This archive features property related press reports from English and German language press.
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Berlin remains a city with comparatively low accommodation costs. During the second semester of 2008, quoted rent rates rose to 6.35 Euros per square metre and month, which translates into a mean increase of 5.8 percent compared to the previous semester....
A survey of real estate experts find that German cities are less risky in tese troubled times.....
According to the IHK (Industrie und Handels Kammer) the city of Berlin will be less effected by the current loss of confidence than many other regions in Germany and Europe; their reasoning is that a lot of the businesses that are most affected, finance sector, car industry (in Germany) and the property sector have been less important growth factrs in Berlin. Berlins speciality is in media, creative industries, medical research and increasingly tourism which are either less effected or are expected to recover sooner.
Berlin comes in placed 4th, Paris is first if you can afford it; note this is only the opinion of Country Life but no one else is prepared to stick their neck out and some interesting comparisons with reasons to one of the big questions heralding the new year
2008
Article contains slides of 11 upcoming mega projects that are interesting to zap through...
While realtors worry about the consequences of the global cash crisis on Berlin's red hot property market, experts argue that flats in the right location should remain a sound investment...
Berlin tenants have to pay more for their apartmets, especially those who move regularly.....New tenants paid 5% more in 2007 than 2008...
15.05.2008 Euro growth better than expected BBCnews
Language: English Category: Economy Economic growth in the eurozone during the first three months of 2008 was betterthan expected, figures show.... Figures from Germany's Federal Statistics Office showed the economy grew at its fastest pace in more than 10 years during the first three months of 2008.....
25.04.2008 Berlin, playground of expats Herald Tribune
Language: English
Category: City life
What New York was in the 1980s Berlin is now...
05.04.2008 (Property now costs more) Etageneigenturm kosten jetzt mehr Berliner Morgenpost
Language: German
Category: Property
This article is from one of Berlins most popular broad sheet newspapers and provides an over view of the per m price change between 2006 and 2007. Property values across Berlin have seen an average increase of 6.6% in this period. There have been fluctuations between disiticts, central eastern districts have continued to increase faster than western districts. The largert percentage change was in Mitte with a reported increase of around 15%, followed by Pankow with an increase of 10%.
The very new (post 2000) and older buildings (pre 1940) are still more expensive per m² continuing a long running trend.
Below is the main table of results:
Relevant vocabulary:
Quadratmeterpreise in Eigenturmwohnungen: price per m² of privately owned apartments
nach Bezirken: by district
nach Baujahr des Hauses: by age of building
(Click table to enlarge)
Realtors are apparently turning to Germany's biggest cities as Europe's top 10 places for investment.....For the first time in years, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt have all made it to the top of Europe -- at least as far as real estate is concerned....
2007
06.12.2007 Hidden under Europe`s nose FTcom pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
Property buyers have for several years been pouring money into previously little-known and little-visited European states, such as Montenegro and Lithuania. Yet there is one, much more prominent country that they rarely consider - Germany.
29.11.2007 German jobless rate hits 15 year new low BBC news pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
Companies continued to expand their workforce with 600,000 more jobs created than last year....
17.11.2007 Berlin and Potsdam sind gefragt, Wohnimmobilien werden teurer Berliner Morgenpost pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In Brief: The prperty prices in the established and trendier districts of Berlin and Potsdam have again expereienced price rises in 2007. The results to the end of the year have however been dampened by the uncertainty caused by the turmoil in the US market.The most positive trends have been reported in the top of the range properties. The surrounding region of Brandenburg is reported to still be struggling as the economy remains weak. In Berlin, 156,000 properties reputedly remain emty, but experts maintain that this is properties that are in poor condition that cannot be rented out as they are and those in the least popular distrricts. The cost to build is still far too expensive to be cost effective in most districts until prices and rents rise.
27.11.2007 German firms shake off US worries BBC news pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
German companies are surprisingly upbeat about the current health of their businesses according to a new study...
29.11.2007 A US investor goes but a Danish investor fills the gap Die Welt pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In Brief: The Danish investor group Baltic Property Trust annouces its intension to invest around 1 billion euros in northern German property. This was welcomed by property investors as it followed the surprising news that the US investor group Cerebus wanted to sell €500 million worth of its newly aquired stock.
