Speculation Tax: Property Taxes in Germany

Are you planning to sell a property in Germany, but you aren’t sure about the speculation tax? Then this guide is for you. While selling real estate in Germany, you will have to pay real estate tax, also known as speculation tax (Spekulationssteuer). This tax falls under section 23 of the German income Tax Act (Einkommenssteuergesetz) and is based on the seller’s income tax value.

However, a few strategies can significantly reduce the amount of tax you will be required to pay when selling your real estate. In this article, we will enlighten you on everything you need to know about speculative tax when selling real estate in Germany.

Which taxes do you have to pay when selling a house?

When selling a house in Germany, the main tax you need to pay is the capital gains tax (Kapitalertragsteuer), which is calculated based on the difference between the property’s sales price and its acquisition cost. The tax rate varies depending on how long you have owned the property and how it was used. Here’s a general overview of the tax rates in Germany:

• If you have owned the property for less than one year, the capital gains tax rate is 25%.
• If you have owned the property for one year or more, but less than ten years, the capital gains tax rate is half your marginal income tax rate.
• The capital gains tax rate is zero if you have owned the property for ten years or more.

In addition to the capital gains tax, you may also be subject to other taxes, such as value-added tax (Umsatzsteuer), if you are selling a new property levied on the sale of goods and services in Germany. In other words, VAT is applicable if a developer or builder is selling the property. The standard rate for value-added tax is 19%.

Also, if you sell a house acquired after December 31, 2014, you must pay a transfer tax (Grunderwerbssteuer). This tax is levied on the transfer of ownership of real property. The transfer tax is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, and the exact rate varies depending on which federal state of Germany the property is purchased, but it is typically between 3.5% and 6.5%

The house may also be subject to inheritance tax (Erbschaftsteuer). Inheritance tax is calculated based on the value of the property plus the relationship between the inheritor and the deceased. However, the inherited house is likely to be exempted from any speculative taxes if the deceased lived in the house for three years prior or when the speculative term has already ended.

How can I reduce taxes when I sell real estate?

There are several potential strategies to reduce or avoid taxes when selling real estate in Germany, including:

• Take advantage of exemptions: There are some exemptions to the capital gains tax in Germany, such as for the sale of a primary residence or a property due to certain life events. For instance, if you live in the home for three years before selling it, you can resell it tax-free.
• Plan ahead: If you’re planning to sell a property in Germany, consider holding onto it for at least ten years to benefit from the reduced capital gains tax rate of 15%.
• Consider a tax-free transfer: If you’re selling a property to a family member, you may be able to take advantage of tax-free transfer rules, which can significantly reduce or eliminate the capital gains tax owed.
• Use a tax-deferred exchange: If you’re selling a property and plan to purchase a replacement property, you may be able to use a tax-deferred exchange, also known as a 1031 exchange, to defer paying capital gains taxes until you sell the replacement property.
• Consider the timing of the sale: The capital gains tax rate in Germany is based on the holding period of the property, so timing the sale of the property in a tax year when you have other losses or deductions can help to reduce your overall tax liability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the speculation tax is a property tax in Germany aimed at discouraging short-term investment in real estate and reducing speculation in the housing market. The tax is calculated based on the profit from the sale of a property, the holding period, and the applicable tax rate. The tax rate for speculation taxes may vary based on the jurisdiction and the length of the holding period.

Working with a reliable real estate agency such as ADEN Immobilien can ensure that you are fully compliant with the speculation tax laws and guarantees you are taking advantage of any available strategies for reducing or avoiding taxes when selling real estate in Germany.