Friday 29 June 2012

Why is Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg still a Destination for Property Investors?

Prenzlauer Berg
Right from the beginning of the discovery of Berlin as a Property Investment Hotspot for International Investors in 2004 the area of Prenzlauer Berg or "Prenzlberg" to the locals was one of the focus points. It soon became too expensive for reasonable investments and there still was a lot to do. At this point many tenants and investors tuned to the neighboring Friedrichshain. Still today Friedrichshain is more "studenty" whereas Prenzlauer Berg is more "Bohemian" with a higher level of rents (and income). Here is some backgound information:

Prenzlauer Berg was developed during the second half of the 19th century based on an urban planning design from 1862 by James Hobrecht, the so-called Hobrecht Plan for Berlin. Envisaged as a working-class district, its tenement houses (in German: Mietskasernen) were mainly inhabited by intellectuals, artists, and students in the former German Democratic Republic.

This area of former East Berlin is now perhaps the most sought after area to live for professionals and young families.  The area was relatively unscathed by Second World War bombing, leaving street after street of intact 19th and early 20th century apartment buildings.  It offers an abundance of beautiful pre-war ‘Altbau’ buildings, the vast majority of which have been completely restored since unification of the city.  Rising property values have led to more wealthy residents moving into some areas of the borough.

It is close to central Berlin and has a lively café, bar and restaurant scene as well as several parks and green spaces. Popular places to go out include Kastanienallee, Kollwitzplatz (home to the sculptor Käthe Kollwitz), with its excellent Saturday market, Kulturbrauerei (an expansive brewery which has been transformed into a centre for culture and evening entertainment) and Helmholtzplatz.   Keeping in rhythm with a slower, more livable pace, this area also abounds with several weekly street markets and the world-famous Mauer Park Flea Market every Sunday.  This area is also home to countless advertising, design and media firms and traditionally the bohemian quarter of East Berlin,this is still a haven for artists and alternative culture, despite gentrification.
Some of the Highlights of Prenzlauer Berg
The varied history of Berlin comes to life in this neighborhood through its many diverse cultural and social offerings. Truly this is one of the most interesting places to take in all that this reborn city has to offer, which also makes for an ideal property investment opportunity in Berlin.

Over a period of only 3 years the purchase prices for apartments in Prenzlauer Berg rose from 2,300 €/m² to 3,000 €/m² while the rents in the same time span went from 7.30 €/m²/month to 9.24 €.

Because of its ambiace Prenzlauer Berg is attractive as a location for condos to be used by he investor as much as a buy to let investment in rented apartments. Attractive developments with excellent potential and both options are coming up for sale . More detailed information can be found here: www.Properties-in-Berlin.com.








Share/Bookmark

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Where is Kreuzkölln - Property Investment in Berlin

One of the latest "hype" areas in ther berlin housing market is Kreuzkölln or Kreukoelln for those who do'nt have the benefit of a German keyboard. This is an artificial name made up by the two districts of Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

It is a region of less than 1 km² with a popolation of about 18.500. It is also defined as the "Reuter Kiez" because the square "Reuter Platz" defines its center. To the north and east it boarders onto Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain at the Maybachufer of the Landwehrkanal and Kottbusser Damm. Sonnenallee, Wildenbruchstrasse and Kiehlufer are the boarders towards the other parts of Neukölln.

Having been one of the problem zones and social hot spots of the district the area has developed into a trend area like Friedrichshain after Prenzlauer Berg was over subscribed. There are currently no shops available for rent as every possible space is turned into a cafe, restaurant or other trend-shop. This so called "gentrification" led to an attempt to verbally expand the area of Kreuzkölln e.g. to Flughafenstrasse.

For an official map of the area click here.



Share/Bookmark

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Properties-in-Berlin.com Relaunch

Our sister website Properties-in-Berlin.com is currently relaunched. The site serves as a portal for a network of property agents specifically targeted at international investors. It provides all information in English.

A new product section is now included: Villas.


The other sections are Single Apartments either vacant as Condos or rented as Investment Apartments.
Retail and office buildings in Commercial Properties

 Residential Investment Properties


And some specialised topics like Development Properties and building plots.

The listings are currently uploaded and will be kept updated.

The aim is to provide information and a network of professionals needed in the process of buying a property in Berlin: Tax consultant, bulding surveyor, solicitor, Notary public and finance.


Share/Bookmark

Friday 15 June 2012

Müggelstrasse in Berlin-Friedrichshain, not available on Street View


Share/Bookmark

Increase of dwellings completed in 2011: 14.6%

As reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the construction of a total of 183,000 dwellings was completed in Germany during the year 2011. Compared with the year 2010, this is an increase of 14.6% or 23,000.

Detailed information in German: Destatis

The impact in the supply is still to small too cover the ever growing demand for suitable housing. The Berlin Housing Market Report 2012 demonstrates impressively the shortage through rising rents.


Share/Bookmark

Sunday 3 June 2012

Berlin Charlottenburg, High Profile Landmark Commercial Building off Kurfürstendamm

A rare opprotunity was brought to our attention and we are authorized to forward the offer to any serious investor:

Berlin Charlottenburg, just off Kurfürstendamm ( Ku'damm )


Twin Building with high profile retail units on the ground floor and offices above.
Registered Landmark Building , high quality fit out, 2 lifts per entrance   
        
Office     6.693 m²        
Retail     539 m²        
Basement/Storage     586 m²        
Residential     139 m²       
Total Space     7.957 m²        
Currently under rental offer, office 424,16 m² + storage 37 m².         
  • Potential rent p.a.      €  1.551.369,00
          5,5%      gros yield
  • Actual net rent p.a.      €  1.482.992,00
          5,3%      gros yield
           
Purchase price        28.000.000,00         
           
Commission     4% plus VAT paid by the buyer
                          
For detailed information please contact us through the contact facility on our wedsite









Share/Bookmark