What is important when offering a commercial property

Good real estate agents not only find a solvent buyer promptly, but also support you in selling the property for business according to its circumstances and possibilities. Viewing appointments are arranged, coordinated and carried out professionally.

To expedite the sale and give you confidence in selecting a contractor and new owner, we check the creditworthiness of prospective buyers and obtain a concept for financing. Before an experienced commercial real estate broker makes a recommendation and suggests a buyer to you, he has obtained all the necessary checks on solvency, secure financing and customer-specific facts.

You are relieved of the entire preparation and sales phase, so that you can take care of your core business and safely outsource the brokerage.

Broker tasks in commercial real estate sales

You want to sell a house or an apartment, have no experience in the real estate market and want to avoid mistakes at all costs? Then you are well advised with the comprehensive services of a real estate agent and simplify the time-consuming and complex sale of your residential property. When you hire an agent, you don’t have to factor the sale of your property into your schedule, as all tasks are handled directly by your real estate agent and carried out in your best interest.

Basically, a real estate agent fulfils all tasks that are important before and during the sales and rental phase. He creates an exposé, determines the market value of your property, advertises your property and is then the interface between you and interested parties. While the creation and publication of an advertisement is a time-consuming but unique task, answering customer enquiries is part of the daily business of an estate agent.

Here you can find more information about the:

• Tasks of a broker

Commission for the broker: The most important regulations

More than 80 percent of all properties for sale or rent are brokered. This means that the owner commissions a real estate agent to advertise the offer and to carry out all tasks up to the conclusion of the contract on his behalf. Professional brokerage is a service that is agreed between the client and the real estate agent. After the service has been rendered, a commission, the so-called brokerage fee, is due.

Who pays the commission depends on the type of commission and the reason for the commission. If you sell your property through an estate agent, the buyer usually pays. In the case of lettings, the buyer principle has applied since 2015, so that the invoice recipient and commission payer is identical to the person who has commissioned a brokerage service.

Here you can find more information about the:

• Broker commission

Selling commercial property? Procedure, taxes & Co.

Selling commercial real estate is a complex, time-consuming task that requires expertise. Without the necessary know-how and experience in commercial property sales, mistakes are bound to happen. If the asking price is disproportionately high, you will receive few enquiries and have to be prepared for a lengthy sales process. If the price is too low, you will lose money and be dissatisfied with the sale.

Sell privately?! Avoid mistakes

Rely on experts who are experienced in the sale of commercial properties and who know what is important in the preparation of an offer, in the determination of the price and in the conversation with interested parties. Dedicate yourself to your daily tasks and choose to have your property for commercial sold professionally. Avoid making mistakes when selling real estate.

Valuation and offer price

You want to sell your property? For the successful and profitable sale of a property, a well-founded and realistic valuation is always the first step. This ultimately determines the sales price to be set. In the next step, real estate agents bring your property to solvent interested parties, here it is not only about real estate portals and marketing, also the property valuation(house valuation / apartment valuation), credit check of potential buyers, viewing appointments and negotiations are the task of the broker, up to the purchase contract, the notary appointment and tax issues. Get to know the matter of selling real estate here in the guide. Simply explained, step by step!

• Sell property

Commercial property: special case

Selling commercial property is always a special case, compared to the typical apartment or single-family home. For example, the sale of hotels and entire shopping centers, with underground parking as an extra.

Sell hotel property

Many questions also reach us specifically on the topic of selling hotels. Therefore, we have summarized the topic here once again in more detail for our readers. Especially for those who are selling a hotel for the first time, or the very first property.

Hotels have a few special parameters, for example in the valuation. Just as with commercial real estate in general, it is not only about the substance but also about the potential of the property, from the state of renovation to the location of the hotel. In very simple terms, how much will the commercial property, or in this special case the hotel, generate in the next five years? Very simply put. The valuation of the hotel is therefore much more complex.

Read more here in the small guide on the subject:

• Sell hotel

Sell mall

Shopping mall selling – Shopping behavior is changing. More and more people order items, no matter if clothes, accessories, furniture or even other knick-knacks on the internet, on online shops. Inner cities, the most expensive shopping streets, but also life in small towns is changing. Accordingly, the fluctuation in shopping centers is just as, smaller and smaller. If you are in the unfavourable situation of thinking about selling your property or shopping centre, you can find the first information here.

