Cash & Flow: Investor Podcast

The “Cash & Flow” podcast is specifically designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge base as a real estate investment beginner. With new episodes regularly, this podcast presents a wealth of information to help you make informed real estate investing decisions and improve your investment strategies.

Learn Investment: In this podcast, you will learn step by step how to successfuly invest in real estate. From choosing the right properties to calculating returns and effective property management, all the important topics are covered. You’ll get valuable tips and proven strategies to maximize the potential of your investments.

Real estate management: A successful real estate investment also requires efficient management. In the “Cash & Flow” podcast, you’ll learn how to effectively manage your properties to generate stable long-term revenue. From tenant management to maintenance to leasing strategies, practical insights and best practices are shared.

Current Topics: In addition to the basics, the podcast also covers current topics in the real estate industry. You’ll stay up to date on new legislative changes and technological innovations such as the heating ban, heat pumps, solar panels, and wall boxes. This allows you to identify trends and developments and adapt your knowledge accordingly to be proactive in your investments.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immocation Podcast: Real Stories

On the “immocation Podcast,” you’ll learn how to successfuly build wealth through real estate, whether as a retirement plan, foundation for financial freedom, early retirement, or even full-time employment. Here, the hosts share stories from their coaches and from the community and offer exclusive content, including select YouTube series, to expand your knowledge of real estate investing and help you on the path to success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Wiki: The basic knowledge

“Real Estate Wiki” – The podcast “Real Estate Wiki” is specially designed for real estate investment beginners like you, who want to specifically expand their knowledge of technical terms and basics of the real estate world. In this podcast, the most popular and most read articles from the Real Estate Wiki are presented in a short and understandable form.

Popular articles from the real estate wiki: The wiki covers a wide range of real estate terms and information. The Real Estate Wiki podcast selects those articles that are most requested and read by other listeners like you. This gives you the opportunity to focus on the most relevant topics and deepen your understanding of the real estate industry in a targeted way.

The podcast “Immobilien Wiki” offers you new episodes every day. You can find it for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many more. Whether you’re cleaning up, sitting in the car, or playing sports, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge of real estate anytime, anywhere.

From real estate-experience.com:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Tip. Buy your first property (cheaply)

Want to invest your money in real estate? We have 30 steps for your first real estate purchase as an investment. Capital investment means: buy and rent. Ideally, you’ll get so much rent that your property will pay for itself!

Learn how to do it here:

• Buy first apartment as an investment
• Buy property (cheap)

The Immopreneur Podcast

“The Immopreneur Podcast” – If you’re interested in real estate development and real estate entrepreneurship, then “The Immopreneur Podcast” is for you. Here you’ll hear firsthand from successful real estate entrepreneurs about how they analyze their projects, close deals, and build their real estate businesses. Whether you’re looking to venture into real estate yourself or simply want to learn more about this exciting field, this podcast will provide you with inspiring stories and valuable insights into the world of real estate entrepreneurs.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Immo Insider: Broad spectrum

“Immo Insider” – Dive into the world of real estate financing with the podcast “Immo Insider”. Here you’ll get comprehensive information about different financing options, tips on choosing the right lender and important aspects to consider when financing real estate. This podcast is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to successfuly finance their real estate projects.

From Engels & Völkers:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The Landlord Podcast: Says it all

“The Landlord Podcast” – The Landlord Podcast is a valuable resource for all landlords and those interested in getting into the rental property business. It covers all relevant topics related to renting, including legal aspects, leases, tenant selection, tenant management, and optimizing rental income. Whether you’re already a landlord or thinking about renting out a property, this podcast will provide you with practical tips and helpful insights to make your rental efforts successful.

From ImmoScout24:

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• Podcast Spotify

Real Estate Investor Podcast

“Der Immobilieninvestor” – The Real Estate Investor is a podcast that specializes in sustainable real estate investing. Here you will learn how to find high-yield properties, which investment strategies are successful and how to make your real estate portfolio sustainable. The podcast offers valuable insights into the world of sustainable real estate investing.

By Alex Fischer:

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

Old But Concrete Gold

“Old But Betongold” – Fabian Fröhlich, who describes himself as a likeable “doer”, gives easy-to-use tips on real estate, investments and entrepreneurship in his podcast. With his hands-on mentality and easy-going manner, he appeals especially to the younger generation who want to start immediately to achieve financial prosperity through clever real estate strategies. Although the podcast hasn’t had any new episodes since 2021, the old episodes are definitely worth listening to and provide valuable knowledge for long-term success.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

L’Immo: real estate and housing industry

“L’Immo” – The real estate industry is undergoing a transformation. In our podcast, you will hear leading minds talking about challenges, political decisions, approaches to solutions and new developments. Dirk Labusch and Iris Jachertz, the editors-in-chief of “immobilienwirtschaft” and “DW Die Wohnungswirtschaft,” ask topical and personal questions. Stay informed about the real estate industry.

