Buying a tenanted apartment to live in yourself can be challenging.

After five years of renting in Neukölln, Elena decided it was time to buy. She was tired of rising rents and wanted a place to truly call her own.

Elena focused on Moabit and Wedding, finding that central areas like Prenzlauer Berg were out of her price range. She used platforms like Engel & Völkers and Invest-AB to find listings.

Utilize real estate agents for listings, but, as noted by r/berlin users, always do your own research. To help tailor this advice, are you: An expat looking for a first home or an investor ?

She hired a translator for the Notartermin (notary appointment), as the contract was in German. She paid roughly 10–12% in additional costs (property transfer tax, notary, and agent fees).

Buying an apartment in Berlin in 2026 is a journey that often mixes high-paced bureaucracy with the charm of historic Altbau (old building) architecture. As of early 2023, median prices for existing properties were around €5,480 per square meter, with new builds significantly higher, sometimes exceeding €8,500. The Story: Elena's Berlin Altbau Dream

She viewed a 60 sqm apartment in an 1910 Altbau building. She was quick to make an offer, knowing that popular, well-priced apartments in Berlin go fast. She learned that a certified building inspection was crucial to uncover hidden issues.