Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

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The world’s top 5 most exclusive ski resorts

Engel & Völkers presents this year’s ski ranking, highlighting the five most exclusive ski destinations worldwide. According to the latest survey by the globally operating real estate service provider, the most exclusive ski properties are currently found in the Swiss Alps: Gstaad in the Saanenland tops the ranking as the location with the highest real estate prices, followed by the prestigious ski resort of St. Moritz in Graubünden. Aspen, in the U.S. state of Colorado, takes third place, making it the most exclusive ski region in the Rocky Mountains. Neighboring Vail, as well as Park City in Utah, also rank among the five most sought-after winter destinations worldwide.

  • 5 min read
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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.

  • 5 min read
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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?

  • 4 min read
  • 04.07.2019
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Notarisation and handover: what happens after the purchase price has been agreed

Have you found your dream property in the Elbe suburbs or the ideal buyer for your high-quality property in Hamburg HafenCity? In order to finalise the sale after the purchase price has been agreed, the property must be notarised by a notary. The appointed notary draws up a draft purchase agreement. The buyer and seller then sign this contract at the notary appointment. Once payment has been made, the notary releases the contract and the property is handed over. What sounds so simple actually harbours one or two bureaucratic hurdles. To help you sell your property in Hamburg smoothly, we provide you with further tips for the process. You can find other guides and information about property in Hamburg along the Elbe here:

  • 2 min read
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Broker commission: Reform 2020

In May 2020, the Federal Cabinet finally discussed the reform of estate agent commission - since then, sellers and buyers have shared the costs of the estate agent when buying a property. This law rejects the so-called ordering principle. In particular, the law makes the division of the estate agent's commission between the buyer and seller of a property, which has not been uniformly regulated in Germany to date, fairer. In the following, we explain exactly what changes the reform to commission entails and why it now pays off more than ever to commission a real estate agent.

  • 6 min read
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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.

  • 7 min read
  • 27.02.2026
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Engel & Völkers Germany

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20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310