Immobilien AG: activities, stock exchange, conditions & advantages

A real estate stock corporation – or real estate AG for short – is a real estate company that has the legal form of a regular stock corporation (AG) and whose core business is primarily focused on the real estate sector. The company’s assets are thus used primarily – or exclusively – for real estate investments, or they consist of the construction of real estate and the subsequent sale of the same.

The largest German listed companies for residential real estate (as of 31.12.2o19):

• Vonovia
• German Housing
• LEG
• DAY
• Grand City Properties
• Adler Real Estate
• GAG

Business Activities Real Estate AG – Construction, Trading, Management & Co.

The range of activities of real estate stock corporations focuses, for example, on project development and the construction of real estate. The management and sale of real estate are also not uncommon focal points of this type of company. All in all, public limited companies can be involved in real estate trading, the brokerage of real estate as well as the holding and management of their own portfolios or offer corresponding services for non-corporate investment portfolios. Real estate stock corporations are a particularly popular choice for leasing.

Possible activities at a glance:

• Project development
  • Building
• Real Estate Trading
  • Acquisition
  • Distribution
• Real estate management
  • Hold
  • Farm
  • Rent
• Third-party services
  • Brokerage of real estate not owned by the company

Real estate company on the stock exchange – legal requirements & advantages

Real estate stock corporations can choose whether or not they want to be listed on the stock exchange. If you are a shareholder of a real estate stock corporation and decide to list your company on the stock exchange, you are subject to the German Real Estate Investment Trust Act (REIT Act). The REIT Act specifies which general regulations apply to your company and which qualifications your company must have in order to be admitted as a REIT stock corporation, as well as which tax regulations must be taken into account.

Many family businesses wishing to operate in the real estate sector as a public limited company (AG) deliberately decide against such a stock exchange listing, as the shareholders of their company are to be restricted to their own family circle of contacts and no share trading in public is envisaged.

Exchange-traded real estate stock corporation / REIT-AG

The REIT corporation is originally based on a US corporate form, namely the “Real Estate Investment Trust” – REIT for short – which gave the listed real estate corporation its name. Since its beginnings, the trust has experienced a considerable upswing. Little known in 1960, the corporate legal form slowly but steadily conquered the world in the 1990s and gained international renown. With the enactment of the REIT Act in 2007, the legal form of the REIT-AG was also introduced in Germany.

To make it easier to distinguish between them, German REITs are also often referred to as G-REITs, with the “G” standing for “Germany”. Sometimes REITs are also incorrectly translated as real estate funds in this country – however, there are some legal and economic peculiarities compared to the German legal form of the real estate fund.

Legal requirements according to REITG – stock exchange listing, quota & Co

In order for real estate stock corporations to be recognized as REIT corporations and to enjoy the corresponding advantages and benefits, they must meet a number of requirements defined in the German Real Estate Stock Corporations with Listed Shares Act (REITG). One of these rules requires that the real estate stock corporation be mandatorily listed on the stock exchange. Other restrictions relate to the company’s permitted free float – i.e. all company shares distributed among several, smaller investors – as well as the participation by shareholders together with per capita distribution of the shares. Other conditions regulate the equity capital, the fixed assets and also the turnover generated by the management of real estate.

Legal requirements for a REIT-AG:

• Headquarters & Management within Germany
• Listing on the market obligatory
• Free float at the time of listing: at least 25%.
• Free float after listing: at least 15%.
• Equity ratio: at least 45
• Real estate investments (immovable assets): at least 75%.
• Income from real estate: at least 75
• REIT participation per shareholder: max. 10%.
• Distribution ratio (net profit): at least 90%.

Small tip: For real estate stock corporations shortly before listing, a time window of two years is granted in order to fulfil all necessary requirements. Until all requirements under the REITG have been fulfilled, such a company is considered a pre-REIT.

Advantages for REIT stock corporations – tax exemption, competitive advantage & Co.