• Sell mall

Reaching the goal with the needs and investment analysis

Like private real estate, the price of commercial real estate has risen significantly in recent years. In view of the capital value development, it can be assumed that prices will continue to rise. We recommend a comprehensive needs and investment analysis in preparation for the purchase of commercial real estate:

• What type of commercial property is being considered. What is it needed for?
• What are the requirements for the property and what characteristics must it have?
• What is the available budget?

Site selection: Decisive for success

Which location is ideal for the company? What benefits can and should the new location bring to the firm? If you operate a law firm and clients call on you, ample parking might be required in a downtown location. In suburban areas, good access to public transportation may be required. If you sell products to your customers, having a storefront in a pedestrian area can be critical to success. If you only need a warehouse, the commercial property may well be purchased in convenient city locations.

For manufacturing companies that receive regular deliveries and deliveries, good transport connections are crucial. Driving bans may be issued for journeys through residential areas. Also consider any weight and height restrictions on vehicles if, for example, bridges have to be passed on the approach. There must be sufficient space on and around the site for turning. Parking spaces for employees must also be planned for.

Buying or renting: Which is more worth it? – Video

In this video from financial flow (Youtube), the interesting question is asked: Buy or Rent? A key question for those buying their first commercial property. By the way, you can also find more tips on buying here:

• Buy a house
• Buy a condominium

Tip. Buy and rent in one:

• Buy apartment house

Deciding on the right object

We support you in narrowing down the offers. Our experience across all industries ensures you the best possible location for your company, practice or law firm. We not only identify the requirements of the property, but also evaluate this from a professional perspective. As an experienced broker, we realistically assess the potential of the properties on offer.

Check legal aspects

Look very carefully at the property’s use permissions. This can result in considerable restrictions on use. For example, it is forbidden to set up a production business in a business premises. The entitlement to use the property as a commercial property results from the planning permission, but this can be changed under certain circumstances. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the construction method, building permit and the right of use of commercial properties.

The ideal commercial property fits the requirements of your company in terms of its floor space layout, statics, lighting and room height. Is the available office space, storage space and sales space sufficient in the long term? Can production be accommodated in the premises?

In addition, there are the calculations for room height, statics and floor load-bearing capacity if heavier machines are used in production. The supply of water, electricity, including high-voltage connections, must be secured, as must heating systems, sanitary facilities and parking facilities for customers and employees. If important conversions are necessary after the purchase, this not only costs money but also time and delays the start of the operational activity.

Assessing the potential

We assess the potential of your future commercial property. Avoid bad investments, expensive conversions and lengthy legal disputes. Good real estate agents prepare a fair market value appraisal for the commercial property and advise you with industry knowledge on the requirements and legal specifications for your company. Together we will consider exactly what criteria the new company building needs to meet, and then find the best deals on the market for you.

Outdoor advertising and customer stoppers

In principle, every entrepreneur has the right to advertise publicly in order to draw attention to himself. Customer stoppers, which are large poster holders that draw attention to special offers, are not only part of the business in pedestrian zones. However, an official permit is usually required for setting up these customer stoppers. If the public street space is used for business purposes, a special use permit must be applied for. The public order office is responsible for issuing the permit.

Public traffic space includes not only roads, but also other paths and places used by the general public, such as pedestrians and cyclists. As soon as this is to be used by the company, an official permit is required. We will be happy to check for you to what extent the chosen object meets your requirements. If you wish, we will be happy to apply for the necessary permits and licences for you as a precaution.

Who needs a restaurant license?

Is your own restaurant or café a long-cherished dream? Before pizza, kebab, steak or café latte are served to the customer, the targeted commercial property has to face some questions. In order to operate a restaurant, a corresponding permit must be obtained from the responsible authority – in official German, this is the restaurant license. This is the first step in proving personal and professional suitability. At the same time, it must also be proven that the commercial premises are suitable for a restaurant. The latter is proven with the floor plan, which shows that the commercial building has sufficient space, parking, kitchen and sanitary facilities.

