ᐅ How to find a property (house/apartment/land) anywhere in Germany?
Created on: 20 Sep 2019 10:05
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BaldPrivatier
Hello everyone!
My situation:
I am married with no children, planning to work for another two years and then retire at 57.
I currently live in Cologne, mainly because I work here, but I am not attached to the city. In fact, the (German-speaking) world is basically open to me for my (pre-)retirement.
I have not owned a car for over 20 years and don’t intend to own one again.
Expected finances in two years:
What I am looking for now is a place to live for the rest of my life, meeting the following conditions:
Very roughly estimated, this means I can either:
Since I do not use a car myself, my first thoughts go towards car-free locations, for example some of the German islands (I am not worried about feeling isolated on an island).
However, a penthouse apartment or simply a quiet location would also be suitable.
My questions:
Thank you!
My situation:
I am married with no children, planning to work for another two years and then retire at 57.
I currently live in Cologne, mainly because I work here, but I am not attached to the city. In fact, the (German-speaking) world is basically open to me for my (pre-)retirement.
I have not owned a car for over 20 years and don’t intend to own one again.
Expected finances in two years:
- Assets: about 700,000 euros
- Passive income: 3,000 euros net/month
- Current expenses: 1,800 euros/month (including 800 euros for rent and utilities), meaning if I stayed in my current rented apartment, I would save around 1,200 euros every month.
What I am looking for now is a place to live for the rest of my life, meeting the following conditions:
- Quiet. VERY quiet!
- Shops for daily necessities within walking distance. As I said, no car!
- About 100 square meters (1,076 square feet) of living space. A garden is not necessary, but possible.
- Suitable for seniors. Not necessary yet, but will certainly become important eventually.
- It can also be an apartment rather than a house, as long as I rarely or never hear the neighbors (I know this is hard to predict).
- Not sure if it still needs to be mentioned nowadays, but reasonably fast internet is a must.
- Preferably located either right by the water or in the mountains.
Very roughly estimated, this means I can either:
- Rent something for up to 2,000 euros per month including utilities => I would break even monthly and not touch my assets.
- Buy/build something for a total cost (including moving costs, new furniture, and all expenses related to the property) of 600,000 euros. I want to definitely keep 100,000 euros as a reserve.
Since I do not use a car myself, my first thoughts go towards car-free locations, for example some of the German islands (I am not worried about feeling isolated on an island).
However, a penthouse apartment or simply a quiet location would also be suitable.
My questions:
- How do I find a place like this? The problem with real estate websites is that the searches mostly start with entering a postal code. But I am flexible and cannot realistically search all postal codes one by one. Real estate agents usually work locally anyway.
- When should I start searching seriously? The earliest opportunity to move will be in less than two years, but there is no objection to staying longer in my current rented apartment if circumstances require it.
Thank you!
The Frisian Islands are only quiet during the winter months. In summer, they are crowded with visitors.
How about a spa town – somewhere on the outskirts, away from evening dance events. There are doctors, many older people, and at least peace and quiet at night.
I completely understand the desire for absolute tranquility – but as many have already pointed out, this is hardly compatible with having amenities within walking distance.
How about a spa town – somewhere on the outskirts, away from evening dance events. There are doctors, many older people, and at least peace and quiet at night.
I completely understand the desire for absolute tranquility – but as many have already pointed out, this is hardly compatible with having amenities within walking distance.
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BaldPrivatier20 Sep 2019 12:30Wow, that’s quite a few responses already, thank you!
Walking distance — that’s hard to avoid.
I haven’t owned a car for 20 years (and that doesn’t just mean I don’t have one anymore, I haven’t driven one either), and since I don’t plan to visit relatives nearby, we have to walk to do our shopping. Yes, biking would work too. For now. In the next few years...
As for peace and quiet, I’ve been living in a six-unit apartment building for over 20 years. Most of the time it’s quiet enough, but every few weeks someone wants to drill, have a party, or make noise in some other way. Not to mention the daily "who can slam their apartment door the loudest" competition!
But I believe that in terms of noise, a detached house with some distance (about 100 meters (330 feet)) from the nearest street — preferably not a busy one — can be quite quiet. It should definitely be quieter than what I have now.
And if there is a nice view from the windows, even better, but that’s not really the most important factor.
In my opinion, all of this can be combined, although maybe not within my budget (which, I think at least, isn’t too bad).
My idea with the islands is that if enough people live there, there must be some infrastructure (not every island resident can constantly go to the mainland for shopping), so very few cars would be driving around, especially no through traffic. On top of that, the air is probably better (without exhaust fumes), and the risk of burglary likely decreases since you can’t just drive up, and by the time the police start investigating, you’re already in the next state.
What I haven’t mentioned yet: I will have a lot of time once I move, but I have no DIY skills — I won’t be doing any renovations or remodeling myself.
I think choosing the region first and then searching there is the wrong approach for me. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I believe the character of an area can change drastically within just a few hundred meters, turning a “great” place into an “impossible” one (or vice versa).
The property 113023246 already looks interesting, thanks Matthew03!
Walking distance — that’s hard to avoid.
I haven’t owned a car for 20 years (and that doesn’t just mean I don’t have one anymore, I haven’t driven one either), and since I don’t plan to visit relatives nearby, we have to walk to do our shopping. Yes, biking would work too. For now. In the next few years...
As for peace and quiet, I’ve been living in a six-unit apartment building for over 20 years. Most of the time it’s quiet enough, but every few weeks someone wants to drill, have a party, or make noise in some other way. Not to mention the daily "who can slam their apartment door the loudest" competition!
