Schwanenwerder from above: Island

This is it: the most exclusive island in Germany and Berlin. Of course, the properties here are also among the most expensive adresses in Berlin. Only 38 properties, and each one is of a higher caliber than the next. For many, Schwanenwerder is not a place to live, but a world of its own. Here is a quote from our last Schwanenwerder exposé:

“Privacy has become the rarest currency. This villa offers it in abundance.”

Schwanenwerder has exactly that. Located directly on the Wannsee, only one access road, shielded, lots of security. Pure nature, surrounded by a capital city with over 3.9 million inhabitants. Standing here, you completely forget that the hustle and bustle of Berlin is 20 minutes away. Ultra exclusive, ultra quiet.

History? My recommendation: Schwanenwerder, PDF Berlin.de (Download)

Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Grunewald

On the way to Berlin Mitte, you automatically pass through the best locations. Nikolassee, Zehlendorf, Grunewald – all three have stood for prosperity, nature, old villas, embassies and long-established families for decades.

Did you know? The best areas are always in the southwest, because southerly winds from Europe often arrived there. In the past, this brought fresh air to the southwest and the exhaust air moved to the northeast. – But back to Schwanenwerder!

In the immediate vicinity, you will find residential areas, forests, parks and extremely quiet streets. Schwanenwerder itself is home to families, entrepreneurs and investors who want to live in complete seclusion despite living in the capital. No through traffic, no tourists, just absolute privacy.

Graft Villa: The most expensive villa in Germany

I have often stood here on the jetty and admired this villa, the most futuristic and expensive villa in Germany. There were many rumors – including that one of the former owners was Brad Pitt. Is that true? Who knows. But it shows the level we are at here. The villa was designed by Graft. It was last “listed”(off market) for 79 million euros.

• Price: ~ 79 million euros

In fact, it is not the only villa in this segment. Other properties on the island would also easily reach asking prices of 55-60 million euros. And right next to this ultra-modern villa is the Schwanenhof – the oldest villa on the whole of Schwanenwerder. It could hardly be more historic.

Even the major media regularly report on this island:

• Schwanenwerder – Picture
• Schwanenwerder – Tagesspiegel

Schwanenhof: The first villa on Schwanenwerder

The Schwanenhof impresses with its historic gate – who still has something like that today? Behind it is a small, I would say Mediterranean wonder. Lots of charm, lots of history, all completely hidden behind trees. No views from outside, zero through traffic. A real original on the island.

• Price: ~ 9 million euros

Schwanenwerder Map

Schwanenwerder in Berlin:

Schwaenwerder from close up:

Schwanenwerder history

To this day, the island feels like a piece of secluded Berlin, quiet, green and with architecture that is rarely found in this form. To understand the house, you have to go a little further: How did Schwanenwerder come about in the first place, who built the first villas here and why in this location of all places?

Source: Schwanenwerder, PDF Berlin.de (Download)

How the island became an island in the first place

At the end of the 19th century, Schwanenwerder was just an inconspicuous spot in Wannsee. Not a paradise, not a villa suburb – rather an idea. Friedrich Wilhelm Wessel, a Berlin building contractor, had this idea. He bought the site, had it filled in, shaped and defined a concept: large plots of land, plenty of space, peace and quiet, no noisy uses. Schwanenwerder was to become a place of retreat, an alternative to the growing city.

• Island was artificially formed
• Parceling out by Wessel
• Concept: peace & privacy

The first houses: who built them and why

The first villas on Schwanenwerder were not built by chance. Wessel obliged buyers to build high-quality houses within a short space of time. He did not want a mixed-use area, but a cohesive, stylish ensemble. To achieve this, the owners brought in some of the best architects of their time. Paesler & Natho designed early country houses with turrets, bay windows and French forms. Bernhard Sehring – one of Berlin’s most sought-after architects – designed striking villas with great attention to detail. He was later joined by Bruno Paul and Richard Blumberg, both known for their elegant, tranquil architecture. The gardens were planned by garden artists such as Rudolf Jürgens and Ludwig Lesser. Each villa was to be a small work of art.

• First villas by Paesler & Natho
• Sehring & Bruno Paul shape style
• Garden art by Lesser & Jürgens

The Schwanenhof: a country house with a French touch

The Schwanenhof was built around 1900, precisely during this period. The house followed the French late baroque style: two small tower domes, curved lines, a large terrace with a view of the lake. It was a representative but not overloaded country house. The first plans show a house that was very open – large windows, lots of light, a garden that was more of a park than a plot of land.