29.10.2007 More Danes are discovering the German capital property market Berliner Morgenpost pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
Berlin is attracting property investors from Denmark with its low prices and relaxed atmosphere, a trend of the past year. Another reason is the interest rates which can be fixed for ten years. A suprising 80% of buyers are buying for their own personal use.
19.10.2007 Garden shed enters the UK property market at 100 thousand pounds BBC news pdf
Language: English
Category: Misc
A run down shed on the market in Somerset for 100,000 pounds....
05.10.2007 Rent rises Berliner Morgenpost pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In Brief: The rents and property prices are lower in Berlin than any other large West European metropolis. However new surveys have found that prices are beginning to rise. Six out of twelve districts reported a higher than expected rise in rents and property prices. The main reason given was the improving economy and the drop in unemployment levels combined with increased demand through a growing population and smaller household sizes. The squeeze is expected to coninue as the differnece is not being met by new development which is still more expensive to build and as the most unpopular system built housing continues to be demolished.
08.09.2007 Property prices rise for the third consecutive quarter in 2007 Berliner Morgenpost pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In Brief: Private property in Berlin is becoming increasingly popular. Prices are considerably up when compared to mid 2006. This follows a gradual trend that started in 2004 but has no where near reached the prices of 1998 after the boom years that followed the fall of the wall. The price rise is evident despite the large volume transactions through privatisation which squeezes values. The price rises have however been mixed, with over 15% rises in some disricts whilst the property market in some have not recovered and have recorded light fall.
25.06.2007 Investors in Berlin property blitz BBC news pdf
25.06.2007 Investors in Berlin property blitz BBC news pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
.......The city`s status as a major European capital and the impeccable legal system tax makes it a more attractive location than some other countires....
25.05.2007 German consumer confidence rises BBCnews pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
Confidence amongst consumers is rising rapidly as the economy improves, the OECD has raised its predictions for the Germany economy amongst government intentions to drastically cut corporate tax rates.
04.05.2007 German public housing attracts foreign buyers Herald Tribune pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
The large scale appropriation of german public housing by investors has moved to the US broad sheet news papers.
01.05.2007 German jobless level drops again BBCnews pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
Signs of the continuing economic up turn arestrongly evident in the sharp drop in the unemployment level.
12.04.2007 Wachstum wird noch stärker HWWI pdf
Language: German
Category: Economy
The HWWI is a reputable economics research institute, they predict the German economy will have strong growth in 2007 and 2008. Importantly this will take pressure of the emplyment market which is predicted to drop by 500,000 in 2007 and a further 220,000 in 2008.
Language: English
Category: Property
Indices can be used to compare the perfromance of properties in vaious countries. Many investors only look at the top of the list where a peak has often been reached. The Irish Post recommends readers to search for where the coming potential is, citing Germany.
Language: English
Category: Property
Money Week reports on unscroupulous dealers and its victims with less than profitable deals.
29.03.2007 _Buying up Berlin the sale is now on The Irish Times pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
As the interest in property in the city increases, the city is releasing a large portion of its property portfolio via open auctions.
Language: Economy
Category: Property
The economy of eastern regions have been out performed year on year by western regions for many years. A research institute predicts a resurgance in activity which will reverse this trend. It also predicts strong job growth that will see the unemployment rate drastically falling by the end of 2008.
09.03.2007 Buy to let rates on par with residential FTimes pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
Buy to let borrowers are for the first time being offered mortgages as cheap as mainstream residential loans....
03.03.2007 Eigenheime in Deutschland am Günstigsten BerlinerZeitung.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: The cost of reidents owning their own four walls has dropped in real terms in the last ten years and is the lowest in Europe. The price for the average citizen to build their own home has dropped from 34% to 18% in the west and from 32% to 18% of the average household income. International experience has shown however that not only low interest rates but also a strengthening economy are likely to push prices upwards.
19.02.07.Oekonomen rechnen 2009 mit drei Millionen Arbeitslose Web.de.pdf
Language: German
Category: Economy
In brief: Economic researchers predict the unemployment rate in Germany could fall to just three million by 2009. This is in light of recent economic activity figures being revised upwards to 2.7% for 2006.
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: The housing consortium GSW have increased its housing stock by 1300 units. GSW was a publicly owned concern with 70,000 units, before being sold to investors in 2004.
