Flats as capital investments in Berlin – security for tenants and investors

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: […]

As the year got under way, the major research institutes and departments, assessors associations, statisticians and market observers published their figures relating to Germany’s property market. The results are illuminating and provide insight into potential future developments. This year, the trend is once again clear: property prices are continuing to rise across the board – though less dynamically than before.  

Berlin – a city of possibilities Berlin is a modern, dynamic metropolis with international pulling power. The break-neck pace of development here over the past three decades is reflected in the diametric contrast of challenges […]

Your property is no longer right for you. It’s too small for you and your growing family, or too big now that the kids have left home. Yet now you are wondering about selling up during the lockdown – how do you go about organising the actual move? Are you even allowed to use the services of a removal company right now?  

In principle, there hasn’t been a ban on house moves at any point during the lockdown in Germany. Removal companies are working more or less “normally”, whilst adhering to the social-distancing and hygiene rules. As […]