Mar,2024

Apartment Buildings Berlin

Increasing rents, zero vacancies and limited supply. On the other hand, high interest rates and increasing legal requirements. The situation on the market for apartment blocks in Berlin is like a taut spring. Although money factors have slowed the rise in prices for around 1.5 years, the apartment block asset class is increasingly becoming the centre of attention for many investors. The multiplier is currently 6.1 points lower than a year ago. Buyers are paying a median of EUR 2,675/m² for apartment blocks.

Berlin Apartment Building Report

Dear Readers,

The market for residential and commercial property in Berlin feels like a new dawn, but is confronted with limiting factors. 

On the one hand, demand for rental flats is higher than ever before. The constant and unstoppable population growth is causing demand and rents to rise and new construction is lagging far behind demand. Berlin's economic performance ranks third among the capital cities in the European Union, and net household incomes are in the middle range in Germany. Driven by Germany's largest university landscape, the capital is also developing into an internationally recognised centre for science and technology. Young people love Berlin fervently and visibly. There are probably no better conditions for reliable, predictable and long-term investments in residential property than in Berlin.

Nevertheless, after more than a decade of sharp rises, multiples and purchase prices have recently fallen because, in addition to regional location and economic factors, the investment climate is also influenced by macroeconomic parameters such as interest rates, climate policy and legislation, which are currently having a strong limiting effect.

For some years now, it has been apparent that the market for residential and commercial property in Berlin no longer stands alone as an up-and-coming market, but must be viewed within a larger context. Macroeconomics, geopolitics and climate policy form the broad framework within which the market value of your apartment building is influenced by its quality of location, condition, energy efficiency and other factors.

This is precisely where we have been at your side for 18 years. With the highest level of market knowledge, precise and unique data and reliable assessments and, perhaps most importantly, exactly the best match of buyers within our network for your property.

Incidentally, we not only work profitably and accurately for you, but also discreetly and off-market.

We look forward to your enquiry.

Yours, Peter Guthmann, Managing Director

Market adjustment: Price decline for residential and commercial property subject to reassessment of locations and construction period

Market adjustment: Price decline for residential and commercial property subject to reassessment of locations and construction period
Prices for residential and commercial properties have fallen significantly. In addition to the interest rate environment, post-war years of construction in particular have achieved significantly lower purchase prices than in previous years. Macro and micro locations have also recently been valued differently by buyers. Trendy locations are being scrutinised more closely for rental potential. Established locations are currently holding up much better. In some districts, there has been an increase in sales of technically distressed properties, which has depressed average values.

Bezirk / District Abschlüsse / Transactions 2023 Median EUR/m² WFL / Living Area Plus/Minus
Mitte 16 3800 -29%
Tiergarten 14 1844 -41%
Wedding 28 1983 -22%
Prenzlauer Berg 17 2596 -26%
Friedrichshain 18 2381 -21%
Kreuzberg 34 2038 -41%
Charlottenburg 44 2961 -13%
Spandau 27 1687 -48%
Wilmersdorf 25 3638 7%
Schöneberg 33 2401 -20%
Steglitz 50 2293 -35%
Tempelhof 32 2069 -50%
Neukölln 60 1851 -29%
Köpenick 32 3268 12%
Lichtenberg 14 2247 -37%
Weißensee 17 2839 1%
Pankow 28 2451 -24%
Reinickendorf 44 2239 -15%
Marzahn 6 3180 12%
Hohenschönhausen 5 2364 -10%
Hellersdorf 8 2474 -24%
Gesamt Berlin 599 2321 -23%

Focus on energy efficiency: Berlin's challenge with its fossil-fuelled housing stock

A look at the housing stock in the capital illustrates the energy problems associated with certain building eras. Berlin has the largest urban housing stock in Germany, with around one million residential units that are still supplied by fossil fuels. Around 77 per cent of the stock dates from before 1986.

GUTHMANN® Services for Sellers & Buyers

As a boutique firm specializing in the Berlin multifamily market, we understand the unique nuances of buying and selling apartment buildings. Unlike larger, generalized brokerages, we offer a distinctive approach with a laser focus on apartment blocks.

