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## Property Search: Find Commission-Free Offers Across Germany The German real estate market is characterized by a relatively low rate of homeownership. The majority of people still live in rented accommodation. While the percentage of people owning their own house or apartment increased due to low interest rates in the first two decades of the 21st century, it remains around 50 percent. At the same time, the government has not built enough housing in recent decades, leading to strong demand for housing in cities. This drives up rents and purchase prices. Simultaneously, many regions are experiencing a decline in population, resulting in some areas facing problems with vacant properties. Prices in these areas are falling. Therefore, the market conditions are not ideal. Despite the unfavorable circumstances, there is a vast selection of properties of all types available in 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, real estate prices in Germany are still quite affordable. In countries like France, Italy, England, and Switzerland, prices have already reached almost dizzying heights, even in medium-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 significant five-figure sum for real estate.

In Germany, this trend is still somewhat less pronounced. While there are prime locations in major cities where the price per square meter reaches five figures, there are also more affordable options outside of the cities, and even reasonably priced properties available in the 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 commission.

However: Price increases in the German real estate market

Despite this, prices have risen almost continuously and relatively sharply over the past decades. There was only a slight dip at the beginning of the 2020s, caused by global crises. Interest rates rose significantly during this period. While properties were available, financing was more expensive. This also applied to new constructions.

The previously very low interest rates spurred a boom in construction and drove up purchase prices. The availability of properties, combined with favorable financing conditions and high demand, made them more expensive. However, this is not the case to the same extent in all cities and regions of a large country like Germany.

Real estate is particularly expensive in these areas of Germany

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

Expensive real estate between Sylt and Tegernsee

There are now areas that are exceptionally expensive for purchasing residential property, considering German standards, between the North Sea and the Alps.

These areas are gradually approaching international price levels. This applies, for example, to Sylt (Kampen), properties on Lake Tegernsee, the old towns of Hamburg and Düsseldorf, the Schwabing district of Munich, or the northern part of 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, potential 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 a real estate agent.

B-class locations are catching up

However, prices in typical B-class locations, such as Hanover, Karlsruhe, Münster, Düsseldorf, Nuremberg, Mainz, and Regensburg, have also risen sharply in recent decades. This highlights the growing disparity between urban and rural areas. 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 especially true for properties listed without agent fees. If you are looking for an apartment or a detached house in Germany, you can find very attractive offers outside of the metropolitan areas.

German regions known for their lower prices include Northern 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 usually more expensive. These examples clearly demonstrate an East-West price gradient.

Real estate of all kinds – houses, apartments, and land – are generally more affordable in eastern Germany. The declining population in the east has created an oversupply, leading 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 attractive offers in western Germany, both in cities and in rural areas. Cities like Herne, Duisburg, and Gelsenkirchen, as well as Bottrop and Bochum, and also Recklinghausen or Dortmund, offer lower prices. Outside the "Ruhr area," you'll find more rural areas like southeastern Lower Saxony and the eastern German states, where potential buyers 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 notice this time and again during your property search.

Search and find properties without agent fees in Germany

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

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

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

On our website, you will find commission-free properties of all kinds. 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 in the different federal states, which will take you to cities and districts. * The topic portals and the regional overview for specific searches. * The section for new construction projects for new properties available for purchase or rent. * A personalized search request that you can set up for free, and through which we will promptly notify you of new listings. In addition to these options, you will also find links to interesting cities and property types in many places throughout the site. You can also find current price trends in the 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 explore current topics in our magazine. This way, you can gain comprehensive knowledge about the German real estate market and all its unique aspects.

Summary: Real Estate Offers 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 risen 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 such as Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt.
• Prices in cities in less desirable locations (B and C categories) have also increased significantly in recent years.
• With the exception of Dresden and Leipzig, the eastern part of Germany is generally more affordable than the west.
• Particularly attractive real estate offers are more likely to be found in rural areas.
• From a price perspective, offers without commission and without a real estate agent can be very appealing.