Free masterclass
Real Estate Investing in Germany
From “I've heard property might be a good idea” to reading a deal and knowing why to say yes or no. Written for internationals who live and work here, in plain English.
6 sections · 29 lessons · about 90 minutes
Real estate investing essentials
Lesson 1.1
What is real estate investing
What property investing actually is, and the few mechanics that make it work.
4 min
Lesson 1.2
Real estate vs. other assets
How property compares to ETFs and stocks for someone earning in Germany.
4 min
Lesson 1.3
The German property market
Market size, the big city differences, and where demand actually is.
3 min
Lesson 1.4
Who invests in German property
The kinds of people who buy, and why internationals increasingly do.
3 min
How property investment works in Germany
Lesson 2.1
The property lifecycle
Buying to owning to selling, the whole journey at a glance.
3 min
Lesson 2.2
Search & sourcing
Where listings come from, portals vs off-market, and how to filter.
3 min
Lesson 2.3
Financing
How German mortgages (Annuitätendarlehen) work, and financing as a non-resident.
5 min
Lesson 2.4
The notary process
The Notar, Kaufvertrag, Grundbuch and Auflassung, step by step.
4 min
Lesson 2.5
Ongoing ownership
Being a landlord: WEG, Hausgeld, and your duties.
4 min
Lesson 2.6
The exit
Selling, the Spekulationsfrist, and capital gains on property.
3 min
Benefits and risks for international investors
Lesson 3.1
Why invest as an international
The case for property when you live and earn in Germany.
4 min
Lesson 3.2
The tax advantage
AfA depreciation and deductible costs, in plain English.
5 min
Lesson 3.3
Risks & considerations
Vacancy, Mietpreisbremse, interest rates and the honest downsides.
4 min
Lesson 3.4
Leaving Germany (Wegzugsbesteuerung)
What happens to your property if you move away.
3 min
Portfolio construction
Lesson 4.1
Where real estate fits
Property's place in an international's overall plan.
3 min
Lesson 4.2
How much to allocate
Sizing property against everything else you own.
3 min
Lesson 4.3
Match strategy to goals
Picking an approach that fits what you actually want.
4 min
Lesson 4.4
Monitor & optimise
Keeping a property or two on track over the years.
4 min
Explore property strategies
Lesson 5.1
Neubau (new build)
New-build as an investment, and its depreciation profile.
3 min
Lesson 5.2
Bestandsimmobilie (existing)
Older stock: pricing, condition, and what to check.
3 min
Lesson 5.3
Denkmalimmobilie (heritage)
Listed buildings and the heritage depreciation (Denkmal-AfA).
3 min
Lesson 5.4
Sonder-AfA §7b
The special depreciation for new builds, and its limits.
3 min
Lesson 5.5
Mehrfamilienhaus (multifamily)
Buying a whole building, and what changes at scale.
3 min
Lesson 5.6
Direct vs. indirect
Owning directly vs REITs, funds and crowdfunding.
3 min
Investor types
Lesson 6.1
Which investor are you
Find the profile that matches you, and a defensible first move.
3 min
Lesson 6.2
First-time international
Your first property: what to prioritise and what to skip.
4 min
Lesson 6.3
High-earning international
When the tax math changes, and how to use it.
4 min
Lesson 6.4
Portfolio investor
Building toward several properties, and the three-property line.
3 min
Lesson 6.5
Legacy investor
Holding for the next generation: inheritance and transfer basics.
3 min
Why learn with Financemate
- Plain-English explanations of German property and tax
- Honest takes: what actually works, and what doesn't
- Worked examples and the numbers behind them
- Tools and a team for when you're ready to act
This masterclass is educational, not financial or tax advice. Financemate is not a financial advisor (Finanzberater), tax advisor (Steuerberater), or investment advisor (Anlageberater). Figures are illustrative. 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.