Berlin - A brief Overview

"Perfect buy-to-let investments for sale in Berlin"

Berlin is one of the most historic cities in Europe that traces its development centuries into the past. The 19th Century industrial revolution brought about the dramatic growth in Berlin and saw it become the economic centre of Germany and then the centre of government and capital by 1871
The 'cold war' years from the late 1950's through to the end of the 1980's brought the division of the city from East to West but the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 has started a dramatic new era for this great central European capital
Reunification provided a unique opportunity for the redevelopment of the city with huge investment into implementing new urban and regional regeneration including new roads, bridges, commercial areas, housing, green areas and yet with the policy of sustainable environmental longevity
The result is a Berlin that is exciting, cosmopolitan, vibrant and demonstrating every kind of lifestyle within a modern central European economic hub. Divided into 12 districts, each part of the city brings its own charm with many buildings of stunning architecture, open parks, lakes, rivers and, of course, excellent shopping and restaurants
This appeal has been reflected in a huge increase in the number of hotels as foreign tourists flood in to experience the special Berlin lifestyle and as a new migrant workforce pours in to benefit from the powerful economic growth
Berlin is now the headquarters for more than 40 major international companies who are taking advantage of not just an educated, hard working local workforce (current population around 3.4 million), but also the cheaper labour coming in from close Eastern European countries

Key Features of Investing in Berlin Property

Berlin is one of the economic 'power-houses' of Europe and the capital of Europe's largest economy
Berlin is recovering from the years of 'cold-war' division with the result that its private sector property market is in the early stages of development with huge capital growth still predicted
Prices in Berlin have already doubled since 2000 and yet remain some of the cheapest per m2 in the western world
Berlin freehold properties for sale range from around only €1000-€2000 so entry values can start a low as €32,000
There is a huge demand for rented accommodation in Berlin resulting in the opportunity to, in many cases, investments for sale in Berlin can guarantee rental income return 10 years into the future
German tenants take great pride in their homes, the areas where they live and usually are seeking long-term tenancies
Tenants must give 3 months notice to quit giving ample opportunity to source a new tenant though, in some cases, 10 year rental guarantees may also be put in place

Future of the Berlin Property Market

Currently less than 20% of Berliners own their own home with the majority of accommodation stock still in state hands
This is changing though as rents rise and workers become more affluent; the leap to home owning is growing
For those looking for an exciting property investment, few locations offer the long-term potential of Berlin
With current average property values in Berlin around €1000-2000, compared with London's average of around €5500+; couple this with guaranteed long-term rental income giving gross yields of up to 8%; and prices from around €35,000
The opportunity for investment in Berlin property seems remarkable

The Growth in the Berlin Property Market and the Advantages of Investing in Berlin Ex-State Property