In Berlin, the costs related to property purchase are covered by the buyer. The costs are calculated in relation to the purchase price and are distributed as follows:

• Real Estate Agent (commission): 7.14% incl. VAT (19%)
• State (Property Acquisition Tax): 4.5% (in Berlin)
• Notary (Land Registration + fees): approx. 1.5%

Additional costs by be incurred including fees for lawyers, consultants, etc. Different commission rates can apply.

It is an advantage for you that the cost of the transaction is divided into a property price and a commission. This is because taxes and legal costs apply only to the property price and not to the commission. Because the commission is kept separate, your purchasing costs and taxes are lower than if the commission were included in the purchase price.

Fixed Costs

Building Fees – Common expenditures are paid by each apartment and cover most monthly expenses such as water, heat, refuse collection and administration. Electricity is not included.

In addition, you must pay property tax, which is calculated according to the size of the apartment measured in m².

ConnectGermany has prepared a cost calculator to help you estimate what your expenses will be. You can enter your own numbers and see how much it will cost you to purchase a home in Berlin, as well as estimating your ongoing costs. The calculator requires that you have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer.