Your guide to invest in Buy-to-let in Berlin

A buy-to-let in Berlin is considered as top property investment option in Germany and all Europe. In fact, the capital of Germany is today one of the best places in Europe to look for property investment, well ahead of other German and European large cities such as Munich, Frankfurt Paris and London.

Indeed, Berlin property market is quite diverse and remains affordable despite the property prices have soared last years. The more time passes, the more attractive real estate investment in Berlin becomes. This is riven by the demographic growth and the economic dynamism in the capital of Germany.

A dynamic market is great news for an investor, but you still have to select the right area and the right apartment to achieve a successful property investment in Berlin. Find out here the right questions to answer and what you need to know to make the right property choice for your new property investment in Berlin:

  1. Which districts to target for a buy-to-let in Berlin?
  2. Which property type for your Berlin buy-to-let?
  3. Why is Berlin quite attractive for lettings?
  4. What are the tax advantages of buy-to-let properties in Germany?
  5. The bottom line about buy-to-let investment in Berlin

Which districts to target for a buy-to-let in Berlin?

The capital of Germany is made up of more than a dozen districts and one should target areas where the potential is strong and where it’s easy to rent out your apartment. For your buy-to-let investment in Berlin, you should opt for areas with high potential and long-term visibility. Even if the rental return is limited at the time of purchase, as the rent market is regulated and rent controlled by the city, the long-term development of the capital of Germany will prove you right.

East-Berlin districts

In addition to representing the historic background of Berlin, Mitte is the center of all the activity in the German capital. Even though property prices are relatively higher here than in other districts, buying an apartment to rent in Berlin-Mitte represents an important source of long-term income and a safe investment value in the center of Germany’s capital. Prenzlauer Berg, with property prices like Mitte, would be also a top area for your apartment purchase. It is considered the most sought-after area for living in East-Berlin so the demand for rent. Our adice: If you find an opportunity of a buy-to-let in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg at a good price, don’t hesitate to seize it as properties sell quickly due to the high demand and limited supply of apartments for sale in Berlin.

Finally, Friedrichshain offers a good compromise with property prices 10-20% lower and proximity to Alexanderplatz.

Discover our Buy-to-let new development in Berlin


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  • Top location between Mitte, Friedrichshain & Kreuzberg
  • Walking distance from Mercedes-Benz Arena
  • 3 stops from Alexanderplatz in Berlin Mitte
  • Walking distance to Spree river banks
  • Generous living volumes & spacious balconies
  • Premium fittings & fixtures
  • Commission-free for buyers
  • Apartments for sale from 1 to 5 rooms
  • Living space: from 36 m² to 159 m²
  • Prices starting from € 310,675
  • Mortgage assistance for buyers

West-Berlin districts

West Berlin is a great place to invest in real estate in Germany. The districts of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Schöneberg are rather high-end residential city areas. This is especially true for Charllottenburg, which is known for its mythical castle, which is very popular with tourists, and for its famous avenues such as Kurfürstendamm and Kantstrasse and its large squares such as Savigny Platz and Oliver Platz. Wilmersdorf is a high-end residential area with magnificent period buildings. Schöneberg is geographically the most central district of the city and has easy access to all other districts of the capital of Germany. It is distinguished by its popular locations, including the diplomatic quarter and the lively gay district around Nollendorfplatz and Akazienkiez, which is ideal for going out and about with its countless cafés, restaurants, and art galleries.

The residential area of Steglitz in the southwest of the German capital also offers an excellent investment potential with property prices around 20% lower than other areas of West Berlin.

South-Berlin districts

In the south of Berlin are the two most lively districts in the whole of Berlin: Neukölln and Kreuzberg. These are two young, multicultural districts with many students and entrepreneurs and expatriates. With its bars, restaurants, clubs and numerous parks, the two districts together known as Kreuz-Kölln are a great place to go out and offer an alternative atmosphere. It is therefore a living environment that many people dream of!

Investing in buy-to-let in Berlin Kreuzberg or Neukölln is also a guarantee of a good return and easy renting, as the demand for renting is very high. With property prices 20 to 40% lower than in Mitte, investing in Kreuz-Kölln logically becomes one of the most profitable investments in the German capital.

Which property type for your Berlin buy-to-let?

For the choice of your apartment in Berlin, you should also make the right choice in terms of property size and construction date:

Small and middle-sized properties are the best buy-to-lets

It’s common knowledge that a real estate investment success is based on sustainable strong rent demand. So, one should first ask the question: which apartment will have always suitable rent applications. In this view, generally it’s the studios and 1-bedroom apartments who have the highest number of applicants, especially that most of population is single in the capital of Germany.

Going for a 2-bedroom might also be an interesting option as they have generally lower letting turnover and rent is usually more stable.

Property construction date matters!

Berlin has a regulated rent market, which means that you cannot rent an apartment at any rental price, even if you have rent applications for that rent level. Indeed, period properties have a limit in rent and if you rent at a higher price, you might face compensation claims. . It is also possible to find an apartment already tenanted, which might represent a good turnkey option.

At the opposite side, new build properties can be rented out at any rent level. It means that if you buy a new apartment, you call let it at whatever rent you get on the market.  

New apartments have higher potential of rent of compared to period apartments. However, they are also more expensive to buy. So, one should assess the best options and watch out closely details of each apartment.

 

10243 Berlin, Apartment for sale, Friedrichshain
new

Unique property investment: Brand-new apartment with balcony close to Alexanderplatz

Berlin - Friedrichshain
Rooms:
1
Property size:
39.16 m²
Usable area:
44.26 m²
Status:
vacant
Sale price:
410,892 EUR
10557 Berlin, Apartment for sale, Mitte
new

Berlin Central Station: New furnished serviced apartment for sale in Mitte

Berlin - Mitte
Rooms:
1
Property size:
24.34 m²
Status:
vacant
Sale price:
234,000 EUR
13359 Berlin, Ground floor apartment for sale, Gesundbrunnen
new

Ready to move in! Charming 1/2-room Altbau apartment in Soldinerkiez

Berlin - Gesundbrunnen
Rooms:
1
Property size:
50.10 m²
Status:
vacant
Sale price:
229,000 EUR
13189 Berlin, Apartment for sale, Prenzlauer Berg

Close to Schönhauser Allee – Brand-new 2/3-room apartment with spacious balcony

Berlin - Prenzlauer Berg
Rooms:
3
Property size:
68.36 m²
Usable area:
69.94 m²
Status:
vacant
Sale price:
580,000 EUR
13189 Berlin, Apartment for sale, Prenzlauer Berg
new

Brand-new 2/3-room apartment with spacious balcony next to Schönhauser Allee

Berlin - Prenzlauer Berg
Rooms:
3
Property size:
68.46 m²
Usable area:
70.04 m²
Status:
vacant
Sale price:
570,000 EUR
13353 Berlin, Apartment for sale, Wedding

Long-term investment: Tenanted apartment in sought-after area for under 4200€/sqm!

Berlin - Wedding
Rooms:
1
Property size:
38.42 m²
Status:
Tenanted
Sale price:
158,000 EUR
A buy-to-let property in Berlin Friedrichshain is a profitable rental investment

Mitte is perfect for buying an apartment to let in the capital of Germany