German Mortgage — Best Mortgage Rates for Expats in Germany
Quick Answer: A German mortgage (Baufinanzierung) is a home loan issued by a German bank to finance property purchases. As an independent broker registered under §34i GewO, I compare rates from 400+ banks to find the best mortgage for expats, Blue Card holders, and international professionals buying property in Germany.
Services
Example Mortgage Calculation
For a €400,000 property in Berlin (Grunderwerbsteuer: 6.0%) with 20% down payment (€80,000) at 3.5% interest and 2% repayment rate:
- Loan Amount: €320,000
- Monthly Payment: €1,467
- Grunderwerbsteuer: €24,000
- Notary & Land Registry: €8,000
- Total Cash Needed: €126,280
Use the mortgage calculator to estimate costs for your situation.
Property Transfer Tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) by State
- Bavaria, Saxony: 3.5%
- Hamburg: 5.5%
- Berlin, Hesse: 6.0%
- Brandenburg, NRW, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein: 6.5%
FAQ
How does an independent mortgage broker work in Germany?
As an independent mortgage broker registered under §34i GewO, I compare mortgage offers from over 400 banks in Germany via professional lending platforms (Europace, Qualitypool, Starpool, Forum-Direkt). My service is free for you — I am compensated by the bank that provides your loan.
Can expats get a mortgage in Germany?
Yes, many German banks offer mortgages to expats. You typically need a valid residence permit, stable income, and 10-20% down payment. EU Blue Card holders and permanent residents get the best terms.
Is the service free?
Yes, my mortgage advisory service is 100% free. I am compensated by the bank that provides your loan.
What is Grunderwerbsteuer?
Grunderwerbsteuer is the property transfer tax in Germany, ranging from 3.5% (Bavaria) to 6.5% (Brandenburg, NRW) depending on the federal state.
What is SCHUFA and why does it matter?
SCHUFA is Germany's primary credit reporting agency. Your SCHUFA score (0-100%) directly affects your mortgage eligibility and interest rate. Scores above 95% get the best rates.
How much down payment do expats need?
Most banks require 10-20% of the property price as down payment, plus 10-15% for additional buying costs (Kaufnebenkosten). Higher down payments unlock better interest rates.
About Vinzenz — Your Mortgage Broker
I am Vinzenz, an independent mortgage broker in Berlin, registered under §34c and §34i GewO. I help expats buy property in Germany by comparing offers from 400+ banks via Europace, Qualitypool, Starpool, and Forum-Direkt.
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