Looking a new construction home in Berlin? Here you’ll find plently of reasons to buy whether for buying a home for personal use or investing in a property to optimise returns. Besides being Germany’s capital and holding the status of the country’s most international city, it is popular not only because of its booming economy but also for its vibrant culture, particularly its arts and music scene. The city’s diverse job market and growing population have created an increased demand for modern, sustainable housing. If you’re considering buying residential real estate in Berlin, a newly built apartment is more attractive than older properties for several reasons.
Why Buy in a New Construction in Berlin, Germany?
New homes in Berlin hold a higher appeal for both owner-occupiers and investors, from both a lifestyle and a financial perspective.
Buying a New Construction Home in Berlin for your Own Use
Contemporary layouts: New construction homes are designed to suit the lifestyle of a modern family, featuring details such as open-plan kitchens, large windows, balconies, and flexible living spaces, including bedrooms. Every apartment has an optimised floor plan to suit its size, which minimises space loss. It goes without saying that when buying a new construction home in Berlin, you would benefit from several amenities such as a lift, electric window blinds (including in bedrooms), CCTV, an individual cellar/storage room, and a separate bike parking area within the development.
Energy efficiency: These modern units are built to the current high standards. Their sale price includes energy-efficient details, such as triple-glazed windows in every room, superior insulation, and efficient heating systems, which result in significantly lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
Low maintenance: With everything, from roof to plumbing and electrics, a new apartment will require minimal maintenance for the next two to three decades. Some construction elements, such as the new roof, would typically last for around 50 years without requiring major renovation or replacement. Compared to an older building, a new apartment would offer a significant reduction in costs that would otherwise be spent on renovation and maintenance. Moreover, when you buy a newly built home in Berlin, you can expect a 20- to 30-year ownership period without major renovation work.
Smart tech & electric parking: Many new construction homes in Germany offer modern conveniences, such as smart-home systems and pre-installed EV charging infrastructure.
Warranty protection: Developers typically provide warranties of up to five years on new construction units. Any construction issues that arise during the 5-year period will be addressed by the developer, ensuring peace of mind after you move in.
Savings on broker fees: Many new real estate projects offer buyers the benefit of no broker fees payable on sale. With brokerage costs typically being around 3.57% of the purchase price, it results in a significant saving. For an apartment priced at 350.000€, this translates to a significant saving of 12.250€, which can be allocated towards other expenses, such as interior decoration or purchasing appliances, a kitchen, or installing designer wardrobes in the bedrooms. In other words, when you buy a new construction home in Berlin for 500.000€, you effectively buy it at 482.000€. First Citiz Berlin is one of the very few real estate agents in Berlin that offer a large portfoilio of central new construction properties with no brokerage fees.
New Construction Homes in Berlin: Benefits for Investors
Strong rental market: Given the housing shortage in Berlin and the sustained rise in demand over the past several years, investing in a property in the city offers consistent rental growth and potential for appreciation, irrespective of the apartment size.
No rent cap for new builds: Another advantage of investing in a Berlin new build is that, unlike older properties, which are subject to strict rent control, modern developments are often exempt from these limitations, thereby allowing more flexibility in setting the rental price.
Saving taxes through depreciation: New properties built during the six years from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2029, are eligible for degressive depreciation (AfA)(more information in the link). Buyers can claim a 5% depreciation allowance on a declining balance over a period of 6 years. So, if the price of the new construction is 300.000€ (excluding the land), this translates to a decrease in your taxable income by around 15.000€ each year for the next six years, resulting in a major saving.
Which Neighbourhoods to Buy New Construction Homes in Berlin, Germany?
While there are over a dozen districts in Berlin to choose from, it’s advisable to buy a new construction in an area most suited to one’s needs. For those looking to buy a family home for personal use, an area near Mitte with access to public transportation, green spaces, and proximity to modern conveniences is ideal. Districts with high rental income potential are better options for investors.
Here are some central standout districts and exemplar properties in Berlin rooted in quality, location, and lifestyle:
Friedrichshain – Parks, transport links, creative energy
A vibrant Berlin area with trendy cafés, boutiques, galleries, and proximity to the River Spree, Friedrichshain has excellent transport links and parks, giving it the status of one of the most sought-after areas to live in Berlin. Two new-build projects in Friedrichshain worth considering are:
The Franz
The brand-new, ready-to-move-in luxury project has units with details, such as spacious living areas and expansive balconies, as well as premium fittings and fixtures. The energy-efficient building, which holds DGNB Gold sustainability certification, exemplifies refined urban living with Noble oak parquet, underfloor heating, floor-to-ceiling multi-glazed windows in every room, and a private green courtyard, making it ideal for family living. Its location is a significant selling point, just 3 stops from Alexanderplatz in Mitte and walking distance from the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
The Franz Berlin Property has 1 to 5 bedroom units (beds/baths) for sale, with living spaces ranging from 36 m² to 159 m². The purchase price starts at ca. 310.675€, with no buyer’s commission payable on the sale price.
