Free email course
Understand property investment in Germany in 6 lessons
Enroll in Financemate's free Starter Course. Over six emails, you'll learn how real estate investment works in Germany — the process, the costs, the tax rules, and what to weigh before getting started. Written for internationals who live and work here, in plain English.
About the course
Over about two weeks, six short emails demystify property investment in Germany, one idea at a time. Built for internationals new to the asset class, or anyone who wants to refresh the essentials. One email every few days.
Lesson 1
The basics of property investment
Why property is worth understanding for internationals who live and earn here, how owning a rental works at a high level, and the mechanics that make it appealing.
Lesson 2
How a purchase actually works
The buying journey end to end: finding a property, the Notar, the Kaufvertrag, the Grundbuch, and the people involved. What's different from your home country.
Lesson 3
The numbers: costs and financing
Purchase-side costs (Kaufnebenkosten), how German mortgages typically work, and the idea of leverage, explained plainly.
Lesson 4
The tax picture
AfA (depreciation), deductible costs, and the Spekulationsfrist, in plain English, and why applicability depends on your own circumstances.
Lesson 5
Benefits and risks, balanced
The genuine appeal set honestly against the risks: illiquidity, vacancy, interest-rate and market risk, concentration, and the effort involved.
Lesson 6
Owning it: income and the long view
How rental income and yield work, what ongoing management involves, the long-term nature of property, and how Financemate helps you navigate it.
These are educational emails, not financial or tax advice. Financemate is not a financial advisor (Finanzberater), tax advisor (Steuerberater), or investment advisor (Anlageberater). Property investment carries risk, including the possible loss of capital invested. Tax outcomes depend on your individual circumstances; consult a licensed Steuerberater for advice specific to your situation.