• French late baroque
• Large terrace
• Open floor plans

The atmosphere on the island: summer houses and retreats

Around 1910/1920, entrepreneurs, merchants and bankers lived here. Many used their houses as summer residences. Silence over the water in the morning, company on the terraces in the evening, with gardeners, boats and long garden paths in between. The Schwanenhof was part of this: not a palace, but an elegant, quiet house, built for people who wanted to get away from city life.

• Summer houses
• Large gardens
• Elegant architecture

Conversions and changes over the decades

The Schwanenhof has undergone many changes over the years. The tower dome on the north side was destroyed during the Second World War and never rebuilt. The attic was extended in the 1950s and new living spaces were added later. In the 1990s, a modern south-facing extension was built, extending the house and adapting it to today’s living requirements. The garden hall was closed, paths were newly laid out, some historical details were lost, others were maintained.

• Reorganization 1950s
• Extensions 1990s
• Partial redesign

Garden, location and view: What makes Schwanenwerder special

Even though a lot has changed, one thing has always remained the same: the location. The view over the Wannsee, the distance to the neighboring houses, the greenery. The garden has been redesigned several times – sometimes spacious and playful, later clearer and more modern. Today, the Schwanenhof is a mixture of historical substance and contemporary elements. You can recognize the origins, but you can also see the development.

• Lots of green
• View of the Wannsee
• Modern garden design

More about the Schwanenwerder story? Recommendation

History? My recommendation: Schwanenwerder, PDF Berlin.de (Download)

Townhouse with rooftop terrace in Berlin-Mitte

The townhouse combines modern architecture with timeless luxury and maximum privacy. The light-flooded rooms extend over four floors and offer individual design options – from prestigious living areas to retreats with maximum comfort. The private roof terrace crowns this unique property offer.

• Now new in Villa & Townhouse Berlin

Exclusive living on four levels

The townhouse offers spacious, open floor plans, elegant design elements and high-quality fittings. Fine materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and modern smart home technology create a living ambience of the highest standard. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place for exclusive events or relaxing evenings above the rooftops of Berlin.

• Around 400 m² living space
• Four luxurious floors
• Private rooftop terrace

Berlin-Mitte: Living in the exclusive government district

Berlin

Berlin-Mitte is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Germany and offers a unique combination of history, modernity and internationality. Between embassies, ministries and exclusive boutiques, a residential environment is emerging that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Demand for high-quality real estate is particularly high here, while supply remains very limited.

The advantages of this location

With direct access to the government district, cultural highlights and a wide range of restaurants, this location is one of the most exclusive adresses in Berlin. The combination of privacy, central location and urban lifestyle makes townhouses here particularly stable in value and attractive for investors.

• Prestigious location in the heart of Berlin
• Rooftop terrace with exclusive view
• Limited supply, high demand

Your real estate consultant for Berlin-Mitte

The purchase of an exclusive townhouse requires discreet advice, comprehensive market knowledge and individual support. As real estate consultants, we accompany you every step of the way – from initial contact to completion. Benefit from our expertise in the premium segment and discover your perfect townhouse in Berlin-Mitte.

Would you like to find out more? Write to us or give us a call:

• Contact us

Buying a townhouse in Berlin-Mitte

The townhouses on offer combine timeless architecture with state-of-the-art living comfort. With over 500 square meters of living space on five levels, they offer space for the highest demands – ideal for families, representation or art collectors. Generous window fronts, fine materials and luxurious furnishings create a unique living experience in the heart of Berlin.

• Now new in Villa & Townhouse Berlin

Luxury on five floors

The townhouses impress with their well thought-out room layout, light-flooded living areas and exclusive details. The master bedroom with a view of the greenery, elegant marble bathrooms and spacious gallery areas underline the high standards. Here, timeless elegance meets state-of-the-art furnishings.

• Over 500 m² living space
• Five luxurious floors
• More than 15 rooms

Berlin-Mitte: Living in the government district

Berlin

Berlin-Mitte is one of the most exclusive residential areas in Germany. The government district is surrounded by historic buildings, first-class restaurants and a world-class cultural scene. Demand for high-quality real estate is particularly high here – and supply is correspondingly limited.

