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)

Discover the world of real estate with your kids

Join Timmy and his friends on adventurous journeys that not only stimulate the imagination but also enrich the mind! Each story, whether it’s the discovery of the magical tree house or the mission to Color Island, is perfect for read-aloud time and provides a fun way for children to learn about real estate and appreciation.

Adventure and learning, with Timmy, Lea and Finn!

With colorful illustrations and engaging storylines, these books will become an essential part of any read-aloud routine! Discover the joy of reading and learning together with Timmy.

Read online now or download as an ebook and turn reading time into a magical experience! By the way, the author of the little stories is our editor Stephan. Read the books online for free or download the ebook:

• Timmy’s adventure – real estate book for children

A learning adventure full of excitement and inspiration

The stories of Timmy and his friends are more than just entertainment – they are an invitation to discover the world of real estate and investment in a playful way. The fascinating storyline encourages young readers to find creative solutions for the future and to take responsibility for their environment.

Why no nursery should be without these books

Parents watch out! The real estate adventures of Timmy, Lea and Finn are a must-have for every child’s room. Not only do they encourage little explorers’ imaginations and love of reading, they also impart valuable knowledge about real estate, sustainability and environmental protection.

Discover the magical tree house, the abandoned property or the color island and immerse yourself in an adventure full of magic and excitement!

Download the free ebook now and join Timmy, Lea and Finn on their exciting journey through the colorful world of real estate.

Tips for reading aloud: Make reading aloud a daily ritual

Here are 6 good reading tips from FIV Magazine:

1. Create a calm atmosphere
2. Find the right reading time
3. Choose suitable stories
4. Read aloud vividly
5. Interaction with the story
6. Imaginative conversations

Create a calm atmosphere

Provide a comfortable environment without distractions such as a TV or cell phone so that you can concentrate fully on your child and the story.

Find the right reading time

It is best to choose the same time every day for reading aloud. Before going to sleep is particularly good for calming down, but other times are also suitable, such as waiting times or traveling.

Choose suitable stories

Focus on your child’s interests, be it detective stories, adventure stories or non-fiction. If the child enjoys the story, they will also be more enthusiastic about reading it aloud.

Read aloud vividly

Adapt your voice and intonation to the story to make it more lively. This helps to keep your child’s attention.

Interaction with the story

Allow your child to ask questions and comment on the story. Look at the pictures in the book together and describe them.

Imaginative conversations

Discuss what you have read with your child, think about alternative endings or how the story could continue. Let your imagination run wild!

Frequently asked questions about reading aloud

From what age can I read to my child?

Reading aloud makes sense from the age of one or two. There are suitable books for different age groups, even for babies as young as 3 months.

Which books are suitable for reading aloud?

There is a wide range of books for all ages and interests, from picture books to children’s book series.

How often should I read to my child?

Ideally, reading aloud should take place daily, for at least 15 minutes.

Read & download for free!

• Timmy’s adventure – real estate book for children

These 5 factors determine the value of the apartment building

Tip in advance, I recommend my guide:

• Valuate apartment building

Decisive for the value are:

1. Real estate location (macro and micro location)
2. Property and defects (condition)
3. Types of use
4. Tenants and rental agreements
5. Potential

Quickly explained:

Real estate location: Berlin, Wuppertal or a village in the country?

Location is known to be a decisive factor in real estate valuation. Both the macro-location (regional and city-wide factors such as economic situation, infrastructure and development prospects) and the micro-location (immediate surroundings of the property, neighborhood, access to public transport) are taken into account.

Here is a quick offer check on ImmoScout24:

• Rudow, Berlin – 1,149,000 € / for 355 m² living space – A-location
• Oberbarmen, Wuppertal – 629.000 € / for 456 m² living space – B-location
• Wusterhausen/Dosse (Brandenburg) – € 128,000 for 305 m² living space – C-location

Berlin and Wusterhausen are ~ 100 km apart, the purchase price differs by a factor of ~ 10. The location has this major effect on the property value.

Want to learn more? Read my guide here:

• Real estate location

Condition of the property

The condition of the apartment building plays a key role in the valuation. Aspects such as year of construction, building fabric, need for renovation and modernization as well as energy efficiency are taken into account. A well-maintained and modernized building can have a higher value than an older property in need of renovation.

