Commission-free Apartments to buy in Berlin

Buying an apartment in Berlin - ownership is comparatively rare

Anyone looking to buy an apartment in Berlin is faced with a surprising number: Depending on the source, over 80 percent of the approximately 1.9 million apartments in the capital are rented. This also means that the market for condominiums for sale is comparatively small in percentage terms. This applies to all types, from penthouses to one- and two-room apartments and lofts. Nevertheless, there are a number of properties for sale. This is because the German capital is so large that even with the small percentage of less than 20 percent, there are still plenty of properties for sale on the market.

A city of millions with a pull effect

Berlin is not only the capital and one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe. The city is also developing an enormous pull effect. Since reunification at the latest, it has become a global city of culture, politics and media and an ever-growing magnet for people from all over the world who want to make Berlin their home.

The city on the Spree stands for modern and interesting architecture, museums, festivals and a vibrant nightlife with its very own charm and quality of life. Versatility and creativity on the one hand and an incredible number of sights and tourist attractions on the other attract people to the city. At the same time, despite major problems, Berlin is a strong business location with an excellent infrastructure.

The influx of population resulting from all these facets is so gigantic that the city cannot keep up with the construction of sufficient living space. This has an impact on rents and prices for condominiums. This is particularly true for offers from estate agents. Commission-free private apartments are a rarer but very attractive alternative due to the lower ancillary costs.

Buying apartments in the German capital Berlin

Prices are very heterogeneous. Popular districts include Charlottenburg, Friedrichshain, Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf and Mitte. However, many other districts also attract prospective buyers. Locations by lakes or on the Havel and Spree rivers are particularly sought-after. Areas such as Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, Moabit or around the Tiergarten are also among them. Quiet peripheral locations and penthouses by the water or luxury apartments with roof terraces or views cost a little more.

In contrast, prefabricated buildings and districts in the middle regions of Berlin are inexpensive. In districts such as Marzahn, Spandau, Reinickendorf, Schöneberg, Lichtenberg, Hellersdorf and Niederschöneweide (Treptow), for example, prices are comparatively low.

Prices for Berlin apartments

Following a dip in the coronavirus years, prices for private, commission-free properties are set to stabilize in 2024. The average price per square meter for condominiums brokered commission-free via ohne-makler is just over €6,000. This means that prices have risen more sharply than in Germany as a whole. However, there are large upward and downward deviations in the various districts. Also noticeable: small apartments with less than 40 m² and apartments with more than 90 m² of living space are particularly expensive.

Is it worth buying an apartment in Berlin?

Against the backdrop of rising rents in Berlin, it is worth buying a condominium. It does not matter whether it is intended for own use or for renting out. Although the so-called rent cap and a ban on misappropriation are intended to further slow down rental growth, they have only had a minor effect so far. Similarly, the influx of people is currently so strong that new construction can hardly cover the resulting additional demand.

Important: Prices for apartments are high overall. The analysis of private properties brokered commission-free is a special case that only covers part of the overall market. Nevertheless, there is a clear trend. Due to the acute housing shortage in the capital, it can be assumed that property prices will continue to rise. As condominiums are rare, this is particularly true for these. Alternatives are houses within Berlin or real estate on the outskirts of the city.

Information about buying an apartment in Berlin

We offer many valuable tips with guides and data on the real estate market. The following links will provide you with further information that you may find useful when buying a commission-free apartment in Berlin:

• Real estate prices in the capital Berlin
• Rent index Berlin by ohne-makler
• Overview of the Berlin real estate market
• Guide to buying real estate
• Guide to the topic of homeowners' associations
• Guide to real estate as a capital investment