Advantages of this location

The combination of central location, architectural quality and urban lifestyle makes townhouses in Berlin-Mitte unique. Owners benefit from high value stability and an internationally sought-after environment. Few properties offer comparable privacy with direct access to the political and cultural center of the city.

• Exclusive location in the government district
• Limited supply, high demand
• High performance and prestige

Your real estate consultant for Berlin-Mitte

Buying an exclusive property requires experience, market knowledge and discretion. As real estate consultants, we accompany you personally every step of the way – from the first meeting to the final handover. Benefit from our expertise in Berlin’s premium segment and find the perfect townhouse or villa in Berlin-Mitte.

Would you like to find out more? Write to us or give us a call:

• Contact us

Buying a villa in Munich

In the world of luxury real estate, discretion is paramount. Exposés for first-class villas (from 5 million euros) cannot be found on conventional real estate portals. Celebrities, successful business people and public figures value discretion and rely on real estate experts with an exclusive circle of buyers and carefully selected communication channels.

By the way, for sellers, I am always looking for villas in Grünwald and BOgenhausen for my clients. Contact me without obligation, back to buying in Grünwald now!

Here you will find tips & villas in Munich Grünwald.

1. Buying a villa: Tips, procedure until the keys are handed over
2. The 2 most popular districts for villa purchases
3. Purchase process, location and more

Buying a villa in Munich Grünwald: city or countryside?

Do you dream of a luxurious lifestyle with plenty of space and privacy? A villa offers you just that. You can live in a spacious property that offers all amenities. Keep in mind that the costs of buying and maintaining a villa are often considerably higher than for other types of property. A villa requires a considerable financial investment and regular maintenance to maintain its splendor.

My recommendations for you:

• Build or buy a villa?
• Buy a villa

Classic, as in the cover picture above, or modern, as here, Munich Grünwald has a variety of architectural styles.

The most popular districts

Munich has many beautiful corners, two districts are particularly sought-after by buyers of villas and if you want to live and/or invest exclusively, you should take a look at Grünwald and Bogenhausen.

Green Forest

Quasi AA-location within Munich’s A-location, Munich Grünwald. If you want to live away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still be right in the middle of it.

Bogenhausen

A little closer to the city center in the northwest, Munich-Bogenhausen.

Are you buying your first property or villa? These will be your most important steps until the keys are handed over:

Procedure: explained step by step

Buying a villa is a structured process, similar to buying a conventional house. There are various steps, ranging from budget planning to handing over the keys. Each of these steps is crucial to a successful completion.

Buying a villa – The process explained step by step:

Find the right villa: Checklist

Various factors play a decisive role when buying a villa. The location of the property, the size of the plot, the room layout, furnishings and extras as well as safety and accessibility aspects are just some of the points to consider.

• Location
• Size of the property
• Room layout
• Equipment
• Safety of the environment
• Accessibility of the villa

Buying a villa involves various cost factors that need to be taken into account. In addition to the purchase price, there are also incidental purchase costs, including estate agent’s commission, notary fees and land transfer tax. Detailed financial planning is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Purchase price and typical ancillary purchase costs: Overview

When buying a villa, costs are incurred that are made up of the purchase price for the property and the ancillary purchase costs. Here are the most important cost factors:

• Real estate transfer tax: 3.5%
• Notary fees: 1.5%
• Land register entry: 1.5 – 2.5%
• Broker commission: 7.14% depending on the purchase price

Where to buy in Munich Grünwald? Most exclusive locations

Munich Grünwald offers spacious plots, majestic avenues and prestigious estates. If you are looking for a villa in the most exclusive locations in Munich Grünwald, you will find what you are looking for in the Grunewald and Dahlem districts, among others. These districts not only offer an excellent quality of life, but also an exclusive living environment characterized by tranquillity and elegance.

Buying a villa in Munich Grünwald is not only an investment in exclusive living comfort, but also in a prestigious lifestyle. The city offers a wide range of villas in different locations, so there is something to suit every taste and requirement. Thorough planning, expert advice and transparent financing are key factors in successfuly realizing your dream of owning a villa in Munich Grünwald.

