Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

Buyer

Rolling hills in Tuscany at sunrise, with soft light illuminating a farmhouse surrounded by cypress trees and lush fields.

A second home in southern Europe

Good reasons for having a second home in Bella Italia or lively Spain. The warm climate, only a few days of rain each year, and fresh Mediterranean air right on your doorstep! All of this is possible in Spain and Italy. Characterised by millennia-old culture, impulsive cities and internationally renowned cuisine, these two countries are ideal if you are looking for a holiday home abroad. In this article, you can find out which regions are most popular and where to invest in a second home. You will also learn about the regulations and requirements that apply when buying property in Spain or Italy.

  • 4 min read
  • 14.11.2017
Visit A second home in southern Europe
A bright and inviting living room with a gray sofa, wooden furniture, and a variety of potted plants. A hanging plant in the foreground adds depth, while bookshelves and natural light from the window create a warm, homely atmosphere.

Rent increases and rent overcharges in Essen: What you should know

Property in Essen will continue to be in demand in 2023 due to the numerous qualities that residents and newcomers to the Ruhr metropolis benefit from. While purchase prices in Essen are currently stable, rental prices have risen significantly compared to recent years, which puts property owners who want to rent or sell their house or flat in a good starting position. Are you currently looking for a rental flat or do you want to let a property in Essen and would like to find out more about the possibilities of a rent increase in this context? In this article, real estate agent Engel & Völkers Essen explains the cases in which owners can increase rents, what rent caps there are and when a new letting constitutes a rent increase or rent usury

  • 4 min read
Visit Rent increases and rent overcharges in Essen: What you should know
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.

Your real estate portfolio - how should it ideally be structured financially?

One of the clear Advantages of real estate as a capital investment compared to other investment opportunities, such as gold as an investment, is the possibility of lending through banks. It is important to note that the banks evaluate the personal income situation in addition to the property when financing the first property.

  • 3 min read
Visit Your real estate portfolio - how should it ideally be structured financially?
Modern kitchen with marble island and countertops, dark cabinetry, brass pendant lights, and connected open living area with large windows and wooden furniture.

Luxury flat: Buying tips & information

In view of the increasing urbanisation, luxury flats are becoming more and more interesting for investors and owners. Luxury flats not only serve as a comfortable retreat, but often represent a lucrative investment. In the following, we will show you all the things you need to consider when buying or renting a luxury flat.

  • 4 min read
Visit Luxury flat: Buying tips & information
Modern luxury home with a pool overlooking the ocean. Lounge chairs on a wooden deck.

How to handle buying and selling a home at the same time

Buying and selling a house at the same time can be a challenging prospect, but sometimes the market presents an opportunity that is simply too good to ignore. If you’re considering a significant offer with limited time or you’re keen to secure a prestige property before it’s snapped up, you may find that buying and selling houses or apartments at the same time is the only answer. In such cases, this is what you need to know.

  • 3 min read
  • 26.04.2019
Visit How to handle buying and selling a home at the same time
Open veranda with exposed wooden beams framing a calm sea and distant mountains; poolside loungers and bowls of lemons and limes.

Waterfront real estate in Europe

Discover the most sought-after locations and price per square meter in the Engel & Völkers Ranking 2026

  • 6 min read
  • 19.08.2026
Visit Waterfront real estate in Europe
Bird's-eye view of many buildings. On the left side of the image, you can see a beach and a row of tall trees.

Acting correctly as real estate buyers and sellers in times of the interest rate turnaround

After years of low interest rate policy, virtually nationwide rising property prices and excess demand, the property market in Germany is experiencing a number of clear counter-trends for the first time. The European Central Bank has raised the key interest rate to 0.5% in July 2022 - in the practice of real estate financing, interest rate increases of around 180% have been recorded compared to the previous year. The associated effects are already being felt in the industry and are affecting the behaviour of owners and prospective buyers in various ways. In this article, real estate agent Engel & Völkers would like to provide you with an overview of the current situation and clarify which maxims you can use to make the right decisions even after the interest rate turnaround on the real estate market.

  • 6 min read
Visit Acting correctly as real estate buyers and sellers in times of the interest rate turnaround

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