Midtown
Set in a top Berlin area between Bützoviertel & Samariter Kiez, within walking distance to Volkspark Friedrichshain, and 2 stops from Alexanderplatz, Midtown is built by one of the city’s leading luxury property developers – Pandion. The project Midtown Friedrichshain has brand-new upscale apartments. The building is energy-efficient and comes with underground parking spaces with e-mobile charging options. All apartments are designed to suit the modern family and feature details such as balconies, loggias, or terraces, and are equipped with oak parquet flooring, underfloor heating, and designer bathrooms. Besides an inner garden that includes a children’s playground, the development also has individual cellar rooms. No buyer brokerage fee is payable on the sale price.
Midtown new construction homes in Berlin features 2 to 5 bedroom units (beds / baths) with living spaces ranging from 44m² to 122m². Prices start from ca. 317.000€, with no brokerage fee included in the sale price for buyers.
Schöneberg – Spacious, high-end options
Schöneberg holds the status of the most central district in Berlin. It boasts a diverse mix of quiet residential areas, perfect for family living, and more vibrant zones with hip cafés, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. It’s known for its Sunday food and flower market. The transportation connections are also quite good. It also has some areas, such as Viktoria-Luise-Platz and the Bavarian Quarter, that are great for strolling.
Am Winterfeldt in Schöneberg
Located within walking distance of Winterfeldtplatz, Am Winterfeldt is a brand-new upscale development strategically positioned next to the Diplomatic district in Berlin. The architecture of those new construction homes in Berlin centre combines townhouse aesthetics with modern finishes, including oak floors with automated underfloor heating, floor-to-ceiling multi-glazed windows in every room, balanced facades, premium fittings & fixtures, and underground parking included in the building plan. The energy-efficient building has units with generous living spaces and spacious balconies, making them ideal for the modern family lifestyle.
The project features apartments for sale in Berlin Schöneberg ranging from 2 to 5 beds & baths for sale, including luxury / penthouse units. The living space in each apartment ranges from 27m² to 190m², with the purchase price starting from ca. 262.000€. No buyer’s commission is payable on the sale.
The Kurfürst Brand New Development
In the heart of the city, just one stop from Kurfürstendamm, The Kurfürst is a brand-new, upscale project featuring ready-to-move-in apartments. Besides being energy-efficient, its luxurious design features premium fittings & fixtures, generous living volumes, and dining balconies or terraces. It also features details, such as oak parquet flooring with underfloor heating, stunning bathrooms with natural stone tiling, light-filled units with floor-to-ceiling multi-glazed windows, and a cosy green courtyard with a private children’s playground.
The project features new construction homes in Berlin center with 2 to 4 beds & baths for sale, including luxury / penthouse units, with living spaces ranging from 66m² to 160m². Prices start from ca. 650.000€ with no brokerage fee payable by buyers on the sale price. If you’re looking to buy an apartment in Berlin in an uspcale community, this is a must-see option!
Prenzlauer Berg – Village-like atmosphere, green spaces
A residential neighbourhood located in East Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg is centrally located and considered one of the best places to live in the city. It’s a symbol of the new and chic lifestyle of the German capital, with hip bars and restaurants, galleries, boutiques, design furniture stores, and more. The famous organic market, Kollwitzplatz, is one of many street markets in the area. The Helmholtzplatz, an urban garden that doubles as a children’s playground and meeting place, is also in Prenzlauer Berg.
The Duett am Prenzlauer Berg
The residential project, built by one of Germany’s most reputed developers, is located near Stargarderstr. & Schönhauser Allee & Humannplatz, and within walking distance to many of the neighbourhood hotspots. It has an energy efficiency rating of A+ and uses solar and geothermal energy. The project has 35 bright, spacious apartments with floor-to-ceiling triple-glazed windows, balconies, terraces, lift access, a cosy internal garden with a private kids’ playground, and individual cellars. Its premium fittings and fixtures include natural oak parquet flooring with underfloor heating.
The Duett new construction building next to Berlin Prenzlauer Berg development has 1 to 4-bedroom apartments (beds / baths) for sale, including rooftop terrace units and garden flats, with living spaces ranging from 45 m² to 111 m². Prices start from ca. 400,000 € which is quite affordable compared to standard property prices in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg.
Charlottenburg – Prestigious, classic-modern fusion
An upmarket neighbourhood with proximity to historical landmarks and green spaces, Charlottenburg also offers a range of shopping and dining options. The Kurfürstendamm shopping street, with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, as well as theatres, cinemas, and the Deutsche Oper are located in the neighbourhood, making it a cultural hotspot. Charlottenburg also has excellent transport links, providing convenient access to other parts of the city. It’s also popular among expat families due to its proximity to the British School.
While Berlin’s new-build real estate market offers modern design, energy efficiency, and investment potential, demand for apartments is at an all-time high due to the limited supply of available stock. So, if you’re looking to buy a stylish a new construction home in Berlin for living or as a profitable asset, the time to act is now!
Book your free consultation with First Citiz today to explore exclusive, newly built residential projects in Berlin, inquire about the construction status, or get more information before buying a property that matches your price range, lifestyle, or investment goals.