Thanks to Berlin’s combination of a buoyant economy and continuing population growth, there is a strong case for the city as a top residential property investment location. What’s more, when compared to other global property hotspots (Prime central London or New York, for example), the German capital also has affordability firmly in its favor.
For investors expecting to fund their acquisition through mortgage finance, there is further good news: this is a foreigner-friendly market-making accessibility an important item to add to the list of factors in favor of Berlin.
So broadly, what can non-residents expect as they seek to obtain a German mortgage? As you would expect in any mature and well-regulated property market, there is a process of due diligence to go through. It is thorough (always a strong indicator of a stable market), yet also refreshingly logical and transparent. In short: in the right hands, expect a relatively straightforward process.
Here is our step-by-step guide to obtaining a German mortgage for foreigners, explaining the typical process towards securing property finance from a German lender:
STEP 1: EXPLORE YOUR MORTGAGE OPTIONS AT AN EARLY STAGE
The formal application for a German mortgage is made after you have agreed in principle on the purchase of a specific property. However, it is important to thoroughly explore the German mortgage market and rates at an early stage - i.e. when you first start to consider individual properties. This can benefit you in the following ways:
- Getting a broad picture of borrowing limits - In Germany, these limits are set with reference to the ‘mortgage lending value’ (MLV) of a property - i.e. the value of that property conservatively assessed and determined by a prudent calculation of its future marketability. German lenders are cautious, and their property valuations tend to be lower than the market value. Depending on the lender, your income, and the value of the property, it may be possible to secure a loan for up to 70% of the MLV on a property.
- Fixed or variable interest rates? Both repayment types are possible - but as in any market, rates differ from lender to lender.
- Providing proof of income - If you are clear on precisely what documents your lender will require sight of at an early stage, you can start getting your paperwork in order and avoid delays later. This is especially relevant for self-employed investors where proof of income may be less than clear-cut.
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR GERMAN MORTGAGE LENDER
You could scour the market yourself, but with specialist mortgages available to foreign investors, there is a danger of missing out on the best deals. A broker can accelerate the process and make it easier while helping you identify the most appropriate mortgage arrangements for your needs. For this, we would recommend our preferred partner Liquid Expat, who specialize in providing help to overseas investors and have specific expertise in securing German mortgages for foreigners.
STEP 3: SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION TO YOUR BROKER
Your broker will steer you on what needs to be submitted and when according to the specific requirements of the proposed lender. Standard ID details usually consist of a passport and two-year address history.
On the personal financial side, this is likely to consist of a self-disclosure (Selbstauskunft) questionnaire, and proof of earnings. For self-employed individuals, typical requirements include two years of balance sheets in addition to the previous year’s tax return. You will also need to provide proof (in the form of bank statements) that you have equity to cover the loan deposit.
You will also be asked to provide details of the proposed property such as size, location, and estimated time to completion.
STEP 4: OBTAIN A SCHUFA REPORT
Schufa is Germany’s credit and loan data repository. A Schufa report (a score-based credit assessment) is required by lenders as part of the loan approval process. As an overseas buyer, however, you will almost certainly not have a German credit record. As such, your broker should be well versed in what specific lenders require sight of to show proof of your creditworthiness (usually a report from your home country’s credit reporting agency).
If you are based in a country such as the UAE where there are no credit reporting agencies, a loan statement and bank records may be filed in lieu of a report; again, your broker will point you in the right direction.
STEP 5: INSTRUCT A NOTARY
Having located your desired investment, you are almost ready to start the purchase process. However, all German property purchases must be handled by a notary, an unbiased individual who will oversee all legal formalities on your behalf.
IP Global’s client services team can introduce you to a recommended Berlin-based notary. German regulations require the buyer to be there in person to witness the exchange of contracts - and although coming to Berlin in person for this is an option, you can also delegate it to a third party through a Power of Attorney (POA). Again, IP Global can recommend a trusted legal representative to appear on your behalf.
Your notary will send you a POA document. You then take this document, along with your mortgage application and other supporting documentation to your local German consulate or embassy to have the signatures notarized (witnessed and verified). You send the original POA to your notary via recorded post.
STEP 6: RETURN YOUR GERMAN MORTGAGE APPLICATION TO YOUR MORTGAGE BROKER
This happens at the same time or shortly after you return your POA to your notary. Having received it, the broker will check the application and supporting documents and forward it to the lender.
Subsequently, the broker will check that the application has been received safely and that investigations (such as property surveys and credit checks) are progressing appropriately.
STEP 7: LENDER INVESTIGATIONS
This process usually takes a week or two to complete and occurs at generally the same time that your notary conducts due diligence investigations on your behalf concerning the property contract.
Your broker will have already checked to ensure that the investment, the amount of capital required, and your personal financial situation (including the proof you need to back it up) all meet the criteria of the particular lender. If you are in the right hands, these investigations are usually a simple formality.
STEP 8: YOUR GERMAN MORTGAGE OFFER ARRIVES
You now have a firm offer of funds in place from the lender. At about the same time, your notary should come back to you have completed all due diligence investigations. In other words, you have everything you need to reach a legally binding final agreement on the purchase of your desired German investment property.
READY TO FIND OUT MORE?
In several key ways, the German mortgage market mirrors the German property market as a whole: robust, stable, and well-suited to overseas investors.
You can find out more about the process of obtaining a German mortgage, current German mortgage rates, as well as German mortgage interest rates by speaking to our preferred mortgage finance partner Liquid Expat.
For help with identifying prime Berlin property investment opportunities and an expert analyst’s view of the market, please contact us today:enquiry@ipglobal-ltd.com.
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