• Podcast Apple
• Podcast Spotify

The best real estate apps

Don’t miss the chance to benefit from these great real estate podcasts! Learn, invest and manage real estate with the “Cash & Flow” podcast, while the “Real Estate Wiki” podcast explains the most important terms in a way you can understand.

Listen to them for free on platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer and many others. Use your time effectively by expanding your real estate knowledge while commuting, on your lunch break or during a relaxing walk. Start now and build your real estate knowledge step by step!

Have fun learning!

Rent, buy, live in Gelsenkirchen

Our real estate interview partner specializes in brokering, selling and renting real estate in Gelsenkirchen. We talked to the real estate agent team in an interview about attractive districts, financing options and the Gelsenkirchen real estate market. Here you can learn everything about buying your first home, different types of houses and apartments.

Gelsenkirchen at a glance

Gelsenkirchen from close up:

Rent: Tips on price development

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

Buy: Good yield and districts

Find your new home in attractive districts of Gelsenkirchen such as Erle, Resse or Beckhausen and avoid serious mistakes with your purchase! Find out what you should know before you buy in this article! Are you also interested in cities in NRW? We have selected other interesting cities for you, such as Düsseldorf, Aachen and Duisburg.

Real estate and market in Gelsenkirchen: The interview

In an interview, we got to know a renowned real estate company from Gelsenkirchen better and asked everything about the real estate world. Here you will learn everything from incidental costs to the best investments.

Interview Partner: Schenk Real Estate

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

Thorsten Schenk: We mediate any type of residential real estate such as condominiums, houses, apartment buildings and land. Here we purchase and letting made. In addition then still objects on the favorite island of the Germans Mallorca come. Of course we also mediate commercial properties. As a further service we offer the mediation of notaries, lawyers, financing and craftsmen. Also we have now care real estate and micro apartments in the offer.

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

Thorsten Schenk: The company Immobilien Schenk prefers to broker residential properties of any kind. Commercial properties of any kind are also interesting, because they are always different and you always see new facilities and buildings.

Gelsenkirchen district:

Districts with a future: Buer, Sutum & Resse

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

Thorsten Schenk: The most popular districts are in the north of Gelsenkirchen with the districts of Buer, Resse, Resser-Mark, Erle and also still Sutum. But there are also very nice places to live throughout the city.

Buer is a popular district in Gelsenkirchen:

Market prices Gelsenkirchen: The development

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

Thorsten Schenk: There are many older properties in Gelsenkirchen and they need to be renovated. This means that rents could also be adjusted. Many investors are currently coming to the Ruhr region to buy properties, because there are no more properties to buy cheaply in the big cities.

Rent or buy? Broker assessment

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 Gelsenkirchen?

Thorsten Schenk: It always depends on where you personally see yourself in old age. I know many people who see their retirement home abroad. And of course it also depends on income. But in general, property is a good choice.

Real estate agent Thorsten Schenk:

Beginner mistakes when buying real estate

FIV: Anyone who rents in Gelsenkirchen 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?

Thorsten Schenk: With many first-time buyers, you simply don’t really see the monthly burden and the additional costs for managing the property. In addition, the entry prices are too high today because people want to have a property at all costs.

Taxes and incidental expenses incurred

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

Thorsten Schenk: In NRW we have 6.5% land transfer tax, for the notary you can add a good 2% and then the brokerage fee. Depending on the property and the broker, this is between 2.5% and 5% plus VAT.

Incidental costs in NRW:

• Real estate transfer tax: 6.5%
• Notary: 2%
• Depending on object/broker 2.5% to 5%

Capital investment Gelsenkirchen: Buy and rent

FIV: Gelsenkirchen neighborhoods for real estate investment – Let’s move on to real estate as an investment in Gelsenkirchen, for those who want to buy and rent. If our*r Leser*in decides for the purchase, with following letting: Which 2 districts or even satelites around Gelsenkirchen, would you recommend to a buyer for their capital investment in Gelsenkirchen? In your opinion as an expert, where do the most future opportunities lie?

Thorsten Schenk: The districts in the north with Buer, Erle and Resse certainly have the best potential.

Living room in a single-family house in Gelsenkirchen:

Investment in conversion and expansion of old building

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

Thorsten Schenk: In my opinion, the conversion and expansion of old buildings have the greatest potential in Gelsenkirchen because of the purchasing power. I would also say smaller single-family homes with gardens.

Typical mistakes when buying a property

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 Gelsenkirchen, 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 Gelsenkirchen?

Thorsten Schenk: You have to know the local conditions in the Ruhr area and understand the language of the Ruhrpott.

Thanks to Thorsten Schenk for the interview!

Rent, buy, live in Gelsenkirchen

The real estate market in Gelsenkirchen is large and for this reason it is important to find the best real estate agent for you. In our overview you will find the 10 best real estate agents from Gelsenkirchen, who can make your dream of your property possible.