Our expertise goes beyond simply connecting buyers and sellers. We provide a comprehensive suite of services, including:

  • In-depth research & analysis: We leverage our extensive market knowledge and proprietary data to deliver insightful reports and valuations.
  • Strategic marketing: We develop targeted campaigns to reach qualified investors, maximizing results of your exit.
  • Professional property management: Whether you're transitioning ownership or seeking ongoing management solutions, our team is equipped to handle every aspect.

Every member of our highly-specialized, multilingual team undergoes rigorous training in real estate economics, ensuring you receive the highest level of expertise throughout the process.

Experience matters. We invite you to explore our select client portfolio showcasing a diverse range of successful multifamily transactions completed between 2015 and 2024. 

With GUTHMANN® you always achieve better results.  

Berlin's #1 choice for discreet, off-market sales of multifamily properties.

Proven Success

Efficiently connecting Berlin rental properties to a global network.

TOP Location Prenzlauer Berg

Block of flats with over 3,000 m² of living space. Milieu protection. Brokered to private buyer off market in 2023.  

District Report Prenzlauer Berg

Spandau: Solid apartment building in a great location

Apartment building with 970 m² living space. 2023 brokered to private buyer off market.  

District Report Spandau

Sanderstraße, Berlin-Neukölln

Apartment building with 30 units under milieu protection. Off market to private buyer.
High multiplier and short marketing time.  

Guthmann Report Neukölln

Gneisenaustraße, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Apartment building with 9 units. Brokered internally to private buyer.
High factor, fast off market sale with bidding process.

Guthmann Report Kreuzberg

Hermannstraße, Berlin-Neukölln

Support throughout the entire sales process. Due diligence and accurate preparation. 
Placement to national buyers.

Guthmann Report Neukölln

Birkenstraße, Berlin-Moabit

Potential analysis, rent adjustments, marketing concept and internal placement.
Purchase price factor 34.3

More information

Stephanstraße, Berlin-Steglitz

Top address in Steglitz, old building in excellent condition. 
Generational ownership, sold for reasons of age. Factor on request.

Guthmann Report Steglitz

Kienitzer Straße, Berlin-Neukölln

Residential and commercial building, redevelopment property, Kiez location, milieu protection
Discreet off market brokerage to international clients

Jetzt informieren

Schnellerstraße, Berlin-Treptow

High-quality refurbished residential and commercial building, milieu protection.
Factor and price per square metre on request.

Guthmann Report Treptow

Wrangelkiez, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Apartment block: 20 apartments plus commercial, milieu protection
Price on request, international seller, national buyer

Guthmann Report Kreuzberg

Leykestraße, Berlin-Neukölln

MFA with space reserve, 32 units, 2 commercial units. Preparation AB, TE, global off market sale
Factor on request 

Guthmann Report Neukölln

Weberplatz, Potsdam

Apartment block in listed ensemble in "Weberviertel" with commercial remises
Due diligence, off market mediation for international sellers

 

Admiralstraße, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Dwelling in double pack with roof blanks
Off market sale from fund portfolio to private buyer

Guthmann Report Kreuzberg

Brunnenstraße, Berlin-Mitte

Dwelling with running public subsidy (IBB), 9 apartments, 2 commercial units, large shed
Quick mediation to international private buyer

Guthmann Report Mitte

Gervinusstraße, Berlin-Charlottenburg

Dwelling with roof blank and building potential of a side wing destroyed in the war
Internal brokerage, due diligence, preliminary examination of buildability

Guthmann Report Charlottenburg

Bastianstraße, Berlin-Wedding

Partially refurbished apartment building with 31 units in the Milieuschutz investigation area.
Trustworthy marketing for private person, due diligence, examination of roof extension

Guthmann Report Wedding

Claszeile, Berlin-Zehlendorf

Well-maintained apartment building with 13 apartments and parking spaces.
Off market from family ownership to private buyer.

