Berlin is a city of contrasts. New meets old, classy meets artistically alternative. But even though different worlds collide in many corners of the metropolis, the result is a harmonious and, above all, authentic overall picture. Berlin has always been a city where both the upper class of society and the working class have lived. A real city, unadorned, a little wild, but still lovable.
A lot has happened on the real estate market in the German capital in recent years. Most of the apartments in the apartment buildings from the Wilhelminian era were in a desolate state. But the major renovation work is bearing fruit. The old apartments now shine in their original splendor and show why Berlin is so popular.
But that is not all. Many developers have decided to invest in the German capital. Interesting new construction projects are being built on the vacant lots between the traditional old buildings, which, despite their modern concepts, fit perfectly into the cityscape.
Find out from us in which districts of Berlin particularly interesting new-build projects are being developed, the advantages of buying a new-build apartment in the heart of Berlin and what you should look out for when searching for the right property!
Buying new apartments in Berlin: A brief introduction to the real estate market in Berlin
There has been strong growth in residential construction in the center of Berlin in recent years. This has leveled off significantly since 2022. It can be observed that the possibilities for new construction, especially in the city center, have been almost completely exhausted. As a result, less than 20 percent of new construction projects are now being built within Berlin’s S-Bahn ring.
More and more people want to move to Berlin, including young families with children. This is why developers and state-owned companies are opting for large-volume rental apartments. They are perfect for families and offer children enough space to grow up in a suitable environment. The demand for housing will probably never diminish, as Berlin remains an exciting real estate market. It remains to be seen what will happen in the near future. The new-build apartments currently under construction impress with their solid construction, bright rooms and high-quality interiors.
Prices for housing in Berlin continue to rise. Despite the high price level, a slump is not in sight in the near future, because even if the prices for new-build apartments in the center and surrounding areas of Berlin are now reaching impressive sums, the location, building fabric and infrastructure guarantee a constant increase in value.
Advantages of buying new-build apartments in Berlin
Despite the Second World War, numerous old apartments in Berlin have been preserved. Over the last few decades, these have been extensively renovated and now shine again in their original splendor.
Nevertheless, many people opt for a new-build apartment when buying a property. The financial benefits are considerable, as you can expect significantly lower maintenance costs. The materials used offer high energy efficiency and are also significantly more sustainable than building materials used just a few decades ago. See the advantages of a new-build apartment in Berlin for yourself:
Modern design and the latest technologies
Developable land is scarce in Berlin. This is why developers are all the more careful to ensure that new-build projects are apartments that are actually worth the money. Location and infrastructure increase the value of a property. However, the construction method and the technological means used also have a major influence.
Anyone looking at a new-build apartment in Berlin with a view to living in it themselves or renting it out will be pleasantly surprised. Even though the design blends in perfectly with the neighborhood, it is modern and innovative. The rooms are spacious and have plenty of natural light. The use of the latest technologies significantly enhances the standard of living in such a new-build apartment. The technologies will still be modern in a few years’ time, so you can look forward to a carefree future.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Functionality and efficiency play an important role alongside the aesthetics of a new-build home. Energy costs are constantly rising and we don’t know what we will have to adapt to in the near future. With this in mind, it is important to pay attention to sustainability and energy efficiency in new builds.
The apartments are designed to lose as little energy as possible to their surroundings. In the summer months, the ambience is pleasantly cool, while in winter the heat is kept inside the property even with low heating costs. You can rest assured that you won’t have to carry out any conversions in the near future to adapt the home to new energy efficiency guidelines. Instead, you can concentrate on other, equally important things.
Lower maintenance costs
An apartment in an old building is pretty and impresses with its high, ornate ceilings. But the fun usually stops when a pipe needs replacing, the plaster on the façade starts to crumble or the electrical wiring no longer meets today’s standards.
This won’t happen to you with a new-build apartment in the heart of Berlin. You can rest assured that you will not have to initiate any costly maintenance measures in the near future. As these are usually associated with high costs, you can build up your financial reserves in peace over the next few years without being under any great pressure.
Most popular districts for new-build apartments in Berlin
Relatively few new apartments have been built within the S-Bahn ring in Berlin’s city center since 2021. Most of the plots have already been built on and it is difficult to find a suitable property due to the huge rush. The properties that are for sale are usually not presented on conventional websites because they are already sold beforehand. That’s why it makes sense to hire a team of experts. The real estate agents at Vandenberg Immoconsult form one of the most successful teams in Berlin.
From a statistical point of view, the Treptow-Köpenick district has been at the forefront in recent years in terms of the number of new construction projects being built.