• Real estate agent Gelsenkirchen

First apartment? Step by step to capital investment

As soon as you move into your first own apartment, for most people it’s rent, rent, rent. Every month you go to work for many hours in order to spend most of it on 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

Rent, buy, live in Nuremberg

Our interview partner, has specialized in brokering, selling and renting real estate in Nuremberg and the surrounding area. In an interview we talked about attractive districts, financing options and the current real estate market. Here you can learn everything about the first apartment purchase, different types of houses and types of apartments.

Overview of Nuremberg and surrounding cities:

Nuremberg from close up:

Rentals: Service charges

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

Buy: Investment

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

Interview about the Nuremberg real estate market

Are you looking for a suitable property in Nuremberg? But are you wondering which are the most popular districts to live in, whether it is better to rent or to buy, or how high the ancillary costs and taxes are in Nuremberg? Then you have come to the right place. Because we have talked to a real estate agent who will answer all your questions about real estate in Nuremberg.

Real estate agent Christian Reinhart – The company in Nuremberg

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

C. Reinhart: As a real estate agent’s office, our focus is on the sale and rental of residential real estate. I.e. we mediate inventory real estates such as free-hold apartments and houses to capital investors and owner-occupiers. Our specialty is the sale of multi-family houses to investors, which we often broker “offmarket”, i.e. without public advertising, due to our good network.

Surroundings in Nuremberg:

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

C. Reinhart: Every property is unique and is valued equally by us. However, we prefer to find new homes for young families.

Neighborhoods with a future in Nuremberg

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

C. Reinhart: Beyond the typical preferred residential areas such as Erlenstegen, Zabo, Johannis or the old town: Gostenhof in particular is a great residential area for young people with a lot of potential.

Gostenhof district:

Development of real estate prices

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

C. Reinhart: Both rents and purchase prices for residential real estate have risen significantly in recent years. This trend is unbroken, but in the medium term we expect prices to stabilize at a high level or fall slightly. Above all, the many attractive new construction projects of recent years should contribute to this.

Dining room area in a loft:

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 Nuremberg?

C. Reinhart: If it is financially feasible to buy a property, we would prefer this option to renting. Of course, this always depends on the individual situation and also on whether a suitable property in the desired location is available for purchase at all.

Avoid typical first-time buyer mistakes

FIV: Anyone who rents in Nuremberg is relatively flexible and can move if necessary. Anyone who buys a property, whether a home or a condominium, is tied to the property for the long term at least 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?

C. Reinhart: A typical mistake when buying for the first time is to compromise on location. I.e. it is better to pay “too much” for the right property than to buy a “bargain” in a bad location that does not fit in the long run. A somewhat too high purchase price is soon compensated. A problematic location, e.g. on a main road, cannot be corrected without further ado.

Taxes and incidental expenses incurred

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

C. Reinhart: The ancillary purchase costs are usually around 8-10% of the purchase price. These consist of the property tax of 3.5% levied in Bavaria. Notary costs of 1.5% and broker commission of 3.5% together.

Incidental expenses:

• Total 8-10% from the purchase price
• 3.5% Property tax
• 1.5% Notary fees
• 3.5% brokerage commission

Here you can see a bedroom:

Real estate as an investment: safeguarding the future

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

C. Reinhart: The preferred 1a location for capital investors is Nuremberg’s Old Town with the Sebald and Lorenz districts. Due to the high tourist attractiveness and the good mix and the large offer of shopping facilities, events, gastronomy and great residential locations, top prices are also achieved here. This contributes to an increase in value and value retention. Otherwise, many other Nuremberg residential locations offer attractive opportunities for capital investors. Particular future opportunities are attributed to districts such as Johannis and Gostenhof.

Attractive districts in Nuremberg:

• Sebald
• Lorenz
• St. John’s
• Gostenhof

Sebald district:

Real estate with the most future opportunities

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

C. Reinhart: Nuremberg offers attractive opportunities for capital investors in all real estate categories. However, as a student city and tourist magnet, we would like to highlight small residential units such as apartments and 1-room apartments here as particularly attractive for capital investors.

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 Nuremberg, 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 Nuremberg?

C. Reinhart: The central basis for a successful real estate sale is professional market pricing.

If the price is set too high, the property is “burned” on the market. If the price is too low sellers give away money

Here, a competent real estate agent with expertise and market knowledge is the ideal partner for owners to bring together the interests of the parties involved from the price setting to the successful notary appointment.

Rent, buy, live in Nuremberg

The real estate market in Nuremberg is large and for this reason it is important to find the best real estate agent for you. In our overview you will find the best real estate agents from Nuremberg, who can make your dream of your property possible.

• Real estate agent Nuremberg

First apartment? Step by step to capital investment

Buy 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 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