Real estate stock corporations with a stock exchange listing are particularly popular for financiers and large investors, as they are exempt from both corporation tax and trade tax, provided they meet the legal requirements in accordance with the REITG. As real estate is a particularly safe investment opportunity, it offers the chance to cushion inflationary fluctuations and risks. Furthermore, the purchase and sale of shares is simple thanks to market access, and transfers of ownership can be carried out quickly and flexibly.

Access to the capital market enables a real estate stock corporation to skilfully generate equity capital, which can then finance the investment in real estate. As a result, real estate stock corporations have a clear advantage in terms of the speed of growth of their equity, which means greater competitiveness in the market as a whole. Other legal forms of companies, on the other hand, are dependent on retaining their profits – that is, leaving the profits in the company instead of distributing them and accumulating them there – in order to increase their company’s equity capital or have no legal claim to a distribution of profits. The legal form also offers a considerable degree of security, as the equity capital accounts for just under half of the stock corporation’s total capital.

Advantages for listed real estate companies:

• No corporate income tax
• No trade tax
• Secure investment through tangible assets (real estate)
• Chance to offset inflation
• Quick & easy purchase/sale of shares
• Flexible share transfer
• Simple equity procurement
• Competitive advantage due to high growth rate
• High security due to equity ratio

Advantages for investors – Stable cash flow, growth & 90 % dividend

Another plus: the REIT corporation also offers a lucrative business for investors. Public limited companies are generally established for the long term, which means that the company can offer investors the prospect of a stable cash flow and long-term growth without exposing them to increased risk. The dividend payout is also very attractive for shareholders, with a statutory minimum requirement of 90 percent of the net profit for the year under commercial law.

Advantages for real estate AG investors:

• Stable cash flow
• Long-term corporate growth
• Low risk
• Attractive dividend payout

However, the application of the half-income method is not possible for shareholders with regard to the distribution of profits. Their profits must be fully taxed.

Real estate stock corporation / REIT-AG – For whom is it worthwhile?

Are you thinking about founding a real estate company or investing in an existing real estate company? For construction companies and development companies, this is often a lucrative venture, but also as a financier or shareholder of a real estate holding company, the formation of a real estate corporation can be quite worthwhile. Furthermore, the economic occurrence of real estate stock corporations extends to housing associations, property management companies and large brokerage firms.

Ownership of the real estate portfolio may be held either by the real estate company itself as a direct investment or by another real estate company whose shares are acquired by the real estate company by means of a participation. A mixture of direct investments and third-party investments is often used to acquire, hold or sell real estate. Due to the wide range of residential and commercial properties, the stock exchange listing is an attractive model for real estate companies.

AG: foundation, legal form, real estate shares (list)

1. Stock corporation (AG)
2. Real estate shares: List of companies
3. Real estate company
4. Alternatives to the REIT: Legal forms in Germany

Stock corporation (AG): Formation, liability, legal form & Co.

Aktiengesellschaft (AG) – The stock corporation is a German legal form founded by at least one person and organized by different bodies. Instead of a managing director, the company is managed by a board of directors consisting of at least one person. As the name already indicates, this legal form of a company primarily stands for stock trading. You would like to start a company alone or together with other people and learn more about company law forms in advance? Then you’ve come to the right place!

• Stock corporation (AG)

Real estate shares: List of companies

Real Estate Shares – Not everyone can afford real estate as a capital investment. Through real estate shares, however, everyone can participate in the real estate market and invest money. The share prices of the big players are rising year after year. Vonovia, Deutsche Wohnen, Dream Global, CBRE and Patrizia are a few of the best known active companies in Germany. In addition, there are more than 25 other companies. We have an overview of the most popular real estate stocks for you as an investor. But first a look at the risks of a stock, the stock market, for beginners and beginners. Now to the list and more on the real estate market, your investment options and all prices at a glance, here in the article on real estate stocks.

