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## Finding Properties Without Real Estate Agents: Discover Commission-Free Listings Across Germany The German real estate market is characterized by a relatively low rate of homeownership. The majority of people still rent their homes. While the percentage of people owning a house or apartment increased in the first two decades of the new millennium due to low interest rates, it remains around 50 percent. At the same time, the government has built too few apartments in recent decades, leading to high demand for housing in cities. This drives up both rents and purchase prices. Simultaneously, many regions are experiencing a decline in population, leading to vacancies in rural areas, which in turn causes prices to fall. Therefore, the market conditions are not ideal. Despite these challenges, there is a vast range of properties available for purchase throughout Germany. This also applies to properties – houses, apartments, land, or commercial properties – that are primarily offered privately, meaning without the involvement of a real estate agent.

Real estate in Germany is relatively affordable

Compared to many other Central and Western European countries, property prices in Germany are still quite affordable. In France, Italy, England, and Switzerland, prices have already reached almost dizzying heights, even in mid-sized cities. In prime locations, such as Hyde Park in London or the city centers of Zurich, Geneva, Rome, Milan, and Venice, potential buyers almost always have to pay a considerable five-figure sum for properties.

In Germany, this trend is still somewhat less pronounced. While there are prime locations in major cities where square meter prices reach five-figure amounts, there are also affordable options outside of the cities, and even reasonably priced properties available in major cities. This is particularly true for properties that are offered without the use of a real estate agent.

Because private landlords and sellers can participate in the market without paying commissions. However: Price increases in the German real estate market. Despite this, prices have risen almost continuously and relatively sharply in recent decades. The only period of decline occurred at the beginning of the 2020s, caused by global crises. Interest rates rose significantly during this time. While properties were available, financing was more expensive, which also applied to new constructions. The previously very low interest rates fueled a boom in construction and drove up purchase prices. The favorable financing conditions and high demand made real estate more expensive. However, this doesn't apply equally to all cities and regions in a country as large as Germany.

Real estate is particularly expensive in these areas of Germany

In particular, the average price per square meter has risen dramatically in major cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Berlin, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. This applies to both purchase prices and net cold rent. Munich is considered particularly expensive. The city is even among the world's metropolises with the highest real estate prices.

Expensive real estate between Sylt and Tegernsee

For German standards, there are now several areas between the North Sea and the Alps where real estate is exceptionally expensive.

These areas are gradually approaching international price levels. This applies to areas such as Sylt (Kampen), properties on Lake Tegernsee, the old towns of Hamburg and Düsseldorf, the Schwabing district of Munich, or North Stuttgart. The old town of Frankfurt am Main or the Westend-Nord district are certainly not good areas for low-income earners. The same applies to many expensive neighborhoods and residential areas in German cities. While properties are available in these areas, buyers need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money. As a result, buyers often prefer properties listed without commission and without the involvement of real estate agents.

B-Class Locations are Catching Up

However, prices in typical "B-class" locations, such as Hannover, Karlsruhe, Münster, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg, Mainz, and Regensburg, have also risen sharply in recent decades. This further exacerbates the urban-rural divide. Cities are generally expensive.

The East-West and Urban-Rural Divide in Germany

However, outside of the major cities, prices are more affordable. This is particularly true for properties listed without agent fees. Those looking for an apartment or a house in Germany can find very attractive offers outside of the metropolitan areas.

German regions known for their lower prices include North Saxony, southern Brandenburg, almost the entire state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as well as the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the southwest of Rhineland-Palatinate, and the northeast of Baden-Württemberg, which is generally more expensive. These examples clearly illustrate an East-West divide.

Real estate of all kinds – houses, apartments, and land – are generally more affordable in eastern Germany. Due to the declining population in the east, there is an oversupply, which has led to lower prices. There are exceptions, such as the very dynamic cities of Dresden and Leipzig. However, the majority of other cities and municipalities in eastern Germany, such as Stendal, Chemnitz, Magdeburg, Erfurt, Schwerin, and Rostock, offer significantly lower prices. However, there are also good opportunities with affordable options in the west, both for properties in cities and for properties in rural areas. Cities like Herne, Duisburg, and Gelsenkirchen, as well as Bottrop and Bochum, and also Recklinghausen or Dortmund, offer lower prices. Away from the "Ruhr area," there are more rural regions, such as southeastern Lower Saxony, and the eastern federal states, where interested parties can find particularly affordable properties. All of this shows that the real estate market in Germany is very diverse and exhibits many different facets. You will repeatedly notice this during your property search.

Search for and find properties without commission and without a real estate agent in Germany

With our overview of properties offered without a real estate agent, you can find your dream property. Whether you want to rent a small house for your own use or buy a multi-family house as an investment project. Whether you are looking for a stylish apartment for rent or a condominium.

Whether you're looking for commercial space or a plot of land, our listings are commission-free! Find your dream property close to home or in any location you desire in Germany – or even abroad.

Listings: How to find your property without a real estate agent.

On our website, you'll find commission-free properties of all types. To find the properties you're looking for, please use the following: * The search form at the top of this page. * The links to listings by state, which will then allow you to navigate to cities and districts. * The topic portals and the regional overview for more specific searches. * The section for new construction projects for new properties available for purchase or rent. * A personalized search request, which you can set up for free, and through which we will notify you immediately of any new listings that match your criteria. In addition to these, you'll also find links to interesting cities and property types in many places throughout the site. You can also find current price trends in your desired region in the rental price index or under the section for property prices. You can find valuable information about real estate in our guide, and current topics in our magazine. This way, you can gain comprehensive knowledge about the real estate market in Germany, with all its specific characteristics.

Summary: Real Estate Offerings in Germany:

• Most people in Germany live in rented accommodation, and the rate of homeownership is relatively low.
• In recent years, prices for both rent and property have increased significantly (with the exception of the early 2000s).
• Compared to other cities in Europe, expensive locations in Germany are still relatively "affordable."
• The most expensive cities in Germany are prime locations like Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt.
• Prices in cities with lower-tier locations (B and C) have also increased significantly in recent years.
• With the exception of Dresden and Leipzig, the eastern part of Germany tends to be more affordable than the west.
• Particularly attractive real estate offers can often be found in rural areas.
• From a price perspective, offers without commission and without a real estate agent can be very appealing.