Guthmann Report Zehlendorf

Reichenberger Straße, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Well-maintained post-war building with 12 residential units and large plot of land
Off market from private to private, due diligence, preliminary examination at the building authority

Guthmann Report Kreuzberg

Biebricher Straße, Berlin-Neukölln

Grand Wilhelminian style building with 33 units and extended roof
Swift off market sale, due diligence

Guthmann Report Neukölln

Weserstraße, Berlin-Neukölln

Solid 1990s MFH in Kreuzkölln.
Internal off market mediation following excellent cooperation with owners. 

Guthmann Report

Pricing factors for 2024

The market value of your rental property is influenced by various key figures. Rental income and the local factor and price per square metre, as well as the quality of the location and condition, are the main considerations for buyers.   

Factors (muliples)

In 2023, the factor, which represents the multiple of the annual net cold rent, fell significantly. In practice, the trend is partially offset by rent increases and is currently being spread across all districts and locations. 

Development of multipliers by district and year

District 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Mitte 42,2 37,1 36,4 40,7 38,9 35,3
Tiergarten 33,7 30,8 29,0 29,9 31,3 24,8
Wedding 33,7 31,9 27,3 35,4 27,1 24,1
Prenzlauer Berg 34,9 33,9 31,1 33,5 33,8 28,9
Friedrichshain 35,3 36,4 31,1 34,1 36,3 26,7
Kreuzberg 38,1 31,1 32,2 32,6 31,4 25,3
Charlottenburg 34,3 35,3 34,3 40,0 34,5 27,1
Spandau 26,1 23,6 25,2 28,9 26,9 24,5
Wilmersdorf 34,7 36,7 34,7 39,7 36,6 23,1
Zehlendorf 32,6 - 0,0 - 30,3 -
Schöneberg 32,5 32,4 32,1 33,5 33,8 23,8
Steglitz 28,7 27,5 - 32,1 34,9 -
Tempelhof 25,8 28,7 25,6 29,1 28,9 24,9
Neukölln 29,4 31,6 27,9 29,9 30,4 24,8
Treptow 32,7 - 28,9 33,5 28,4 -
Köpenick 30,1 30,1 29,1 30,2 27,3 -
Lichtenberg 26,5 30,9 26,9 28,7 28,6 20,0
Weißensee 25,3 28,6 26,1 29,2 27,7 25,9
Pankow 30,2 27,6 28,2 31,6 33,9 23,5
Reinickendorf 25,6 25,0 26,1 26,1 28,4 21,5
Marzahn 21,2 24,9 - - 26,6 -
Hohenschönhausen 22,9 28,8 29,9 - - 24,7
Hellersdorf 19,2 24,1 26,8 29,9 28,1 -
Berlin 30,2 30,8 29,4 32,1 31,1 25,0
Quelle: Gutachterausschuss Berlin, Kaufpreissammlung, eigene Auswertung und Darstellung

Prices per square metre

The correlation between location, multiplier (factor) and square metre prices for apartment buildings is complex and cannot be reduced to a simple formula. The multiplier is primarily influenced by macroeconomic parameters, such as the interest rate level of financing. In contrast, the price per square metre is primarily based on the location and condition of the property. A low multiplier can be offset by higher net cold rents. Although the price per square metre is determined to a certain extent by the condition of the property, an above-average condition in a less sought-after location can have a positive impact on the sales result and exceed the typical price per square metre for this location. This applies up to the point where it becomes possible to buy in a better location at a lower price level. We offer an individual valuation of your property to determine the maximum market value and advise you on measures that can increase the value of your property. The following table provides an overview of the current prices per square metre for value-relevant floor space in the Berlin districts. This floor space corresponds more or less to the gross area (BGF).

Purchase price spread

The spread or purchase price range shows the lower and upper end of the scale when determining a market-driven sales price. The spread usually depends on the year of construction and state of maintenance as well as investment requirements. Recently, residential buildings from the post-war years in particular have lost value due to their poor energy balance. The effect has been fuelled by a long period of unclear legislation and the difficulty of calculating the costs of energy-efficient redevelopment. The downturn in the construction of new buildings has recently led to a decline in modernisation and refurbishment costs, and there is now also common empirical data available for such measures. However, energy efficiency upgrades are being factored in.   

Jahr / Year Mitte Tiergarten Wedding Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Kreuzberg Charlottenburg Spandau Wilmersdorf Zehlendorf Schöneberg Steglitz Tempelhof Neukölln Treptow Köpenick Lichtenberg Weißensee Pankow Reinickendorf Marzahn Hohenschönhausen Hellersdorf Jahr
2018 1.267 bis 5.247 1.255 bis 4.447 950 bis 3.004 1.582 bis 3.510 888 bis 5.793 1.165 bis 5.655 1.350 bis 6.401 301 bis 11.919 1.048 bis 5.366 1.526 bis 7.453 1.068 bis 3.089 1.065 bis 3.687 983 bis 2.817 695 bis 4.849 1.062 bis 3.873 1.081 bis 2.066 844 bis 4.840 805 bis 2.379 468 bis 4.652 570 bis 5.695 1.350 bis 2.959 500 bis 2.097 857 bis 2.320 2018
2019 1.208 bis 6.168 1.425 bis 3.647 874 bis 3.154 1.461 bis 4.964 1.395 bis 3.404 1.082 bis 4.197 1.423 bis 11.340 606 bis 3.192 1.601 bis 9.143 2.446 bis 5.173 1.314 bis 3.917 1.164 bis 4.071 862 bis 5.997 1.032 bis 2.941 1.318 bis 2.656 1.579 bis 2.650 698 bis 4.630 1.000 bis 3.376 671 bis 3.090 396 bis 4.839 1.018 bis 2.339 1.382 bis 2.028 846 bis 3.858 2019
2020 1.594 bis 8.481 1.454 bis 2.811 1.003 bis 4.084 1.310 bis 3.280 1.248 bis 3.284 1.424 bis 4.894 1.364 bis 6.181 431 bis 5.758 1.151 bis 10.526 3.230 bis 4.837 1.363 bis 4.841 1.637 bis 3.183 770 bis 4.909 592 bis 4.392 986 bis 4.069 930 bis 5.683 1.230 bis 5.748 1.126 bis 4.594 895 bis 2.819 654 bis 5.248 1.589 bis 3.255 1.729 bis 2.307 1.495 bis 3.090 2020
2021 1.603 bis 8.475 1.106 bis 3.422 841 bis 5.446 1.436 bis 6.835 1.314 bis 6.696 1.167 bis 4.264 1.570 bis 16.262 841 bis 4.633 1.596 bis 7.347 2.560 bis 6.944 1.625 bis 7.047 1.489 bis 5.253 1.125 bis 4.644 896 bis 6.326 1.794 bis 5.217 984 bis 5.812 1.142 bis 4.960 1.390 bis 3.167 1.109 bis 6.111 601 bis 3.873 2.006 bis 3.012 1.525 bis 4.482 1.248 bis 3.389 2021
2022 1.489 bis 16.844 1.193 bis 3.702 1.358 bis 3.867 347 bis 7.736 458 bis 3.141 862 bis 5.068 1.707 bis 6.579 472 bis 6.013 874 bis 7.043 1.976 bis 3.897 1.735 bis 4.707 1.799 bis 3.821 1.232 bis 3.670 824 bis 4.515 1.467 bis 2.931 1.716 bis 3.999 287 bis 6.116 1.691 bis 3.186 1.421 bis 5.626 954 bis 5.094 2.195 bis 2.733 1.081 bis 2.150 1.717 bis 4.312 2022
2023 1.495 bis 5.777 660 bis 1.823 446 bis 2.594 994 bis 2.964 1.374 bis 2.844 911 bis 6.567 1.093 bis 7.927 800 bis 4.608 1.466 bis 6.024 - 1.339 bis 4.404 1.827 bis 2.082 1.069 bis 2.570 756 bis 5.590 - 2.302 bis 2.912 357 bis 3.134 1.247 bis 5.177 950 bis 4.509 866 bis 4.270 1.266 bis 4.667 1.138 bis 2.714 1.425 bis 2.523 2023
Quelle: Gutachterausschuss Berlin, eigene Anfrage

Declining inflation, falling interest rates, growing momentum

The changed interest rate scenario has led to a turning point in the market for rental properties. The high construction interest rates are the result of the war in Ukraine and the explosive rise in inflation rates. Conversely, it is unlikely that construction interest rates will fall as quickly as they have risen as inflation eases, especially as the development of government bonds and mortgage bonds sets the direction for construction interest rates. 