10.02.07 Immo-nachfrage nach Immobilien hält an BerlinerZeitung.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Experts expect the number of sales in the Berlin property market to improve on 2006s´ record trade volumes with stable development of prices. The optimism is due to a lot of money being available in the market, in particular from pension funds who invest for 10-20 years and expect an annual 7% return. The investment climate in other parts of Germany, and in particular eastern regions, is seen as more volatile as interest in property could evaporate. The office market is also enjoying high levels of interest.
31.01.07. Fall in German jobless figures FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: A fall in German unemployment levels continue despite a recent VAT rise, with the rate now standing at 9.5%.
30.01.07. Germanys VAT gamble pays off FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Rate of inflation rises significantly less than expected and is within the 2% target, this lowers pressure on the European central bank to raise rates.
25.01.07 Germany regains competitiveness Economist.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Germanys economy has a sounder basis than at any time since unification, competitiveness has improved at the expense of Spain.
20.01.07. Berlin kommt in Kauflaune BerlinerMorgenpost.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Forecasts for the next 5 years show more demand for living space as the number of households increase, with most interest coming from private sales. The number of residents is also expected to rise if the improving economic conditions continue. The actual development of prices has been varied. Older apartments from the turn of the century have raised in value by 12 to 14% since 2004, whereas the price of land has fallen in some outer districts.
15.01.07. Zahlreiche neue Einkaufzentren Berliner Morgenpost.pdf
Language: German
Category: Economy
In brief: The number of shopping centres in Berlin is increasing fast, with nearly all new development in urban districts.
The Schloss Strasse in Steglitz, the Kürfürstendamm, Alexanderplatz and Templhofer Damm will benefit from the large scale developments being planned or built.
12.01.2007 Foreign Investors Flock to Berlin DWelle
Language: English
Category: Property
Drawn by some of the lowest prices in Europe and signs of an economic revival in Germany, foreign investors are rushing to Berlin to get a piece of the hot real estate action.
12.01.07. Unexcpected UK rate rise FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: UK rate rise comes earlier than expected, analysts predict another rise is due which would push the base rate to 5.5% and would curb pressure on house price inflation.
11.01.07. German growth hits six-year high.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: German exports up but household spending remains muted.
11.01.07 Eurozone rates unchanged at 3_5% BBC news.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: European bank base rates remain untouched despite increases in economic activity in the Eurozone.
10.01.07. Kapitalanlage-Hauser_auch_fuer_Privatleute BerlinerMorgenpost.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Berlin property shopping spree by pension funds and investors. Even smaller investors are investing in apartment buildings. The attraction is the low prices and low interest rates, available at 4.5% on fully let apartments. Most of the new owners are based abroad whilst the natives are left discussing.
06.01-2007 Berliner Immobilien Markt Boomt BerlinerZeitung.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
The Berlin property market experienced an sensational revival in 2006. International buyers were particularly active, coming mostly from Britain, Ireland, the USA, the Netherlands and Sweden. prices rose on average by 14% on the previous years values. Most are volume sales on investors. The population in the city also rose in 2006 which together with pressure from investors is predicted to lead to rising rent prices.
05.01.07. Notaries may become a thing of past FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Legal
In brief: EU finally challenges the role and engagement of public notaries across Europe, but change will take time.
02.01.07 Germanys economy, a few reasons to celebrate Economist.pdf 246kb
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Several leading economic research institutes prognoses the German economy will be the powerhouse of Europe by 2008.
02.01.07 Investors bet on German property boom FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Investors who made large capital gains in US property are now focusing on Germany and Japan.
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22.12.06. Berlin_Bargains Moneyweek.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Low property prices, partly because it is cheaper to rent than buy, but this is expected to change.
17.12.2006 Why Germany is tipped to be the place to buy in 2007 Sunday Mirror
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: It may come as a surprise but Germany is poised to be the property hotspot of 2007...
12.12.2006 Property Hotspots for 2007 Money Week
Language: English
Category: Property
Money Weeks tips, Argentina, the Bahamas and Berlin as the places to watch in 2007. Imagine knowing what you know now about UK property prices....many think that opportunities on a similar scale might be on offer in Germany today...
23.11.06. Germans still upbeat on economy BBCnews.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Business confidence reaches a 15 year high.