The district of Spandau is just behind in second place among the most popular districts for new builds in Berlin. In third place is the district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf. It still has numerous areas that are not yet being used optimally. It is expected that the number of vacant plots will steadily close in the coming years. The demand for living space in Berlin is very high. Demand will not fall in the near future, that much is certain. It is therefore recommended that you keep a constant eye on the housing market if you are looking for a suitable new-build apartment. Or you can hand this task over to a team you can trust. Good communication is very important here. This is the only way to ensure that the right criteria are at the heart of the search for the perfect property.
Berlin Pankow and Kreuzberg are among the districts and neighborhoods where it is very difficult to find a new-build apartment. The residential areas are densely built-up, with most of the properties being apartment buildings from the Wilhelminian era. New-build properties are very difficult to find in the central districts of Berlin. There are hardly any undeveloped areas that can be used for new projects. Young families, couples, students and other people who are drawn to Berlin are therefore moving to the surrounding, less central residential areas.
Price trends and investment opportunities
In the years between 2010 and 2022, a continuous price increase was recorded for new-build properties in Berlin. Sales prices for apartments in older buildings also rose, as a lot of money was invested in the renovation and refurbishment of existing apartments.
Due to the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe, prices stagnated between 2022 and 2023 for the first time in several decades. This is due to the rising interest rates for real estate loans. In addition, the construction of new properties had to overcome acute bottlenecks. Trade between Russia and the EU fell significantly, which was also evident in the procurement of raw materials in Germany, among other things.
Even if the conditions for loans are not optimal at the moment, investing in a new-build apartment in Berlin is worthwhile. Due to the outstanding characteristics of the location and the high quality of the projects, a steady increase in prices can also be predicted for the future.
Tips for buying an apartment in a new build in Berlin
Buying a new-build apartment in sought-after cities like Berlin involves a high financial outlay. It is an important investment, the positive characteristics of which are firmly expected in the future.
We explain what you need to look out for when buying a new-build property in the center or surrounding area of Berlin:
- Calculating the costs: there are numerous options and one apartment is more beautiful than the next. You can’t stop marveling and start dreaming big. But when buying a property, it’s important to come down to earth and draw up a plan that shows the real costs. Can you actually afford the sum comprising the purchase price, notary fees, estate agent costs and subsequent fees? Once you have drawn up a structured cost plan, you can determine the scope for financing and finally submit a financing request.
- Make specific demands on the property: You will be investing a lot of money in a new-build apartment. It is important that the property meets your needs perfectly. Don’t be intimidated by the tight situation on the Berlin real estate market, but instead look patiently for your dream property.
- Inspection of potential new-build apartments: Even a new apartment that has never been lived in should be professionally inspected before you buy it. This will determine the quality of the building fabric, the quality of the materials used and the actual energy efficiency of the property.
- Request documents and check the purchase contract: If you let your trusted estate agent accompany you through the process of buying your new-build apartment in Berlin, they will take care of requesting important documents in advance. In this way, the property can be analyzed from different angles. You should read the purchase contract carefully so that you are fully aware of your responsibilities and rights.
You can also read our top 5 tips for buying real estate here.
Future prospects for new-build apartments in Berlin
Housing has been in short supply in Berlin for several years now, but instead of easing, the situation is becoming increasingly acute. There are now hardly any places left in the center of the German capital where new apartments can be built. The undeveloped areas have been built on in recent years, resulting in innovative, efficient residential complexes that blend perfectly into the cityscape.
Young families and couples are now mainly drawn to the surrounding districts of the capital. In the less densely built-up residential areas of Berlin, there are numerous new-build apartments that are still under construction or development. The newly built residential complex in Falkensee is a prime example of innovative construction technology, high energy efficiency and outstanding living quality.
It will become increasingly difficult to find affordable housing in Berlin in the future. That’s why it’s all the more worthwhile hiring a professional team of estate agents to guide you and filter out the best options for you. This will save you time and money, as you will find beautiful new-build apartments that perfectly meet your needs at the best price.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
There are questions that we are asked time and again. You can find concise answers here. If you have any further questions, we are always available for a private discussion:
What are the differences between new and old apartments?
The differences between new-build and old-build apartments extend across various levels and criteria. According to tenancy law, all properties built after 1949 are considered new builds. In practice, new construction refers to properties that have been built or extensively renovated. The time period can be set at five years.
How to find trustworthy property developers in Berlin
As a private individual, it can be a real challenge to find a good property developer. Prices in Berlin are anything but low. That’s why you want to be all the more certain that you are actually buying a high-quality new-build apartment. Your trusted estate agent is the perfect contact. He or she will present you with various projects that have undergone a demanding test. Your estate agent knows the advantages and disadvantages of each individual new-build project in Berlin and can give you the best possible advice.
What subsidies are available for the purchase of new-build apartments?
Germany is known for offering various subsidies when buying real estate. The most important options include
- KfW
- Residential Riester financing
- Housing construction premium
- Employee savings allowance
We can analyze specific premiums and their impact on your property purchase in a personal meeting.