Use of the pavement by your company

In the catering business especially in demand, are the outdoor seats of the commercial property. In summer, pizza, coffee and snacks are preferably served outdoors. Walk-in customers are to be attracted by the inviting outdoor decoration. A special use permit is required for advertising, assortment and outdoor seating on the sidewalk. We will review and assess which commercial properties are appropriate for your project.

When granting permission, the authority generally weighs up the width of the footpath and the existing open spaces. A minimum width must remain for pedestrians. The requirements vary depending on the municipality. We check for you whether the public order office approves the planned use.

In any case, a special use for the sidewalk must be applied for. Advertising signs, tables and chairs do not count as so-called public use. Therefore – even with sufficient width – a special use must always be applied for.

KfW promotional programmes for companies

As a state development bank, KfW Bank grants loans to the liberal professions, SMEs and start-ups. Low interest rates, grace years and long terms are tailored to the needs of companies. In addition to the KfW promotional loan, companies can also obtain the ERP Start-up Loan for low-interest financing.

A start-up grant is paid by the employment office. Other funding options include KfW Startgeld and ERP capital for start-ups and companies that have been in existence for less than three years.

Sell commercial property

You want to buy one property and sell another and are looking for a partner to carry out the sale for you? Commercial property sales involve large sums of money and the greatest expertise in vetting the potential buyer. What type of business is the property suitable for? Is it a property in a commercial area or are you offering a property in mixed use areas? What land value can be achieved and at what price per square metre are similar commercial properties in your location selling? These are all questions that can only be answered by a detailed analysis in commercial property sales.

• Sell commercial property

Holiday home and apartment: additional costs, location & taxes

Modern property in the countryside or in holiday areas are often on offer. The perfect properties for those who want a quiet retreat. However, such an investment is by no means cheap and finding the right property is not easy. In addition, you should consider a few things before you decide to buy.

Prices of €200,000 to €300,000 are quite common for smaller properties of 40 to 50 square metres of living space.

If you want a luxury property, you have to pay a lot more. Depending on the area, prices naturally differ and properties vary. Whether abroad or at home, before you acquire a second residence, you should clarify important points.

Investing in real estate: France

Living and working abroad is a very memorable experience, professionally, personally, culturally and of course financially. In this free guide, you’ll get investment tips for all the major cities in Europe, America and Asia, from New York to London to Paris.

• Investing abroad: Real estate (external)

Incidental purchase costs: What do you have to pay?

When buying a holiday home, you have to expect similar ancillary costs as with a normal house purchase. Depending on the property, renovation costs may be added to the purchase price first and foremost, as most properties need a little new paint, possibly a new kitchen or bathroom.

Looking for inspiration? In the FIV Magazine you will find tips for living room, kitchen, bathroom & Co (external): Furnishing.

The furnishing of the house is also added to the new construction. Your holiday home also needs to be furnished, because you want to feel comfortable in your place to relax. Apart from these additional costs, there are also costs for the interest.

Financing a holiday home with a real estate loan

If you take out a loan to finance your holiday home, you will usually only get one with high interest rates for such a project. So compare different lenders and check where you are offered the best interest rates. Of course, you will also have to pay, for example, the land transfer tax or the notary.

Buying property abroad in Europe

• New York, LA, London & Co: Luxury Real Estate
• Foreign property France
• Foreign property Spain
• Foreign property Mallorca

Location and property prices

Depending on the location in which you are looking for a house, the real estate prices are cheaper or more expensive. So think carefully in advance about how much space you need in a holiday home and look explicitly only for houses that really meet your size requirements.

Houses that are too big will only make more work for you and drive up the price unnecessarily. Also consider where your holiday home should be located, because the location can also make a lot of difference to the price.

Example: Romantic holiday home by the sea, near Hamburg.

Winter garden and idyllic summer nights:

Taxes: Tourist tax holiday residence (second home tax)

Depending on the municipality in which your holiday home is located, the municipality may charge a so-called second home tax, which is usually around 10 percent of the annual rent.

Secondary residence tax approx. 10 % of the annual cold rent

Allotments with gazebo?

However, owners of allotment gardens with a gazebo are not affected by this regulation as long as the gazebo does not exceed a size of 24 square metres and the premises are not used for permanent living.

Real estate in holiday areas

For real estate in holiday areas, resort taxes are also due. Again, there is an exception for allotment gardens, these spa taxes are only required if a water and electricity connection is available and thus makes the gazebo a property.

