Traditional white clapboard colonial house with black shutters, front porch, dormer windows, surrounded by mature shade trees, blooming blue hydrangea bushes, manicured lawn, and white picket fence under blue sky

The US real estate market: Comprehensive guide for buyers

The US real estate market offers buyers attractive investment opportunities, from vacation homes in Florida to luxury villas for sale in Los Angeles. This comprehensive guide provides you with current US property prices, the best regions, and all important legal aspects for a successful real estate investment in the United States.

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Buying a second home as capital investment

According to the German newspaper Die Welt, more and more properties serve as direct capital investment. Most German buyers purchase locally for this purpose. But buying a second property also has other benefits. Apart from it serving as a long-term capital investment, many middle income buyers also see a second home as an immediate source of income. Three out of four holiday home owners buy with the intent to let their second home temporarily or permanently.

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Real estate speculation tax: Deadlines, rates & tax-optimization

Selling a property can be a significant financial milestone, yet the tax implications often catch sellers off guard. In Germany, the speculation tax on real estate (Spekulationssteuer) is a critical factor for any private seller. If you divest a property within the statutory speculation period and realize a profit, that gain may be subject to taxation.

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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?

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Skilful commuting: Buying a flat in Hamburg as an alternative to inefficient hotel bills

For employees who regularly have to travel long distances to work, staying overnight at their place of work during the week is a convenient option. Hamburg city centre is a typical example: numerous hotels here offer permanent accommodation for commuters. The monthly amounts paid for the hotel stay can be invested much more sustainably: On closer inspection, buying a condominium at the place of work is the much more sensible option. Find out from your real estate agent Engel & Völkers Hamburg Elbe why home ownership quickly pays off for commuters.

Elegant French villa with cream stone facade and traditional shutters nestled among blooming purple lavender fields, mature plane trees, cypress trees, and golden sunset lighting in Provence countryside

Buying a house in France as a foreigner

Whether for a luxury escape, an eventual retirement destination or just a change of scene, buying a house in France is a dream for many. With plenty of cities to choose from, each with their own character, and swathes of beautiful countryside too, there’s the potential for everyone to find their niche in France. So what should you consider before relocating and buying a house in France?

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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310