Buying a property in Berlin as an international buyer is entirely possible. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in Germany. What there is, however, is a process that is more formal and more document-heavy than most buyers expect. Understanding what you are getting into before you sign anything will save you significant time and money.

What the market looks like right now

The median purchase price for a typical 70 square meter apartment in Berlin in 2026 is around 380,000 euros. The average asking price across the city sits around 5,700 euros per square meter, though the range is wide. Outer districts like Neu-Hohenschonhausen have entry-level apartments from around 90,000 euros. Prime central locations like Mitte start at 7,000 euros per square meter for vacant period buildings and higher for new builds.

The price correction of 2022 to 2024 is over. Prices rose around 3 percent in 2025 and the recovery continues. Buyers who were waiting for a further drop have largely accepted that the bottom has passed.

The costs you need to budget for

The purchase price is only part of what you will spend. In Berlin, you need to budget for property transfer tax of 6 percent of the purchase price, notary fees of approximately 1.5 to 2 percent, and land registry costs of around 0.5 percent. If you use an estate agent, the commission is typically 3 percent plus VAT for the buyer. In total, closing costs in Berlin commonly reach 10 to 12 percent on top of the purchase price.

These costs are not financed by the mortgage in most cases. You need to cover them from your own savings. Most banks will require you to have at least this amount available before approving a loan.

The transaction process

Every property purchase in Germany must be notarized. The notary is a neutral party who verifies the transaction, checks the land registry, drafts the purchase contract, and registers the ownership transfer. You cannot skip this step, and the notary must be appointed in Germany. Remote signings via video are possible in some circumstances but require advance coordination.

Before the notary appointment, you will want to review the last three years of Eigentumerversammlung minutes if buying into a building with a homeowners association, check the Grundbuch for any encumbrances or debts registered against the property, and commission an independent valuation if you have any doubts about the asking price.

In 2026, savvy buyers are also paying close attention to energy ratings. Buildings with poor efficiency ratings can carry mandatory renovation obligations under Germany’s updated Building Energy Act, adding significant hidden costs. Always check the Energieausweis before making an offer.

After the purchase: what happens next

Once you own the property, you have choices to make. If you plan to let it, you need a tenancy contract that complies with German law, a legally sound deposit arrangement, and ongoing management. If you live abroad, coordinating all of this remotely in a language you may not speak fluently is one of the most common friction points for international buyers.

Working with a local property manager from day one means your investment is protected from the moment you take ownership, not after something goes wrong.

Your Home Berlin supports international buyers from purchase through long-term management. 

Email us at:  info@yourhomeberlin.com