Lease, right of termination and technical equipment

Who shies away from these costs, however, there are still other possibilities to get a holiday home. A property could be leased, but there is the risk that the homeowner insists on his right of termination and you can be terminated. The dream of a holiday home is then quickly over.

Of course, you can also build a holiday home yourself. Here, the costs for the land and a building permit are added. In addition, there is a building ban in some holiday areas, for example in flood protection areas. In addition, it must be noted that possible costs for water and electricity connections are added, which must be laid to the construction site.

Real estate transfer tax on the purchase of real estate

When you buy a holiday home, or more precisely a plot of land or part of a plot of land, you pay land transfer tax. The amount of the tax is determined by the individual federal states. As a rule, the real estate transfer tax ranges between 3.5 percent and 6.5 percent. You can find the current real estate transfer tax rate here, with example purchase prices of 1 – 5 million euros:

• Real estate transfer tax table

Holiday home abroad: special regulations & legal situation

Buying a holiday home abroad can quickly turn out to be more difficult than you think and you should be clear about the legal situation of the country before you make a decision. Abroad, some completely different rules than in Germany and blanket guidelines are not possible, because it varies from country to country. Depending on the situation of the country, there are different regulations that you must observe.

Mallorca: #1 for holiday homes in Germany

Exclusive luxury property for sale in Mallorca:

Small, green oasis with fireplace in the backyard.

Purchase contract: Written form & notary are obligatory

Probably the most important thing is that you never buy a property without a written and notarized purchase contract. With a purchase contract you are always on the right side and protected. In Spain, a verbal commitment is usually sufficient to achieve legally binding effects. In Turkey the transfer of ownership on a piece of paper is sufficient. And although other regulations are often customary abroad, you should still insist on the written contract.

Dedication: What does that mean?

In some countries, the use of the property as a holiday home requires a specific dedication. Check before you buy whether such a regulation has been included in the contract, so that you can use the property properly later. You should also check whether you, as a foreigner, can expect to own real estate in the desired country / area at all or whether you are not entitled to do so. Here, too, there are different regulations depending on the country.

Regulations on coastal protection, inheritance law and planning permission

When buying abroad, you should also pay attention to existing regulations on coastal protection, inheritance law or rights of way.

Many houses or apartment complexes have been built without planning permission or in coastal protection zones and can therefore be demolished at any time by a government order. Properties are also often of dubious construction quality or built illegally, which puts your protection at risk.

So when buying a property, ask to see all the necessary documents and insist on planning permission. A cadastre is also important to delineate what the property includes. In some countries, only rough indications have been made here and there is no legal certainty for you.

Europe: France, Italy, Turkey & Co.

Holiday home in Istanbul:

Exclusive furnishings in Kartepe.

Relaxing above the rooftops of the city.

Rent out a second home as a holiday home: Tips & Tricks

Many people buy a holiday home under the assumption that they will also rent it out if the property is not being used themselves. Not a bad idea, because a little extra income is actually always quite good. However, if you want to rent out your property, there are a few things you need to consider.

Good location generates interest

For example, location is very important.

Holidaymakers want central holiday apartments.

For example, close to the beach or just downtown. They usually want to see the place and not just stay in the apartment all day. An attractive location is therefore the key to successfuly rent out your property and also to be able to charge a good price for it. The better the location, the higher the price you can charge.

Attractive equipment

In addition, your property must have some equipment to be attractive for guests. Sufficient bedrooms, possibly a sofa bed to create more sleeping possibilities, a good kitchen with modern appliances and entertainment program, such as TV or Wi-Fi.

Your property should leave nothing to be desired and offer your guests everything they need on holiday. Bed linen, towels and a well-equipped kitchen are just as important as tips for great excursions and restaurants nearby and cleanliness on arrival. Special features such as a rooftop terrace or a pool will add tremendous value to your property.