20.11.06 1._bis_3._Quartal_Umsatz Land_Berlin.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: The volume of trade in the Berlin Property rose again in the first three quarters of 2006. Trade in residential buildings was especially strong, rising just over 50%. There were also rises in the trade of apartments, built and un built land but a fall in the trade of houses.
20.10.06 The Phoenix of the east FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property market
In brief: Estate agents lead foreign investors through the district of Friedrichshain in Berlin, the city that is being billed as Europes most promising property market.
04.09.06. Berliner Wohnungsmarkt Boomt Berliner Zeitung.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Interest from foreign investors, especially in apartment buildings, is believed to be pushing up property values. One of the main factors attracting investors is the low prices; what can be bought in Berlin for 1 million euros would cost 15 million in London. This is receiving a mixed response; a city senator for planning believes it is recognition of what the city has to offer and is a welcome boost to the market; an expert from the rental market fears it will raise the rental levels in the city, making dwellings a commodity. The article ends reporting a doubling in the number of property transactions.
01.07.06. Die_Talfahrt_ist_beendet BerlinerMorgenpost.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Land prices recovered in 2005 and the trend continued into 2006. The volume of trade in 2006 was up by 32% on 2005 levels.
06.11.06. German jobless at four-year low BBCnews.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Drop in unemployment rates to 9.6%, the lowest levels in four years. Consumers are still reluctant to spend could slow the rate dropping further.
15.10.06 German growth as inflation falls Irish Post.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: German economy is doing `pretty well` under Merkel as inflation stands at 1%, unemployment falls and industrial output increases.
02.09.06. Interesse_an_Stadtwohnungen Berliner_Zeitung.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: The level of interest from purchasers is increasing especially in central living areas whilst interest in family homes remains constant. The district of Pankow (a former east Berlin district) is doing especially well with the highest prices rises, the price for a three room apartment now equal prices in Zehlendorf (one of West Berlins most noble addresses). Mitte is the second most expensive district to buy though there are large disparities as the local administration was reorganised to incorporate two poorer districts.
06.09.06. Global house price index by Frank Knight.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: International house price comparison estimating global prices are up by 8.5% on average when compared with the same time in 2005. Tips the German market as a favourite location to invest in 2007, together with Slovenia, Slovakia, Cyprus and Russia.
27.08.06. Berlin property up 7.8 percent Business Post.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Research has concluded that German property prices are rising, the average rise in Berlin was 7.8% at the same point a year previously.
10.06.06. Foreign investors home in on Berlin property FTimes.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: There has been a sharp rise in the interest from foreign buyers, especially from Ireland, Scandinavia, Britain and Spain.
04.06.06. A tale of two economies FTimes, 2006.pdf
Language: English
Category: Economy
In brief: Comparison of the French and German policies to improving economic performance.
15.03.2006. Fonds_investiert_in_Berlin_Berliner_Morgenpost.pdf
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Funds investor seeks 1 billion euros worth of property in Berlin (40% from Pension funds). The reason given for the intention to purchase are the low purchase prices which are far lower than the rest of Europe and other German cities and the high yield levels that are hard to beat. The interest is in long term investments with steady rental growth spanning over 15 years by which time the market is expected to be totally revived.
2005
2005. Berlin_housing_market_summary_Land Berlin.pdf 398 kb
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Summary of the Berlin housing market by the state government (Land Berlin).
2005. Wohnungsmarktbericht Land_Berlin.pdf 3,924kb
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Berlin housing market report (full version of above) by the state government (Land Berlin).
2005. Berlin_residential market_report_Jones Lang LaSalle.pdf 287kb
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Berlin housing market research report by private consultants.
18.09.05. Boom_time_for_Berlin_Times.pdf
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Whilst most buy to let investors are focusing on EU new comers, some are discreetly snapping up undervalued property in Berlin.
05.08.05. Wohnungmarktbericht_DBank.pdf 214kb
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Report by the deutsche bank about the German Property.
01.01.05. Guter_Standort_fuer_Immobilien_SDzeitung.pdf 255kb
Language: German
Category: Property
In brief: Despite recent rent rises property in the German capital are at there lowest levels in relative terms since 40 years or more. It is a unique buyers market.
16.03.05. Berlin_property_market_DB_research.pdf 491kb
Language: English
Category: Property
In brief: Berlin property search and prognosis by the Deutsche Bank with positive trends in view.
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