive additional money in old age. Thus, one gets not only the pension, but for example, even rental income. The idea behind this is that someone buys a property and then rents it out to earn money. In this article you will learn how much passive income you can expect, what different ways there are to invest in real estate and whether you can buy real estate at a young age – during your education. Furthermore, you will learn how you can invest in real estate without already having the big money.

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Selling Real Estate: Tips, tricks and expert opinions

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Real estate as an investment: tips and tricks for beginners & professionals

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Tip! Real Estate XXL: Investment, Sale & Co.

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Investment statement

The term investment refers to the use of financial resources to increase private or commercial wealth through income. Investment involves the use of financial resources to acquire cash and tangible assets. Investment is usually divided into tangible assets, intangible assets (licenses, rights) and financial assets, depending on the subject. However, a distinction can also be made according to purpose. In this way, a distinction can be made between start-up and replacement investments. On the other hand, divestment means the release of funds from the return of securities or the sale of real estate, factories and equipment.

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Tip! Overview Wealth Building XXL – Book, Video, Tips & Tricks

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Buy and sell (external & free of charge)

Learn from the experts. You can find many, many more guide articles for free at Lukinski. Here you can learn everything you need to know about buying real estate for free. Start in general with buying real estate, go over your specific type of real estate, from apartment, to house, apartment building to buying land. Also important, everything about the purchase contract (who pays the costs?), ancillary purchase costs and saving taxes with real estate. through legal forms such as a real estate GmbH or family foundation.

However, Luxury Realtors also write new articles on selling property every week. With more specific advice pages on selling a house, selling an apartment, and multi-family house and land.

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What are the most popular investment hypes? We show you how and where you can best invest your money.

Investment Hypes: Passive Income & Tips

The following video educates you on the path to passive income and gives you five investment examples that are worthwhile.

Earlier retirement through investment

Don’t want to work all your life? We explain how you can retire at 40 without worrying about money.

Real estate – investment for earlier retirement

How can you use real estate as an investment? Here you can find out why real estate is an indispensable pension component.

Related links about the topic Investment

Have you ever wondered how to invest successfuly? What are your options, what is the best way to invest and what are the tips for successful investing? You can find out all this in our other video recommendations!

Finances Basics

Finance is a very important topic in today’s society, and in principle every citizen comes into contact with it in one way or another. We explain the most common terms in the world of finance and give advice on loans, overnight money, shares, etc. If you want to know how investments work, what different financial products there are and which credit card is particularly recommended, you are in the right place.

• Video Tips: Finances Basics
• Book Recommendations: Finance Basics

Taxes real estate / home

Taxes on real estate/home ownership – what tips and tricks are there to consider? Our videos show you how you can best save on the taxes that apply to real estate and how you can best reconcile real estate transfer tax and income tax.

• Video Tips: Taxes Real Estate & Home Ownership
• Book Recommendations: Taxes Real Estate & Home Ownership

Real estate financing

Real estate financing – You want to buy a property, but do not know how you can finance your dream? Terms like loan, interest, credit, repayment or building society contract only raise more questions for you? Here you will find all the important information on the subject of real estate financing: from financing with equity to financing without equity to applying for a loan, we cover all the important topics!

• Video Tips: Real estate financing
• Book recommendations: Real Estate Finance

Advisor Wealth Accumulation XXL: Finance, Investment & Co.

Who wouldn’t like to build up their own assets? Whether you want to be able to afford something or would like to generate a financial buffer for old age, asset accumulation is a relevant and, above all, sensible topic for virtually everyone. But what options are there for building up assets? Life insurance, retirement planning, or investing in real estate? Here you will find an overview of articles, as well as book and video recommendations on the topic of wealth accumulation. From saving taxes to passive income to tips on successful investing – experts and professionals share their know-how in their videos and readings and answer all questions about wealth accumulation.

