Your property in Germany
Exclusive penthouses in lovingly revitalised buildings and avant-garde apartments in visionary new developments are among the most sought-after property in Germany.
Knight Frank’s focus in Germany is on the country’s leading cities of Berlin and Frankfurt, two popular markets for those seeking an investment property or who are considering relocating.
For those looking for a property outside these urban centres, Knight Frank’s knowledge extends beyond the cities to leafier, commutable destinations, such as Rheinhessen outside Frankfurt, where stunning family villas with sizeable gardens and terraces can be found.
Inside Germany
The political and geographic heart of Europe is becoming increasingly popular with international property buyers due to its forward-thinking cities and pristine, vast countryside.
The nation boasts exceptional healthcare and education systems, while some of its cities, including Berlin and Frankfurt, are regularly among the top 15 cities in terms of quality of life.
Conventionally known for traditional industry, Germany has become a financial powerhouse and is among the top 3 countries in Europe in terms of the size of its tech start-up industry, with Berlin regarded as the fastest-growing tech city in Europe.
The country is a cultural hub, with vibrant art and music scenes across its cities, while its compelling and tragic history is visible in its fascinating museums, galleries and architecture.
Beyond its cities, the country’s rural enclaves contain remarkable castles, lush forests and exceptional landscapes that demand to be explored.
Landscape
Northern Germany boasts an extensive coastline either side of its border with Denmark and has a very flat landscape, a characteristic that extends to some of the area’s cities, including Berlin.
Central Germany is dominated by rural expanses with a scattering of small towns and villages. Larger conurbations such as Dortmund, Cologne and Bonn are centrally located but on the western border with Belgium and the Netherlands.
Southern Germany is far more undulating, with the Bavarian Alps home to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, and eastern Bavaria home to the country’s first national park.
Education
Responsibility for education is devolved to the individual German states, but the country hosts some exceptional international schools for families considering relocating here.
Berlin has nearly 20 international schools, including the Berlin Brandenburg International School, while the Metropolitan School Frankfurt is one of the city’s dozen institutions.
In terms of universities, three of Berlin’s universities are included in the country’s top 10 institutions, while the Goethe University Frankfurt is among the top 300 universities globally.
Activities and Entertainment
Most of Germany’s cities are cultural and historical treasure troves, with the likes of Berlin charting the country’s role in both world wars and its Nazi occupation through its numerous museums and historical monuments.
The country has embraced the modern too, though, with fantastic architectural creations from contemporaries such as Frank Gehry, Norman Foster and David Chipperfield comfortably placed alongside Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque sites.
The country is perfect for outdoor lovers, with its northern coast perfect for water sports, and its rural centre and Alpine southern reaches perfect for hiking, cycling and more.
Art and Culture
As the birthplace of Karl Marx, the poet Goethe, the composer Ludwig von Beethoven and authors the Brothers Grimm, it’s no surprise Germany has a bursting cultural scene.
The country is home to some of Europe’s most impressive museums and galleries, such as the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin. The capital also hosts a trio of opera houses, something found in many other German cities among their wealth of music venues, and Berlin is a hub for film thanks to its renowned film festival.
The country has a well-established market culture too, with its Christmas markets drawing visitors from across the country and beyond.
Food and Drink
Germany is known for its bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels and sauerkraut but while these dishes are popular, its menu has greater depth too.
Traditional dishes such as Sauerbraten pot roast, rouladen (bacon, onion, mustard and pickles wrapped in sliced beef, veal, or vegetable leaves), and maultaschen (a large ravioli-type dough filled with savoury or sweet contents), are extremely popular.
The country has more than 300 Michelin-starred restaurants, meaning refined dining is readily available alongside its excellent traditional restaurants.
In terms of wine, the country is renowned for its Riesling, regarded by some as among the best white wine in the world, while the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is becoming increasingly well-known.
Accessibility
Germany has exceptional connectivity, with Frankfurt Am Main Airport and Munich airport being among the 10 largest in Europe, while the capital has the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which is expected to be the country’s third-busiest airport.
The nation’s Autobahn Road system is the best known in Europe and allows convenient access across the country.
The country’s ICE high-speed trains can travel up to 300 km/h, allowing rapid journeys between its major cities and connections to other countries in mainland Europe.