More on years of construction and defects:

• Property and defects

Types of use

The various possible uses of the apartment building also influence its value. Is it a purely residential property or are there also commercial units? Are there potential development opportunities, e.g. through conversion or extension?

Tenants and rental agreements

The quality of the tenants and the long-term stability of the rental agreements are decisive factors for the value of an apartment building. A stable tenant mix and long-term rental agreements can increase the attractiveness of the property and thus increase its value.

Potential of the apartment building / surroundings

Finally, the potential of the apartment building is taken into account. This includes possible increases in value through planned developments in the surrounding area, through modernization measures or by optimizing rental income.

Overall, determining the value of an apartment building is a complex task that requires a comprehensive analysis of various factors. A professional valuation by a surveyor or real estate expert may therefore be advisable in order to determine the realistic market value of the property.

If you would like further information on the subject of multi-family house valuation or require professional support, I will be happy to assist you. Write to me without obligation: Contact.

A little reminder, I recommend my guide:

• Valuate apartment building

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

Starbucks style: what should you look out for?

During your stay in Los Angeles, you once again realized how influential Starbucks is in the world of coffee. In Germany, Starbucks may be a popular coffee chain, but here it is in second place, as most coffee lovers are drawn to “Coffee Fellows”. What can you learn from the coffee chain to scale your own brick-and-mortar business?

When it comes to running a successful café, you can learn a lot from experts. In this article, I will share the 3 most important tips from Stefan Tewes, the founder of “Coffee Fellows”, an up-and-coming café in Germany.

The café chain has now scaled to 230 locations in Germany!

In addition to that, I will add 2 bonus tips that can help you run your own cafe and make it successful.

1st tip: Location, location, location

The importance of the right location for a café cannot be overemphasized. Stefan Tewes emphasizes that the choice of location was crucial to the success of his café. A central city location on a busy corner is an ideal starting point. This ensures good accessibility for commuters, passers-by and the local population. If your café is highly visible and easily accessible, you have already taken the first step towards success.

2nd tip: Southwest orientation

Another factor Tewes considers crucial is the orientation of your café. A south-westerly orientation can help to capture the best hours of sunshine of the day. This creates a pleasant atmosphere for your guests and can also help to reduce energy costs. A cozy ambience combined with sunlight can boost customer loyalty and make your café a popular meeting place.

3rd tip: Tourists in the vicinity

The presence of tourists can have a significant impact on the success of your café. Tourists staying near your location, for example through hotels, are often looking for cozy places to drink coffee and relax. This provides an ideal opportunity to generate additional sales and attract an international clientele.

Podcast episode with Stefan Tewes

2 bonus tips for your successful café

4th tip: Outdoor terrace for summer season

If your café has an outdoor terrace, this can be a big draw for guests in the warmer months. Make sure the terrace is well designed and comfortable, with plenty of seating and sun protection for sunny days. This creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that customers will enjoy.

5th tip: Immediate accessibility

The accessibility of your café is an important aspect. Make sure your café is easily accessible, especially for people with reduced mobility. A barrier-free entrance design and elevators, if the café is located in a multi-storey building, are crucial to appeal to a wide range of customers.

You should remember that

Running a successful café requires dedication, planning and the implementation of proven strategies. The tips we’ve discussed in this article can make all the difference:

1. The right location: Think carefully about where you want to open your café. A central location on a busy corner can be the key to success.
2. South-west orientation: use the sunlight to create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests and reduce energy costs.
3. Tourists nearby: If you are close to tourist attractions, you can benefit from an international audience.

In addition to these tips, we have two bonus tips for you:

4. Outdoor terrace in the summer season: A well-designed outdoor terrace can be a magnet for guests in the warmer months.
5. Immediate accessibility: Make sure your café is easily accessible for everyone to appeal to a wide range of customers.

Remember that the road to success is not always easy, but with passion, determination and the right knowledge, you too can run a thriving café. Be creative, adapt to the needs of your target group and never give up. Your dream of owning your own café can become a reality, and we hope these tips will help you on your way to success!