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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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Vacation Homes Mexico: Your dream property under the Mexican sun

Mexico is increasingly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for investors looking to acquire vacation homes Mexico as a second residence or profitable investment. With its cultural diversity, stunning beaches, and attractive real estate market, the country offers ideal conditions for purchasing property. This comprehensive guide informs you about everything you need to know about vacation homes for sale in Mexico.

  • 5 min read
  • 23.09.2025
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Best ways to finance your home

Who wants to pay rent when financing a property is so cheap at the moment? The low construction interest rates make buying a house or a flat particularly attractive at the moment. However, there are many things to consider when financing - for example, interest rates are very likely to rise again in the next few years. That's why comparing different financial service providers can save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to real estate financing.

  • 4 min read
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What is a land register and what is a land register entry?

When buying a house, the land register entry offers optimal security, because it is almost like a biography of the house. The land register contains information on the origins, the owners and the Real estate financing. The land register entry is reliable and shows ownership of a property in a legally binding form.

  • 4 min read
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Buy a holiday home with Engel & Völkers

Whether it’s a holiday home, weekend retreat, or investment property – what really matters when buying a holiday property.

  • 4 min read
  • 10.08.2026
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Financing your second investment property

Buying a second property is a goal for many capital investors and prudent families. Perhaps you’re considering a weekend getaway, looking for a future retirement property, wanting to size up and rent your current home, or thinking about an investment to pass on to your children. Whatever your reason, you’ll need a solid financial plan.

  • 4 min read
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Your guide to student accommodation investment

The student housing market is heating up in german university towns, with investors racing to finance new purpose-built developments. If you’re interested in a high-yield student accommodation investment, here are a few considerations.

  • 4 min read
  • 26.10.2018
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Agreement on the Building Energy Act: What will be important for Hamburg property owners

As one of the most polarising topics in the political discourse, the amendment to the Building Energy Act energy law is also occupying the owners of houses, flats and other properties in Hamburg Obligation to retrofit for older heating systems in favour of the heating transition in Germany was debated in the media and in public, and it took a long time for the coalition parties to reach a consensus. In mid-June 2023, an internal government Agreement has now been reached, which is considered a promising basis for adoption in the Bundestag. In this article, your estate agent for the north-east of Hamburg, Engel & Völkers Alstertal, would like to summarise for you the changes that the so-called "Heating Act" will bring for owners of houses and flats and why this is particularly important in Hamburg can be expected to be implemented more quickly than at federal level. Find out more now!

  • 3 min read
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Yield and factor - how can you recognise a worthwhile investment?

The two main indicators for an investment in a residential and commercial building are the yield on the one hand and the factor on the other. To calculate the Return (gross yield), the annual net cold rent is divided by the purchase price. This guideline value provides an initial point of reference for sounding out the available properties on the market and comparing them with each other. However, it should be borne in mind that this figure does not include non-apportionable operating costs or maintenance and refurbishment costs.

  • 3 min read
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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310