Berlin-Weißensee is a district in the east of Berlin that has made a name for itself not only because of the lake of the same name in its center, but also because of the apartments in the former bourgeois houses from the Wilhelminian era. The location somewhat away from the center of Berlin is rather quiet and extremely attractive for many residents of the capital. Nevertheless, you can reach the city center in a short time and have good connections to the surrounding area and long-distance transport thanks to the S-Bahn, streetcar, buses and Regio.
The location of the Weißensee district in Berlin
Purchase price trends for real estate in Weißensee
Buying a property in Weißensee is associated with a higher cost factor. In the last three to five years, property prices have risen continuously. This can be observed not only in Weißensee, but also in other Berlin districts and neighborhoods. The price increase affects both condominiums and single-family homes on the market. Compared to 2021, the price of a condominium has risen by twelve percent. When buying a single-family home, you will pay around six percent more than in 2021. These are approximate values that may differ from one another, as each service provider works with its own figures.
Buying property in Weißensee
Buying a property in Weißensee has become more expensive compared to the neighboring districts of Prenzlauer Berg, Pankow or Lichtenberg. The reason for this is that the district has become more attractive in recent years. Many customers see Weißensee as an extension of the city center. The excellent connections to the Mitte district in an equally quiet location contribute significantly to the higher demand, which is then reflected in the price of the properties.
How much does a condominium in Weißensee cost?
To buy a condominium in the Weißensee district of Berlin, you need to budget for a price of between €4,000 and €5,000/m². The price asked by the seller may vary. The location of the condominium determines the price just as much as the size and the state of renovation. The range of prices that various service providers have researched varies accordingly. On average, a condominium costs €4,327/m² in Q2 2022.
The differences in the estimated prices are based on the fact that each service provider works with its own data. Ultimately, however, the values provide you with a good indication of the costs you can expect to pay when buying a condominium in Weißensee.
Different price expectations for old and new buildings
In Weißensee, there are not only attractive old buildings from the Wilhelminian era, but also buildings from the GDR era and attractive new buildings. Prices differ not only in terms of the state of renovation, but also according to the type of building. If you decide to buy a condominium in a newly built house, you will pay more than if you buy in a building from the GDR era. In the case of old buildings from the Wilhelminian era, it depends on the renovation status, the location and the size of the apartment. If the furnishings are above average, the costs can be higher than for a new build.
How much does a house in Weißensee cost?
Although the price increase for buying a detached house between 2021 and 2022 was lower than for condominiums, you will pay slightly more for the purchase than if you opt for an apartment. The price range is between €4,500 and €5,500/m². Here, too, it is important to bear in mind that these are only approximate values. A house that you are offered in the Berlin-Weißensee district can be significantly more expensive or cheaper. In addition, the various service providers work with their own figures when comparing prices. On average, a house in Weißensee in Q2 2022 costs € 5,302/m². The lowest price is set at €4,533/m² – the highest at €7,340/m². If you expect the cost of buying a detached house in Weißensee to be within this range, you are working with a realistic value when planning your property purchase.
Rental prices for apartments and houses in Weißensee
Rental prices for apartments in the Berlin district of Weißensee vary greatly, ranging from €8.22/m² for the cheapest to €18.13/m² for the most expensive apartments. Note that there are also high-priced properties in Weißensee that can be rented out on the open market at significantly higher prices. The providers of the rental comparison platforms generally work with their own prices, which is why the calculated average rents vary slightly. These values here are within the average price range, which you can use as a guide.
The average rental price for houses in Weißensee is € 13.44/m². The lowest rents can be found from €12.52/m², whereas the highest prices are up to €18.98/m².
The districts in the Weißensee district
Up until the 2001 territorial reform, Weißensee was considered an independent district, which took its name from the district in which the Weiße See lake is located. In addition to Weißensee, Blankenburg, Heinersdorf, Karow and the suburban settlement of Malchow also belonged to Weißensee. With the territorial reform, all districts were assigned to the district of Pankow. The former district of Weißensee is still often referred to as a separate district today. It is the largest of the districts mentioned, which is why some Berliners still make this distinction today.
