Two real estate professionals in business attire reviewing content on a laptop in a bright office space. A man wearing glasses and a dark blazer points at the screen while a woman in a black dress looks on attentively. City buildings are visible through the window in the background.

Real estate commission – Everything you need to know about brokerage fees 2026

The real estate commission—also known as the brokerage fee or agent’s fee—is the compensation for the intermediary or proof-of-opportunity services provided by a real estate agent. Anyone looking to buy or sell property will quickly face these core questions: Who pays the agent when selling a house? How high are the fees when buying? And when is the payment due—after the notary appointment or earlier?

Cobblestone street with cafés and timber-framed homes in Harburg’s old town – attractive residential and mixed-use location

Jork - the paradise in the Old Land

Less than 35 kilometers separate Jork in Lower Saxony from Hamburg city center. Between Stade and Hamburg Harburg, the small municipality with just over 12,000 inhabitants is picturesquely situated on the southern bank of the Elbe. Covering an impressive 62.26 square kilometers, the heart of the Altes Land offers plenty of space for fruit trees, but also for families, couples or singles and their properties. The romantic village has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. At first glance, time seems to have stood still a little in Jork. Charming half-timbered houses adorn the center of Jork and the banks of the Elbe as well as the various districts along the Este. There are no traffic jams or dense population in Jork. As the center of the largest fruit-growing region in Europe, Jork consists of seemingly endless rows of fruit trees. There are said to be around 20,000,000 trees that produce the famous apples as well as other trees that bear delicious fruit. The seven districts are generously spread out in between, where it is still possible to live comfortably and with plenty of open space.

Panoramic view of Kiel with a cruise ship docked, historic buildings, and a green-roofed church spire under a clear blue sky.

Standard land value in Kiel

If you want to find out about land prices in the various locations in the city, the standard land value for Kiel is a good guide. The digital standard land value map shows the different standard land value zones can be viewed. This gives property sellers and prospective buyers an initial impression of the different land prices with the help of the standard land value in Kiel. As the standard land value always refers to a reference property of a certain size, the stated standard land value for another property must be converted accordingly.

Bird's-eye view of a city with many buildings. On the left, you can see water with a stretch of beach and a row of green trees.

What is the local comparable rent based on?

The local comparative rent is formed from the usual rents of the municipality (or a comparable municipality). The living space must be comparable in terms of type, size, equipment, quality and location. The period under consideration for the local comparable rent is four years. Increases due to increases in operating costs are not taken into account.

Traditional Alpine chalet with wooden construction and flower boxes perched on hillside surrounded by vibrant yellow wildflowers, overlooking dramatic snow-capped mountain peaks and green valley under clear blue sky

Yield calculation for holiday properties

Holiday properties are attractive capital investments that have become very popular. Ideal for partial owner-occupation, as a retirement property or financial provision in old age, holiday properties are usually more suitable than many other financial investments. An accurate yield calculation for holiday properties is necessary, however, because not every in-demand holiday property is equally lucrative as an investment. Apart from the location, amenities and size of the holiday properties, investors are therefore primarily interested in the financial aspects of the investment. How much return can you achieve with a holiday property? We show you what options there are for calculating the return on a holiday property and how you can determine it yourself.

On the left is a mint green sofa with a blanket and round cushion. Next to it, a light-coloured door leads to the dining room with a dark wooden table and chairs. On the right of the picture is a black piano.

Buying a Holiday Home: Prices and Information on Destinations in Germany

Holidays can be effortless when you can pack your bags without worrying about luggage weight. Instead of bringing everything with you for every trip, owning a holiday apartment means most of your essentials are already there. By purchasing a holiday home or apartment, you gain a second home for vacations or weekend getaways. This convenience is a key reason why holiday apartments for sale in Germany are so popular. Many buyers also opt for houses, ranging from cozy bungalows and single-family homes to spacious chalets.

Traditional Italian villa with terracotta roof tiles and white facade featuring swimming pool with sun loungers, outdoor umbrellas, tall cypress trees, surrounded by rolling vineyard hills and golden countryside under warm evening light

Countries offering a second citizenship by investment

Have you always wanted the freedom of movement, added security and financial benefits of a second or third passport? There’s a growing number of countries offering a program of second citizenship by investment, ranging from idyllic Caribbean islands to prime European destinations. Here’s a look at the options for real estate investment for aspiring global citizens.

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.

Why more people are renting for retirement

You worked hard to buy your home and now it's time it worked for you. Around the world, people are questioning the conventional wisdom behind owning their home after retirement and are opting to sell up and rent instead. 

Elegant living room in a period building featuring elaborate stucco ceiling, tall French windows with city views, a modern white L-shaped sofa, black coffee table, flat-screen TV, cream carpet, and decorative plants creating a blend of classical and contemporary design

Residential real estate market report 2024/2025 in Halle (Saale)

With our Residential real estate market report Halle 2024/2025 you can expect not only a comprehensive insight into the most important and popular residential locations, but also the development of their prices and important information about Halle (Saale) as part of the metropolitan region of Central Germany.

Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Professional in a gray suit and white shirt smiling confidently while holding a smartphone, standing in front of classical white buildings with arched windows and elegant architectural details.
Professional woman in a beige business suit and white blouse walking confidently in an urban environment, with wind-swept hair and carrying a leather portfolio, against a blurred city background.

Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310