Dr. Chris Mulder

Deep Dive

How Real Estate Investors can use Depreciation to maximize their Tax Benefits and Returns in Germany

Depreciation rules were already exceptionally generous in Germany compared to other countries, where depreciation of buildings is rarely possible. Recent measures, including those announced on March 22, 2024, make it even more generous with up to 10% depreciation possible.

Deep Dive

What are the latest mortgage interest rates in Germany and how do they evolve?

You can find here the latest and the historical fixed mortgage rates in Germany together with the government bond yield that banks use to set the mortgage rates. We also explain how the rates relate and how we can help you choose the best fixed rate period. Learn how to select the best fixed period for your mortgage with personalized advice tailored to your finances.

First Time Buyers

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.

Customer Stories

Jana & Ale: Building a house in the countryside in Germany

Find out how Hypofriend helped Jana & Ale realize their dream of home ownership and build their own house in a village in Germany.

First Time Buyers

High Property Prices: Should I Still Buy a Home in Germany?

Property prices in Germany keep rising. We tell you if buying still makes sense at all!

Customer Stories

The home buying story of Ariella and Adrian

When Ariella and Adrian finally found their dream home in Berlin, they were happy to be able to rely on their hypofriend advisor with the mortgage.

First Time Buyers

What’s the role of SCHUFA in getting a mortgage?

SCHUFA is Germany's largest credit agency and calculates credit scores that are used by banks when deciding on a mortgage.

First Time Buyers

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.

First Time Buyers

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.

First Time Buyers

KFW loans and conditions for 2024 and how it applies to your German mortgage

If you are planning to buy your first existing or new home in Germany, build or buy a new climate friendly home, or renovate a property, you should always take a look at KFW loans and subsidies. Your mortgage advisor should always check if and how much it helps.

First Time Buyers

Building a house in Germany - What you should consider

When building a house, you can design the property according to your wishes and you can even get away cheaper. Hypofriend explains to you what you have to consider.

First Time Buyers

Commitment fee: How much to pay if your new build isn’t ready?

With a new build project, you have a tough schedule. That's necessary if you want to avoid paying commitment fees to your bank.

First Time Buyers

4 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.

First Time Buyers

Berlin Property Prices and District Guide

What do you have to consider when buying an apartment in Berlin? Our guide answers the most important questions.

Deep Dive

Why being a landlord is so attractive in Germany?

Germany has an unusually generous system for buy-to-let properties, and the returns are high. Read here what you need to know.

First Time Buyers

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?

Deep Dive

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.

Customer Stories

Oliver and Rhianon's experience buying a property in Germany

Rhianon and Oliver started looking for an apartment to buy and tried to get a mortgage with their house bank. Then they found Hypofriend.

Customer Stories

Meet Aoife and Giacomo, two happy new homeowners

Aoife and Giacomo approached Hypofriend to buy their first home in Berlin. In this interview they share some of their experiences.

First Time Buyers

Women are strongly underrepresented in property purchases

Women are much less likely to buy real estate than men. That is why we are launching the Hypofreundinnen-Initiative. A network for women.

Customer Stories

Stephen and Alice bought their first home in Berlin

After moving from New York to Berlin, they didn't know how long they would stay. Then they felt in love with the city.

Deep Dive

What does Covid-19 mean for your mortgage plans?

The Coronavirus is a tragedy. Here is a deep dive to make sense of the impact on the economy, to help you in your housing decision.

Customer Stories

Buying a home with Hypofriend by Kinga

This article is about one of Hypofriend's happy new homeowner and her experience buying a property in Germany.

Customer Stories

Getting a mortgage in Germany with Magda and Richard

Richard and Magda connected with Hypofriend right from the start of the process. This article tells their experience buying a property.

First Time Buyers

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.