Residential areas in the Weißensee district
You will find various residential areas in the Weißensee district that are considered particularly attractive by those in the know. If you decide to buy a property in these locations, you can expect a positive increase in value. However, you should be prepared to invest a little more in the condominium or house.
Old town center / Berliner Allee
The old town center of the former village of Weißensee is located on the edge of Berliner Allee. The trade route already existed in the Middle Ages and was considered an important route for long-distance trade from Berlin to the north. The name Berliner Allee dates back to 1910, during the GDR era the street was called Klement-Gottwald-Allee. With Antonplatz and Grüner Hering, Weißensee has had an attractive center since the 2010s.
Composers' Quarter
The Komponistenviertel is characterized by multi-storey apartment buildings typical of the Gründerzeit. Part of it borders the Jewish cemetery, which is known far beyond the borders of Berlin. The original name “French Quarter” was changed after the Franco-Prussian Wars. The new name “Composers’ Quarter” is based on the street names that were named after composers. It has been retained to the present day.
Founder's quarter
The Gründerviertel is located to the northwest of Berliner Allee. When it was created, it was a commercial area where people could not only live but also work, thus benefiting from very short distances. Today, the location is extremely popular.
Municipal district
At the beginning of the 20th century, Weißensee was a suburb of Berlin and was only incorporated into Greater Berlin in 1920. The residential area in the suburbs was considered popular, so a district with apartments was created near the Kreuzpfuhl as the new center of Weißensee. This plan did not work out, but a district with beautiful Wilhelminian-style villas was created, which were preserved after the war and are extremely popular today as a residential area.
Bruno estate in Buschallee
The Taut estate in Buschallee was intended to meet the demand for housing after the incorporation of Weißensee into Greater Berlin. The architect Bruno Taut created a residential ensemble based on the “Neues Bauen” (“New Building”) concept.
Post-war buildings and new districts
In the post-war period, living space was scarce due to the destruction. As a result, new residential areas were built in the Weißensee district in the typical architecture of the 1950s. These can be found on Hamburger Platz, for example. In the 1970s, during the GDR era, a new district was created in Falkenberg-Straße Süd. New buildings were built in Karow from the 1990s onwards.
Blankenburg district
Blankenburg is a former village that was incorporated from the surrounding area of Berlin and has retained its character to this day. The district is characterized by detached houses and the old church has also been preserved.
Heinersdorf district
Heinersdorf is located in the west of the Weißensee district, where you will find mainly detached and semi-detached houses with the original character of the village. In the middle of the big city, life in Heinersdorf is rather quiet.
Karow district
Karow is a former village with farmhouses, some of which have been preserved to this day. The same applies to the church. However, new buildings have also been constructed on the outskirts of the district, giving it a diverse character today.
The milieu protection areas in Weißensee at a glance
The aim of milieu protection areas is to preserve the original character. The city of Berlin attaches great importance to neighborhood protection and has declared two neighborhood protection areas in Weißensee: the Komponistenviertel and Langhansstraße.
Things to know about Weißensee
Weißensee is a former so-called street village that has changed considerably in its role as a Berlin suburb and later through incorporation. Nevertheless, you can still find the originality of the past in some of the streets. Today’s district is located in the east of Berlin, bordering on Prenzlauer Berg and the districts of Pankow and Lichtenberg. During the period of division, Weißensee belonged to East Berlin. The district has just over 55,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 7.93 km2. The population density is 6,905 inhabitants per km².
The infrastructure in Weißensee
Weißensee has a well-developed infrastructure, you can take the streetcar or bus to other parts of Berlin, from where you have connections to the surrounding area or to long-distance transport.
Demographic situation
The number of people living in Weißensee increased by around 1,000 per year between 2015 and 2019. Since then, the population has remained relatively stable and a total of 54,755 people live in this district. (as at 2020)
The largest age group is between 18 and 45, with women forming a slight majority. Just over 12,000 people have a migration background, and here too the age group between 27 and 45 is strongly represented. Overall, the number of people with a migration background in Weißensee is lower than in some other Berlin districts.