• Real Estate Stocks

Real Estate GmbH & Asset Management GmbH

Alternative – In this article you will learn the basics about real estate companies. Briefly explained, a real estate company is a company that has the purpose of leasing, developing, financing, realizing and/or marketing. It doesn’t matter if it is one or more properties. The management of residential and commercial real estate – in its own interest or as a service offered to third parties – is also a popular focus for real estate companies and asset management GmbHs. Find out more about the main advantages and disadvantages of buying real estate and the expected costs.

• Real estate company

Alternatives to the REIT: Legal forms in Germany

Legal forms – What types of company are there? If you want to start your first company, then choosing the ideal legal form is one of the first steps in the process of setting up a company. Whether it’s a special real estate company or a start-up, I’ve summarized all the types of companies in Germany for you here.

• Legal forms: List

Company types in detail:

• Sole proprietorship
• Registered businessman / registered businesswoman (e. K.)
• Civil law partnership (GbR)
• General partnership (OHG)
• Limited partnership (KG)
• Entrepreneurial company (UG)
• GmbH: Limited liability company
• Real estate GmbH / Asset management GmbH
• Stock corporation (AG)
• Societas Europaea (SE)
• Foundation / Family Foundation

Mallorca: Investment in a foreign property by the sea

Sun, wind and sea. That’s what most people think of when they hear the name Mallorca. Mallorca is the absolute favorite travel destination of the Germans. No wonder, because Mallorca has not only the famous Ballermann to offer, but also quiet, beautiful places where you can let your soul dangle. No matter in which part of Mallorca you prefer to live, with our help you will find your dream property. Not only do we recommend the best real estate portals for Mallorca, but we also show you some beautiful examples of how different life and living on Mallorca can be.

Luxury property in Mallorca

Welcome to the Germans’ favourite island. Lots of sun, relaxed people, the sea and only 1-2 hours flight from cities like Berlin, Paris and Madrid. This makes Mallorca one of the most popular regions for many from business and industry, but also for celebrities who are attracted to the island. Especially on the mainland, a little off the coast, you will find villas, fincas and condominiums of the extra class. But beware. If properties are tied up, you will quickly pay too much. Therefore, we strongly recommend working with a local real estate agent. Because in Mallorca there are also Spanish laws, from the residence obligation (subject inhabited houses) to tax issues. Therefore, before we take a look at available apartments and houses, we briefly highlight the property prices in Mallorca.

• Luxury Real Estate Mallorca

Pollensa (Pollença): Living inland

The town of Pollensa is located in the north of the beautiful island of Mallorca. When tourists spend their holidays in Mallorca and want to do more than just party, they also like to come to Pollensa to visit some sights. But which sightseeings are there in Pollensa? There is for example the Roman bridge also called “Pont Roma” and some more sights. The place itself is worth to be explored, as it is an old town and there are many winding streets. Pollensa is home to a mixture of locals and newcomers, which has created a particularly pleasant and warm atmosphere.

Pollença: Beach

Map & location: Pollença

Palma de Mallorca: Life between hustle and bustle and fun

Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island. Even in this very popular city there is no shortage of sights. However, Palma de Mallorca is famous for long party nights. Palma de Mallorca offers the perfect mix for most holidaymakers, because there are varied beautiful places, such as an old town, a port district or a city beach. But how sensible is it to invest in a property in this popular and much visited city? From Palma, you can quickly get to all the places that could be important, such as the airport or the doctor. This will benefit you as a property owner in this city. You will also never get bored here, as there are countless varied places to visit. However, if you would rather have a bit of peace and quiet and live far away from the stress of everyday life, you should not necessarily choose Palma de Mallorca as a place to live.

Palma de Mallorca: Video Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjkTvUjf0jA

Map & Location: Palma de Mallorca

Son Vida: For the rich & beautiful

Son Vida is one of the most popular residential areas on Mallorca. This town is surrounded by mountains and is located west of Palma de Mallorca. As a residential area it is particularly popular here, because on the one hand the way to the center of Palma de Mallorca, so the hustle and bustle and fun is not far and on the other hand you have the opportunity to retire here in peace and enjoy the silence. This place is also a paradise for golfers and you are quickly at the airport, in the shopping mile or on the beach.