• Book and Video Tips: Wealth Building XXL

Real Estate Financing Guidelines

Financing real estate made easy! We have compiled tips, tricks and the most important information on the subject of real estate financing for you, so that you too can realize your dream of owning your own home! Do’s and Don’ts, tips and experiences from experts will guide you and answer all your questions about “How to finance a property”. Become a professional and make no more mistakes in the future!

Real estate financing and purchase (external & free of charge)

Learn from the experts. You can find many, many more guide articles for free at Lukinski. Learn everything you need to know about buying real estate for free. Start in general with buying real estate, go over your specific type of real estate, from apartment, to house, apartment building to buying land. Also important: everything about the purchase contract (who pays the costs?), incidental purchase costs and saving taxes with real estate, through legal forms such as a real estate GmbH or family foundation. Here you can go directly to the topic: Real estate financing in comparison.

Tip! Overview Real Estate XXL

The world of real estate is complex and multifaceted. If you want to keep an overview and avoid making mistakes, you should prepare well and clarify as many open questions as possible in good time. No matter whether you want to build, buy and rent out a property or live in it yourself, or even use a property as an investment to generate passive income: The preparation is the A&O. Here you will find articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of real estate – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate

Real estate financing: the right strategy for capital investors

Rating: 4.5 from 5.0 (53 ratings)

The secure way to tailor-made financing: For owner-occupiers of a property, it is all about the favourable financing of the property. For capital investors, it’s about the best possible financing conditions for the rented property. With this pocket book you will find out which financing plan is suitable for you. The guidebook answers all the important questions about money for a house or apartment, whether for the initial financing, a modernization or follow-up financing.

• Income and equity ratio: how much house can you afford?
• Interest rate strategies: How long are you tying yourself down for, and which lender has the lowest mortgage rates?
• Repayment Strategies: As an owner-occupier or landlord, what repayment percentage is best for you to choose?
• Financial aid: How do you use money from the KfW and Wohn-Riester when financing your own home?
• Buy at Amazon

Real estate financing without equity

Rating: 4.3 from 5.0 (40 ratings)

In this guide, you will learn how you can fulfill your dream of home ownership, even if you do not have any equity today. Do not hesitate and deal with the topic of home ownership today. Even if you think real estate is expensive, it won’t get any cheaper in the medium term. The longer you pay rent, the more expensive it will be for you in the end.

Why should you look into buying an owner-occupied property right now?

• Interest rates are at an extremely low level, making financing very favorable
• Real estate, like all tangible assets, is protected against inflation.
• Very often the monthly charge as a tenant is higher than paying off your loan
• Real estate is the ideal retirement provision
• You actively build up your assets through monthly repayments

Also learn in this book

• How to be perfectly prepared for bank interviews
• How to improve your Schufa score
• What grants you may be able to apply for
• Why a granny flat will make you debt free sooner
• How you can get equity from relatives without them having to give you a single euro
• Buy at Amazon

Practical guide to real estate acquisition and financing

Rating: 4.4 from 5.0 (45 ratings)

The practical guide is written for all those who want to buy or build their own (credit-financed) property in Germany. The author presents the topic in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, introducing both legal and economic issues in a concise and detailed manner. The contents are illustrated by examples with concrete calculations and references to the current legal situation. The calculation tool helps to determine the actual costs of loan financing.

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Real estate practice manual for owner-occupiers

Rating: 4.8 from 5.0 (27 ratings)

Buying, building and financing your own home are long-term and far-reaching decisions. In this guide, you’ll find comprehensive information and checklists for buying a used property and building a new one on your own. As a bonus, an Excel calculator tool for real estate loans is available. With this guide, you will be able to organize the purchase and financing well and avoid expensive mistakes.