Schools, kindergartens and playgrounds
In Weißensee there are traditional state schools and educational institutions with a foreign language focus. Primary and secondary grammar schools and comprehensive schools are also represented, as is a network of kindergartens. Decide whether you would like a denominational educational institution for your child or whether you would like Waldorf or Montessori lessons. For adult education, there is an adult education center in the district.
Transport links
Berlin-Weißensee has no direct connection to the S-Bahn. You can take the bus or streetcar to Berlin’s main transport routes. There are cycle paths on the busy roads, so you are safe on two wheels. If you are traveling by car, you should expect traffic jams during rush hour.
The parking situation in Weißensee
The Weißensee district has no official parking space management. This means that you can park in the designated areas at no extra cost. For residents, this can have the disadvantage of not being able to find a parking space near their apartment, primarily in the evening. The number of parking spaces directly in Weißensee is lower than in the districts of Karow, Blankenburg or Heinersdorf.
Party shares
The Greens won the election to the district assembly in 2021. They received 24.1% of the vote, followed by the Left Party with just over 19% and the SPD with just over 17%. The CDU, AfD and FDP also passed the five percent hurdle. The other parties have a high share of just under 13%. The figures refer to the entire district of Pankow.
Hospitals and clinics
There are two clinics in the Weißensee district: the Park-Klinik and the Alexianer St. Joseph-Krankenhaus Berlin-Weißensee. Furthermore, the medical care with general practitioners, specialists and dentists is very close-knit, so you don’t have to travel long distances. The same applies to therapists from various disciplines.
Art, culture and gastronomy in Weißensee
In Weißensee you will find a wide range of entertainment options within a short distance. You can indulge in culinary delights in the numerous restaurants.
Cultural venues
If you want to enjoy good culture, there are various options that you can choose from without having to travel long distances. If you like readings, concerts and encounters with artists, visit the art and culture center in the Brotfabrik. You will also find special inspiration at the Peter Edel cultural center. At the Toni cinema on Antonplatz or the Delphi cinema, you can watch new and nostalgic films in an attractive atmosphere.
Restaurants, cafés, bars
In Weißensee you will find numerous restaurants with local and international cuisine. The Cuban restaurant La Casa Buena Vista in Bizetstraße or the American “fairytale ribhouse” in Alt-Karow are particularly popular. You can party into the night and meet interesting people in various bars and cafés.
Things to do and activities in Weißensee - our tips
Berlin-Weißensee offers residents and guests plenty of green space and numerous opportunities for local recreation and leisure activities.
Weißensee lido
The lido is located on the Weißer See lake and combines the nostalgic charm of the GDR era with a modern flair. In the evening you can dance and enjoy cocktails.
Park at the White Lake
The Weiße See is surrounded by a beautiful park, which offers various recreational opportunities. You can go for a walk, jog or cycle.
Experience concerts and cinema at the Weißensee open-air theater
The open-air stage in Weißensee offers a varied program for all age groups. The open-air stage is primarily used for concerts, readings and the popular open-air cinema.
Ice cream, coffee and cake at the Milchhäuschen
The Milchhäuschen is considered an institution with tradition in Weißensee. It is located directly on the shores of Lake Weissensee and the terrace offers a wonderful view and a lovely atmosphere.
Running on the White Lake
The Weiße See offers you a beautiful running route through the countryside, away from roads or busy paths. The route is short and can be easily mastered by beginners.
Conclusion
Property prices in Berlin-Weißensee have risen in the last five years, as in the rest of the city. Nevertheless, they are slightly cheaper than in other districts. Weißensee is also becoming increasingly popular with new Berliners, so you can expect prices to continue to rise. The location with lots of greenery and the white lake is attractive, especially as the distance to Mitte is not that great. So you are making an excellent investment when you buy a property in Weißensee.