Son Vida: Video

Map & Location: Son Vida

Calvia: Rural living (Santa Ponsa Calvià)

Those who would like to live in Mallorca, but prefer a quieter place to live, could be well served with the town of Calvia. The surroundings here are rather rural and ideal for hiking. If you are particularly fond of nature, you might be well served with the town of Calvia as a place to live. With a property in Calvia you have the possibility to retreat from the tourist hustle and bustle and enjoy the peace and quiet. However, if you feel like having a good time with lots of people, you have the possibility to go to the nearby Palma de Mallorca. Calvia offers a perfect balance and is worth considering when looking for a suitable property.

Calvià from above (video)

Map & Location: Calvià

Port d’Andratx: Life at the harbour

Port d’Andratx is a very popular place for potential property buyers. It is a beautiful harbour that has a yacht club. Visitors to the port love the direct waterfront location and the nature that surrounds the port. No matter who visits this place – All are enchanted. There are also two small beaches and the town of Andratx town is only 5 km away. Port d’Andratx is particularly popular as a place to live as there is the ideal mix of restaurants, cafes, clubs and quiet places to relax. Those looking to buy a property in this area should bear in mind that the cost of living in this location is slightly higher.

Port d’Andratx Video

Map & location: Port d’Andratx

360° view from the harbour

Investing in real estate: Mallorca

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)

House & Apartment for sale in Mallorca

From the valuation to the speculation tax. In this guide you will find all the important factors simply explained. Learn step by step the procedure in the apartment sale to be able to answer the question: Selling with or without an estate agent? The private sale of real estate involves many risks and sources of error, starting with the apartment valuation to the offer price to the individual marketing, from “advertising” to internal customer network and off market real estate sales.

• Sell apartment
• Sell house
• Sell land
• Sell property

Buying: Portals for cheap real estate

There are now so many real estate portals that broker real estate abroad, that you often do not even know which would be best suited to your own interests and requirements. These real estate portals could be interesting for you.

Immobilienscout24: The all-rounder for all aspects of real estate

Everyone has actually used Immobilienscout24 to search for a property to rent or sell. Immobilienscout24 is also suitable for the search for a property abroad. If you are looking for a property abroad in Mallorca via Immobilienscout24, then you will benefit from a large selection of filter functions and a wide range of different properties.

Porta-Mallorquina: The Mallorca Specialist

The real estate portal Porta-Mallorquina offers many different properties. From luxurious villas to smaller apartments, there is a lot on offer here. If you are not particularly familiar with Mallorca, it is helpful on this website that you can read not only a description of the property, but also a description of the location and the surroundings. So that you do not feel overwhelmed due to the abundance of offers, you can also limit your property search. You can limit the locations, the types of property, the prices and the regions according to your interests. Porta-Mallorquina is for you if you are already sure that you want to invest in a property on Mallorca. Moreover, not only do you have the option of finding a property for sale, but you can just as easily find a property to rent long term or for holidays.

Immowelt: Find a property abroad

The famous portal Immowelt offers not only properties on Mallorca, but as the name suggests, all over the world. Immowelt offers a nice overview of the most important facts about an apartment or a house. Since many properties are sold privately here, you can possibly make one or the other bargain on Immowelt. If you are not under pressure, but on the side looking for a suitable property in Mallorca, you have the opportunity to be informed by e-mail about new offers that match your interests.

Firstmallorca.com: The fast track to property in Mallorca

On the real estate portal Firstmallorca the chance is high that you will find your dream property. Here you can not only specify the type of property, the location and the price, but also activate other filters so that you get faster to the result that fits your ideas. The real estate portal values loyalty, honesty, transparency, respect and team spirit.

5 housing options in Mallorca – What suits you?

Here we have compiled the most popular residential locations on Mallorca for you. We briefly present the residences so that you can get an overview and find out in which place the purchase of a property would be the most sensible for you.

Buying property abroad: Tips

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