Buy and rent

The real estate market is booming, everyone wants to get a piece of the pie. They also know that if you’re smart about it, you can get really rich with real estate investing. But how do you get started? How do you get there, buy your first apartment and rent it out? You can find out here, from real estate investor Alex Fischer:

• Buy and rent (external)

Viewing appointment: convince seller / broker

You have been looking for a new property for a long time. Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne or Munich, a house for the family because the apartment is simply too small for everyone, a new apartment because you want to move in with your partner or simply a move to a new city. When looking for an apartment, you always come to one point – the viewing appointment. For many an exciting appointment, because you can now see the property in real life, which you have only seen on pictures until then, but for others also a stressful appointment, where you meet other co-interested parties, the landlord or the agent.

• Do you need to bring documentation?
• What is your best course of action?
• How do you make the perfect first impression to actually get the property of your dreams?

In order to avoid making mistakes that in retrospect will be your undoing, there are a few things to keep in mind. From the important first impression at the viewing appointment, to the good organization of all documents. So that you don’t forget anything and can soon move into your dream property, here are the 11 most important tips.

• Viewing appointment

Buying a weekend home: Get out of the daily grind

Buying a weekend house – A weekend house can be used in a very diverse way. You can spend your free time and holidays there. In addition, it is possible to rent out the weekend house and thus generate additional income. Weekend houses are quite often on offer in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. There are many beautiful regions in the federal states that are very popular with the people who live there.

Some weekend homes are located in popular holiday regions. Others are considered more of an insider tip and are hidden away on the edge of the mountains, near the Main River or in the middle of nature. If you want to buy a weekend house, you can choose whether you prefer nature, water or mountains. Decide on a location that you individually prefer. Weekend homes are not designed for residential purposes. They are for recreational purposes. For this reason, it is important that you feel comfortable in the area. If you are planning a rental, you should find out which locations are particularly popular. We will be happy to assist you in this and offer you weekend houses that exactly meet your individual requirements.

• Buy weekend house

Buy a farm: Country house in the green

Buying a farm – The decision to buy a farm is made by families as well as couples or singles in middle or older age, who want to change and appreciate the individual form of living in the midst of nature. We offer you farms in attractive rural locations.

Buying your own farm as a permanent residence or as a weekend home. You need to decide if you want to buy a property in need of renovation. These farms can often be purchased at a very reasonable price. Alternatively, there are properties that have already been refurbished by their previous owner and are in a modern and very good condition. These farms are usually ready for immediate occupation. However, you will have to expect a higher purchase price. This is especially true if the farm is in a very central location with a good infrastructure.

• Buy farm

Buying property abroad: Tips

• New York, LA, London & Co: Luxury Real Estate
• Real estate agent
• Foreign property France
• Foreign property Italy
• Foreign property Spain
• Foreign property Mallorca
• Luxury Real Estate Mallorca
• Off market – especially in hot real estate markets

Buying real estate: Tips from the investor (external)

Buying real estate but also investing in real estate requires a lot of knowledge and expertise. The best way to learn is to draw from the experience of professionals. Therefore, in conclusion, a recommendation for real estate beginners.

Newcomer Tips + Germany Comparison: Buying Real Estate

External guide (link opens in new tab):

• First property purchase
• Buying real estate: What to look out for?
• Buying mistakes
• Save taxes with real estate

Comparison of cities: Purchase prices in Germany (external)

In these individual guides to the major German cities are the important districts for real estate buyers, information on the infrastructure, as well as prerequisites for the purchase such as income, creditworthiness (credit rating), banks and equity. But much more important: mistakes, risks, rental yields and more. What is decisive for the purchase price and the valuation? Everything about location, building fabric, renovations, equipment and all that, free of charge.

External guides (link opens in new tab)

City / Purchase Price Current:

• Munich ~ 8,993 Euro / m²
• Frankfurt ~ 6,701 Euro / m²
• Stuttgart ~ 6,324 Euro / m²
• Berlin ~ 5,578 Euro / m²
• Hamburg ~ 5,507 Euro / m²
• Düsseldorf / Cologne ~ 5,470 Euro / m²

Overview of the bicycle cellar

• Serves bicycle storage in apartment buildings
• Mostly door to outside available
• Parking space is compulsory
• English : bicycle storage

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Residential Rights at a Glance: The personal use of a building

• Entitlement of the holder of the right of residence to make personal use of a building or part of a building
• Entitled only to reside, and not to engage in commercial activities
• Required: notarised agreement between land owner and purchaser and an entry in the land register

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