From the contents:

• Purchase of a second-hand property
• Buying a new property from a developer
• Purchase of a plot of land & construction on own account
• Special features when buying a condominium
• Purchase in the compulsory auction
• Strategies for intelligent financing with loans & equity
• State subsidies for home ownership (e.g. Wohn-Riester)
• Calculation tool for loan financing
• Buy at Amazon

Real estate financing for owner-occupiers

Rating: 4.6 from 5.0 (54 ratings)

Real estate is still considered a solid investment. Interest rates are low, prices vary greatly from region to region. And the small print in banks’ loan agreements is becoming increasingly complex. To see through the pitfalls of buying a house, you need expertise. This book will help you develop it: in estimating the purchase price, in structuring the sales contract, and in financing. In the end, you’ll negotiate smartly and on equal footing with sellers, realtors, and banks to get the best outcome for your family.

“This is by far the best book on financing your own four walls that I have read. Anyone who reads this book and heeds its advice is sure to save a lot of money and, most importantly, avoid unnecessary risks. Anyone who thinks they don’t need this book has only themselves to blame.”
Dr. Rainer Zitelmann, real estate investor, founder of the consulting firm Dr. ZitelmannPB. GmbH

• Buy at Amazon

Real estate financing: Understanding banks

Rating: 4.3 from 5.0 (26 ratings)

What is the best way to prepare for a real estate purchase? What do you need to consider when financing? There are many books and financial magazines on this topic, but this guide is different. With this book you get a practical guide to the topic of real estate financing. In an entertaining and reader-friendly way, the author succeeds in explaining the pitfalls of real estate financing in a simple and understandable way. With the help of many practical examples, Dirk Nopp clarifies even the most difficult topics and explains technical terms in such a way that even laymen understand them.

• Buy at Amazon

Construction financing guide

Rating: 4.6 from 5.0 (4 Reviews)

This book helps with the important question of financing:

• How do I draw up a budget?
• How do I calculate the monthly charge?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• How much real estate can I afford?
• After how many years will I be debt free?
• What financing options and loans are available?
• What do all the financial terms mean?
• Buy at Amazon

Construction financing: The best way to a house or condominium

Rating: 4.2 from 5.0 (7 ratings)

The foundation stone for your own four walls!

Important building block for old-age provision, independence from landlords – owning a property offers a number of advantages. That’s why many people dream of owning their own house or condominium. To ensure that the dream does not turn into a nightmare, the financing must be on a solid footing – because the decision to buy usually means an economic burden that lasts for decades.

This guidebook supports you on your (financing) way to your own property Well structured and understandable, it answers, among other things, the questions:

• How do I calculate the cost of purchase or construction?
• How do I determine my financial resilience?
• Which type of construction financing is most favorable for me?
• How can I benefit from the Wohn-Riester subsidy?
• With many tips, examples, checklists and the “ABC of construction financing”.
• Buy at Amazon

Related links about the topic Real estate

The real estate financing is now covered quite extensively for you, but you are still looking for more literature on the topics of renting property, real estate agents or passive income? Here you will find more book tips for you.

Let property

Renting out property is a great way to provide for your retirement and stop worrying financially. There is a lot of money to be made in real estate – how it all works is explained in these books so you don’t make any mistakes!

• Video Tips: Rent out property
• Book recommendations: Renting a property

Real estate agent

Earning money with real estate is a lifelong dream for many. Marketing and selling luxurious homes in the most beautiful cities in the world. That’s the image that comes to mind when we think of real estate agents. We want to show you the way to get there and give you a jump start. We offer you a list of the best book recommendations with tips and tricks from the experts: everything from training books, job aids with forms, and guides with how-to’s on getting started in real estate. Our guides to success in the real estate industry

• Video Tips: Real Estate Agent
• Book Recommendations: Real Estate Agent

Passive income through real estate

Passive income – Some people are considering it, or have already done it: buy a property and rent it out. By doing so, they hope to generate passive income. You can find information on the subject in these book tips.

• Video Tips: Passive income
• Book recommendations: Passive Income

Overview real estate XXL: Investment, broker, renting & Co.

Here you get back to the overview of book and video recommendations on the subject of real estate in Germany. Investment cases, capital investment, passive income, house or apartment buy and rent and much more is explained to you here by experts and understandable. In this XXL guide you will find information and articles on the most diverse questions on the subject of real estate.

• Back to Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate