Dr. Chris Mulder
CFO and Co-Founder
Dr. Chris is a former senior economist and manager at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. He is the CFO of Hypofriend and also one of the co-founders. His wealth of experience and valuable insights and forecasts benefit not only the company, but most importantly our customers.
Real Estate Broker vs. Buyers Agent: The Difference Having an Agent by your Side Makes
Compare traditional German real estate agents, which are seller-side brokers with dedicated buyer representation for Berlin and elsewhere in Germany.
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What Germany's aging population means for the Housing Market
We show why baby boomer properties won’t flood the German real estate market - backed up by data.
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How Long Should You Hold a German Investment Property? The 10-Year Mark
Discover how depreciation and taxes shape the real return on a German investment property, and why year 10 changes everything.
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Renovating a Property in Germany: What Can You Depreciate and For How Long?
Learn which renovation costs in Germany are fully deductible and which over the life of a building, and what special rules help to reduce your taxable income under § 255 HGB.
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What's Better in Germany: Buying a Home for Yourself or a Rental Property?
In Germany, it can be a smart move to begin your homeownership journey with a rental property.
Read moreWhen Can I Start Deducting Interest And Depreciation From My Rental Property (2025 vs. 2026)
German new build rental tax deductions: Interest already deductible in 2025 (pre-rental), but AfA & acquisition costs only apply from the 2026 completion.
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How Real Estate Investors Can Use Depreciation to Maximize Their Tax Refund and Returns in Germany
Depreciation rules were already exceptionally generous in Germany compared to other countries, where depreciation of buildings is rarely possible.
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KFW 300: Great Subsidy for Energy-Efficient Houses in Germany
KFW 300 is in principle a very attractive program; it comes with interest rates as low as 0,01 % and very high loan amounts, of up to 270.000 €. You may be able to save 60.000 € in interest payments and even more if you invest the savings.
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Financing Certificate: Always one step ahead
With a financing certificate, you stand out from other prospective buyers. It serves as a confirmation of your financing potential to brokers.
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10 steps: The notary procedure in Germany explained
The notary process to buy a home in Germany with a mortgage is rather complicated, and with plenty of legal jargon.
Read moreKfW Loans and Conditions for 2026 and How It Applies to Your German Mortgage
Planning to buy, build, or renovate a home in Germany? Check KfW loans and subsidies—your mortgage advisor can assess their benefits for you.
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5 Mistakes to Avoid With Your Mortgage in Germany
Several studies show: People who buy real estate get wealthier. That's why it's important to avoid some mistakes in your mortgage.
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Why Being a Landlord is So Attractive in Germany?
Germany has an unusually generous system for investment properties, and the returns are high. Read here what you need to know.
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Sondertilgung: A popular but overrated option
Who doesn't like the idea of being able to repay extra on their mortgage? That is what “Sondertilgung” is. But is it a good idea?
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Mortgage for Blue Card Holders: Should You Buy Now or Later?
We explain what options you have as a Blue Card holder to expedite your home purchase, and when it makes sense to wait.
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Mortgage Brokers in Germany: What They Do, Cost & How to Choose
What does a mortgage broker do in Germany? Free for you, they compare hundreds of banks and help expats get better rates. Here's how to choose a good one.
Read moreHow to Find the Best Interest Rates on Your Mortgage
In this article, we show how to secure the best rates and what traps to avoid. Keep in mind that it is also about the best advice, as the wrong mortgage--especially fixation, but also the repayment rate and down payment--can cost you dearly.
Read moreAffordable housing requires more new buildings
Fewer building permits were issued in Berlin in 2020 than in the previous year. This will further exacerbate the situation for purchase prices.
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Energy-Efficient House: How to Evaluate Energy Efficiency When Buying a Home in Germany
Learn how the Energieausweis and Energieeffizienzklasse impact running costs, mortgage options, and legal GEG requirements when buying a home in Germany.
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The Wohndepot: A New Subsidy for Future and Existing Home Owners
Learn how to use the Altervorsorge Depot to Save for a Home or Reduce Your Mortgage in Germany: The Wohndepot Explained
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KfW 40 QNG: The Comprehensive Guide to Subsidies, Costs, and Requirements
Here you will find out everything about KfW 40 QNG: what it is, which subsidies are available, and whether it is worthwhile for you.
Read moreEhegattenschaukel: A Great Tax Hack For Rental Properties in Germany?
The Ehegattenschaukel simply means selling your home, or your share in it, to your partner. This tax strategy increases the amount you can depreciate and deduct from your taxes in Germany, saving you thousands of Euros, but it applies only to rental properties.
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New real estate commission law: How much to pay?
A new law on real estate commission changes the amount of the commission to be paid. Here's what will change at the end of 2020.
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What Should You Know About Property Purchase Contracts in Germany?
Discover everything you need to know about real estate purchase contracts in Germany. Buying a property in Germany requires a purchase contract.
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German public pension: Seek a refund or meet the conditions?
When does it make sense to request a refund of the contributions you paid to the public pension in Germany? We explain it to you!
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