Nevertheless, most experts expect interest rates to gradually fall to a level below 3 per cent over the course of the year. This will result in a noticeable revitalisation of the apartment block market. We have compiled the key figures for you in a compact chart that reflects the status of the ECB key interest rate and the building interest rates currently on offer with a 10-year commitment. 

Are you considering selling your apartment Block in Berlin? Our strategies and assessments are in demand internationally.

Dipl.-Ing. Almut Guthmann Prokuristin

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Typical timing of a sale

The transaction duration for the sale of a multi-family house (MFH) in Berlin can be expedited and made more efficient and secure through professional preparation and execution. 

  • Consultation: Clarifying the initial situation and determining a market-appropriate price.
  • Professional Documentation: Accelerating the review by clients and banks, fostering trust through transparency.
  • Marketing: Discreet off-market brokerage within a solvent internal client base.
  • Contract Handling: Contract review with lawyers and notaries, notarization.
  • District Review Period for Preemptive Right (Read our blog post on the preemptive right).
  • Completion and Payment Due.
  • After Sales: Smooth transition and follow-up support.

We navigate you through every challenge

The current situation on the market for apartment blocks in Berlin is challenging. Although the market is starting to pick up again, developments vary widely from one district to another. Specific property characteristics must be in line with the market. 

The key to the best possible sale is careful analysis and preparation, including transparent documentation of your property, a targeted marketing strategy and a focus on maximising your proceeds. The right preparation enables potential buyers to better understand the investment risk and to go through the due diligence process efficiently. A well-planned sales strategy can counteract trends and prevent value erosion.

Regulation: What could still come

Although there is currently less talk about regulation, there could be new measures coming for landlords/property owners, considering the rising rents.

There are several points on the political agenda:

  • Tightening of rent control, e.g. a legislative proposal from Hamburg and Bremen: Federal Council try to stop furnished rental
  • An expert group in the Bundestag is working on the revival of preemption rights
  • The Greens and the Social Democrats are considering a rent moratorium, meaning a freeze on rent for a certain period of time
  • Profit taxation. The abolition of the speculation period or extension of the holding period is being discussed repeatedly
  • Reduction of the permissible rent increase from 15 to 11 percent over 3 years
  • It has been decided that municipalities are obliged to create a standardized rental index

In the regulatory radar, we have summarized the proposals circulating regardless of their feasibility.

This report was last updated on 12.03.2024 .

Disclaimer

The Guthmann Market Report is a semi-automated report about the property market in Berlin. All information has been carefully researched and is given to the best of our knowledge and belief. We assume no liability for completeness, deviations, changes and errors. Our report does not represent an investment recommendation.

Sources

Amt für Statistik Berlin-Brandenburg: Einwohnerregisterstatistik (Bewegungsdaten), Fortschreibung des Wohngebäude- und Wohnungsbestandes, Ergebnisse des Haushaltegenerierungsverfahren KOSIS-HHGen, Baufertigstellungen. IMV GmbH: Rohdaten Preise und Mieten. Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung und Wohnen: Umwandlungsdaten (2018), Geoportal Berlin (FIS-Broker). Immobilienverband Deutschland IVD (2018/2019): Immobilienpreisservice 2018/2019.

Methodology

Housing deficit (Treemap): The Statistics Office updates the household data based on the 2011 micro-census. Determination of household count and statistical household size via household generation procedures (KOSIS). We calculate the real household size / housing deficits via the ratio number of inhabitants to number of apartments.
Purchase prices and rents (charts and reports): Calculation of the median on the basis of raw data, own visualization.
Migrations: Aggregation and visualization based on transaction data.

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