PropTech – digital innovations that also benefit private landlords

For rented residential properties, tax depreciation (AfA) plays a key role in ongoing profitability. In practice, however, depreciation is often applied very broadly – regardless of the actual condition of the building. In Berlin in particular, where a large proportion of housing stock consists of older and post-war buildings, this flat-rate approach may differ significantly from reality. A residual useful life appraisal makes it possible to align depreciation with the actual economic remaining life of the building, provided certain conditions are met. This article explains the basic principles, puts the topic into context, and highlights what property owners should pay attention to.

What is a residual useful life appraisal? A residual useful life appraisal estimates the remaining economic lifespan of a building. It does not concern market value or sale price, but focuses solely on the question: […]

For years, Berlin’s real estate market has been defined by rising demand, limited supply, and a constantly changing legal framework. While many buyers traditionally acquire a single condominium as an investment, apartment packages are increasingly coming into the spotlight. An apartment package refers to the purchase of multiple units – for example, 2, 5, 10, or even 20 apartments – in a single transaction. These units may be located within the same building, spread across several buildings, or offered as a portfolio in different neighborhoods. Apartment packages in Berlin are especially attractive for investors pursuing a long-term wealth strategy, looking to benefit from economies of scale, and seeking to capitalize on the stability of the Berlin residential market.

The Market for Apartment Packages in Berlin: Overview and Dynamics With over 3.8 million residents, Berlin is not only Germany’s largest city but also one of Europe’s most dynamic real estate markets. Demand for housing […]

In the first half of 2025, the Berlin real estate market recorded a marked increase in transaction activity. The Expert Committee for Property Values in Berlin (Gutachterausschuss) registered 10,864 purchase transactions, representing an increase of 16 percent compared with the same period of the previous year. Transaction volume rose by 13 percent to a total of EUR 6.9 billion [1]. Price developments varied by asset class. Condominium prices increased on average by 4 percent. New-build apartments recorded a nominal price increase of 12 percent. This figure was significantly influenced by micro-apartments; excluding this special segment, the price increase for new-build apartments was also 4 percent [1]. In the segment of residential rental buildings, the number of transactions rose by 12 percent, while prices increased by 6 percent [1]. Alongside the market recovery, key regulatory instruments were extended. In June 2025, the German Bundestag approved the nationwide extension of the rent cap (Mietpreisbremse) until 31 December 2029; the Bundesrat gave its approval in July 2025 [2][10]. At the state level, the Berlin Senate extended the conversion regulation (Umwandlungsverordnung) by five years. It entered into force on 13 March 2025 and applies to 81 social preservation areas [3]. The property tax reform also came into effect on 1 January 2025. The State of Berlin set the assessment rate for property tax B at 470 percent [4]. On 11 July 2025, the Expert Committee published the 2025 cost value factors (Sachwertfaktoren), based on an analysis of 3,297 purchase transactions from 2022 to 2024 [5]. In addition, the Berlin Senate issued a rent limitation ordinance in April 2025, ensuring the application of the rent cap from 1 June to 31 December 2025 [6].

Legislation and Regulation 2025 Property Tax Reform The property tax reform came into force nationwide on 1 January 2025. Berlin applies the federal valuation model, which is based on a comprehensive reassessment of all properties. […]