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Elegant white corner building with historic architecture, featuring arched ground floor entrances, decorative balconies, and a distinctive rounded corner tower, set on a tree-lined street with parked cars and cyclists

Creative financing real estate: the new norm?

The financial crisis of 2008 was a game-changer. Many countries had to reassess their mortgage approval processes. With these changes came a new attitude to property investments and, in particular, how they’re financed. This has led to a resurgence of alternative financing options as people increasingly seek out creative financing ideas. As a result, creative financing real estate is no longer a synonym for creative accounting; it’s a smart way to access the best property deals.

  • 4 min read
  • 17.01.2018
Visit Creative financing real estate: the new norm?
Aerial view of Zurich's historic city center showing luxury waterfront properties along the Limmat River, featuring traditional Swiss architecture, church spires, and high-value real estate in Switzerland's most expensive property market

Zurich real estate prices: Stable market, high demand

Zurich real estate prices continued to show a stable upward trend in 2024. As an economically important metropolis, Switzerland's largest city experiences enormous popularity, even beyond national borders. From urban flair with diverse cultural offerings and entertainment options to magnificent landscapes for recreation, the city and its surrounding canton offer something for every taste. Where does Zurich show its most beautiful side, and how are real estate prices developing? Our Market Insights Zurich provide you with insights into developments and trends!

  • 5 min read
  • 16.12.2024
Visit Zurich real estate prices: Stable market, high demand
A man in a white button-down shirt stands in a modern kitchen, reading a document while drinking coffee. His laptop is open on the counter, and natural light streams through a window, creating dramatic shadows on the grey cabinets behind him.

Investing in real estate at a young age – should you make the leap?

For many young people, owning a home continues to be a major life goal. While buying a home is of course a big emotional decision, it is also a serious financial choice and can seem like a maze of pros and cons. Will it be worth it in the long run? Should you buy now or wait? What are your options to make it a sound financial decision?

  • 3 min read
  • 04.12.2018
Visit Investing in real estate at a young age – should you make the leap?
A female real estate agent in a black blazer showing floor plans on a tablet to two clients - a woman in a light coat with a patterned scarf and a man wearing glasses - in a bright, window-lit office setting.

What does a real estate agent do?

The broker’s fee is one of the biggest cost factors arising from property sales for owners and buyers. But what does a real estate agent do for the brokers fee you pay and why does it pay off?

  • 7 min read
Visit What does a real estate agent do?
Luftaufnahme einer Stadtlandschaft mit dicht gedrängten Gebäuden, von Bäumen gesäumten Straßen und einem markanten Turm im Hintergrund unter einem teilweise bewölkten Himmel

Calculate your Hamburg property tax in a few easy steps

Hamburg has used its own property tax model since 2025. Here we explain what this means for you and how high your tax burden is likely to be, including the formula and a practical example.

  • 6 min read
  • 29.05.2026
Visit Calculate your Hamburg property tax in a few easy steps
A real estate agent in a polka dot blouse holds a tablet while showing a modern apartment to a couple wearing VR headsets. The couple holds hands while experiencing a virtual tour in a bright, open-concept living space.

Virtual property viewing

Thanks to virtual property viewings, house sales are becoming more digital: In addition to the classic viewing appointment, Engel & Völkers offers homeowners the opportunity to market their property by means of virtual property viewings. We have summarised for you below how this works, what advantages digital marketing offers and what buyers should consider when taking a virtual tour:

  • 5 min read
Visit Virtual property viewing
Two parallel rows of vacuum tube solar thermal collectors installed on dark gray roof tiles. A skylight window is visible on the left side of the collectors.

Retrofitting solar thermal energy in existing buildings

Retrofitting a solar thermal system can be environmentally friendly and also attractive from an economic point of view for property owners. Depending on the existing heating system and taking into account the local conditions, a solar thermal system actively supplements the heating or hot water supply. Due to rising energy costs, what has long been standard in new buildings also pays off when it comes to renovating old buildings. The state subsidises property owners with up to 35 per cent of the purchase price. Find out in our guide when it is feasible to retrofit a solar thermal system and what you need to consider before making the purchase.

  • 8 min read
  • 24.06.2022
Visit Retrofitting solar thermal energy in existing buildings

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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310