Buying a villa in Berlin: Tips & Offers

Discretion is a top priority in the world of luxury real estate. You will not find exposés of first-class villas (5 million euros and more) on conventional real estate portals. Celebrities, industrialists and public figures value discretion and therefore rely on real estate experts with an internal circle of buyers and filtered communication channels. Grunewald, Dahlem, Wannsee, Nikolassee or even city locations in Charlottenburg or Schöneberg, let’s start with the tips. In addition, my villas in Berlin, you should be looking for your option on exclusive gems in Berlin.

By the way, for sellers, I am always looking for villas in Berlin for my clients. Please contact me without obligation.

Here you will find tips & villas in Berlin.

1. Buying a villa: Tips, procedure until the keys are handed over
2. Villas in Berlin: My offers for you
3. Purchase process, districts & Co.

Buying a villa: townhouse, city villa or Berlin suburbs

Do you long for a luxurious lifestyle with plenty of space and privacy? A villa offers you just that. You can live in a spacious property that offers all amenities. However, the costs of purchase and maintenance are often considerably higher than for other types of homes. A villa requires a considerable financial investment and regular maintenance to maintain its splendor.

My guides for you:

• Build or buy a villa?
• Buy a villa

Villas in Berlin: Off Market by Lukinski

Tip! Are you looking for a villa in Berlin? Take a look at my off-market portfolio:

• Villa in Berlin

3 current examples! Villas and townhouses that might interest you:

• Villa € 3.05 million – Grunewald
• Art Nouveau villa, € 9.7 million – Nikolassee
• Townhouse € 12.41 million – City location

An insider tip in the luxury real estate market is the “off market” – an exclusive niche in which properties are traded discreetly. Here, villas are offered before they are officially listed. Prices for these exclusive properties have risen significantly in recent years due to increased demand and low interest rates. However, the market for luxury villas remains attractive.

You can find out more about our off-market properties here:

• Off Market Real Estate

Procedure: explained step by step

Buying a villa is a structured process, like a typical house purchase, which involves various steps. From the initial budget planning to the active property search to handing over the keys – every step is crucial for a successful completion.

Buying a villa – The process explained step by step:

Find the right villa: Checklist

Various factors play a decisive role when buying a villa. The location of the property, the size of the plot, the room layout, furnishings and extras as well as safety and accessibility aspects are just some of the points to consider.

• Location
• Size of the property
• Room layout
• Equipment
• Safety of the environment
• Accessibility of the villa

The purchase of a villa involves various cost factors that need to be taken into account. In addition to the purchase price, there are also incidental purchase costs, including estate agent’s commission, notary fees and land transfer tax. Detailed financial planning is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Let’s take a closer look at the individual cost items in the next step.

Purchase price and typical ancillary purchase costs: Overview

When buying a villa, costs are incurred that are made up of 1) the purchase price for the property and 2) the ancillary purchase costs. But be careful: Some of the ancillary purchase costs are the same in all federal states. The other part differs depending on the federal state in which you buy your villa. If you are working with a real estate agent, there is also the estate agent’s commission. For private purchases, this is split between the buyer and seller.

But how high are the incidental purchase costs in Berlin? Here is an overview:

• Real estate transfer tax: 6.0%
• Notary fees: 1.5%
• Land register entry: 1.5-2.5%
• Broker commission: 7.14% depending on the purchase price

Where to buy in Berlin? Most exclusive locations

Spacious plots, majestic avenues and prestigious estates make up the charm of Berlin’s most luxurious residential areas. If you are looking for a villa in Berlin’s most expensive locations, you will find it in the Grunewald and Dahlem districts, among others. These districts not only offer an excellent quality of life, but also an exclusive living environment characterized by tranquillity and elegance.

Here is a selection of the most exclusive residential areas in Berlin:

• Grunewald
• Dahlem
• Wannsee
• Weißensee
• Charlottenburg
• Schöneberg
• …

Berlin has many beautiful corners, but the hotspot is in Weißensee, Grunewald, Dahlem and Nikolassee.

Townhouse, villa in the southwest, please contact me: Contact.

Buying a villa in Berlin: This is important

Buying a villa in Berlin is not only an investment in exclusive living comfort, but also in a prestigious lifestyle. The city offers a wide range of villas in different locations, so there is something to suit every taste and requirement. Thorough planning, expert advice and transparent financing are key factors in successfuly realizing your dream of owning a villa in Germany’s capital, Berlin.

My selection: Off market luxury real estate

Here you will find an excerpt of my Berlin portfolio:

• Villa in Berlin