Should I buy or rent a home in Germany?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Germany, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"I purchased an apartment over 20 years ago. It is not much different that the process involved in purchasing in the U.S," wrote a member who made the move to Friedrichsdorf, Germany.
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"It all depends on your individual needs and budget, as both buying and renting a home in Germany have pros and cons for different situations. If you plan on staying in Germany for an extended period of time, have the means to purchase a home, and want to build equity, then buying a home may be the best route for you. On the other hand, if you have more temporary plans, need more mobility and flexibility, and have a limited budget, renting may be the best option. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but it is important to carefully consider all the factors before making a decision," explained one expat living in Germany.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Germany?
- How do I meet people in Germany?
- What is life like in Germany?
- Is there a lot of crime in Germany?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Germany accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Germany like?
- Is the cost of living in Germany high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Germany?
- What are healthcare services like in Germany?
- Is the cost of living in Germany high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Germany?
- What is the weather like in Germany?
- Are there good restaurants in Germany?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Germany?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Germany?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Germany?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Germany?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Germany?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Should I buy or rent a home in Germany?
If you live in Germany, newcomers to Germany would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.