But I believe that in terms of noise, a detached house with some distance (about 100 meters (330 feet)) from the nearest street — preferably not a busy one — can be quite quiet. It should definitely be quieter than what I have now.
And if there is a nice view from the windows, even better, but that’s not really the most important factor.
In my opinion, all of this can be combined, although maybe not within my budget (which, I think at least, isn’t too bad).
My idea with the islands is that if enough people live there, there must be some infrastructure (not every island resident can constantly go to the mainland for shopping), so very few cars would be driving around, especially no through traffic. On top of that, the air is probably better (without exhaust fumes), and the risk of burglary likely decreases since you can’t just drive up, and by the time the police start investigating, you’re already in the next state.
What I haven’t mentioned yet: I will have a lot of time once I move, but I have no DIY skills — I won’t be doing any renovations or remodeling myself.
I think choosing the region first and then searching there is the wrong approach for me. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I believe the character of an area can change drastically within just a few hundred meters, turning a “great” place into an “impossible” one (or vice versa).
The property 113023246 already looks interesting, thanks Matthew03!
I wouldn’t choose an island. It’s important to me to have a hospital and other facilities nearby.
I would rather rent. This way, you stay flexible and keep your capital available for other things. Even if you ever need care or a nursing home, you’ll have enough resources left and won’t be tied down by a property.
Take a look at the Seedomaine in Bodmann. It’s a great location right on the water. You can use the entire local infrastructure. I know there are some apartments for rent there as well.
The area is well connected, and you can get around the whole Lake Constance region and the Alpine area by bus, train, ferry, or bicycle.
For example, check Immoscout listing 111839176, but there are others too.
I would rather rent. This way, you stay flexible and keep your capital available for other things. Even if you ever need care or a nursing home, you’ll have enough resources left and won’t be tied down by a property.
Take a look at the Seedomaine in Bodmann. It’s a great location right on the water. You can use the entire local infrastructure. I know there are some apartments for rent there as well.
The area is well connected, and you can get around the whole Lake Constance region and the Alpine area by bus, train, ferry, or bicycle.
For example, check Immoscout listing 111839176, but there are others too.
N
nordanney20 Sep 2019 13:08BaldPrivatier schrieb:
I also believe that in terms of noise, a detached house with some distance (100m (330 feet)) from the nearest, preferably not too busy road, can be quiet enough. Then you’re living in the middle of nowhere and probably depend on a car. By the way, detached doesn’t automatically mean quiet. Just think of all the neighbors spending time in their gardens on weekends (and during the week), mowing the lawn, sitting outside late making noise, children playing loudly in the gardens, or, if you live rurally, farmers working their fields.
BaldPrivatier schrieb:
And for peace and quiet, at the moment (for over 20 years already) I live in a building with six units. Usually it’s quiet enough there, but every few weeks someone wants to drill, have a party, or make noise in some other way. Oh, your neighbors are actually alive! I think the problem isn’t the neighbors. You’re probably just a bit “particular.”
BaldPrivatier schrieb:
And first decide on the area and then look there – I think that’s the wrong approach for me. So you want to find a nice home first and then figure out where in Germany it is? That makes no sense.
BaldPrivatier schrieb:
I think it’s possible to combine all that, but maybe not within my budget. No, it’s not about the budget but about conflicting requirements.
BaldPrivatier schrieb:
My idea about islands is that if enough people live there, there has to be some infrastructure (after all, not every island resident can constantly go shopping on the mainland), that there are hardly any cars, at least no through traffic, and to top it off the air is probably better (no exhaust fumes), and even the risk of burglary is lower because you can’t just drive up and be in the next state (federal state) by the time the police secure the first traces. That’s a very rosy picture. Just Google for (specialist) doctors or supermarkets on islands. Either you live totally remote, where nothing else is available – then be prepared to ride your bike in all kinds of weather. You’ll have to do this often since a bike can’t carry much. At best, a cargo bike would help. Or you live where there’s some life. And tourists. And with that, noise as well.
H
hampshire20 Sep 2019 13:49I see these wishes primarily as a well-considered list of requirements.
Of course, there are quiet apartments within walking distance to shops. I can think of dozens of villages in beautiful countryside that fit this description.
Considering how delivery services are evolving, you will soon be able to have almost anything delivered even from somewhat remote locations—just not as spontaneously. Also, you can take a taxi for weekend grocery shopping or simply use a shopping service. As long as shopping isn’t a favorite pastime but more about covering basic needs, there are many solutions available.
Neighbors naturally have the right to drill, mow, blow leaves, or celebrate from time to time. That’s part of life. If that is a problem for you, I would recommend a soundproof retreat room.
From your description of your (lack of) relationship with your relatives, the noise from neighbors, and your apparent weak connection to a long-term place of residence, one might conclude that you tend to seek little social contact and sometimes get irritated by other people. If this is the case, not only the immediate surroundings but also the type of people in the area will affect your well-being.
I think the advice to travel a bit is excellent.
Of course, there are quiet apartments within walking distance to shops. I can think of dozens of villages in beautiful countryside that fit this description.
Considering how delivery services are evolving, you will soon be able to have almost anything delivered even from somewhat remote locations—just not as spontaneously. Also, you can take a taxi for weekend grocery shopping or simply use a shopping service. As long as shopping isn’t a favorite pastime but more about covering basic needs, there are many solutions available.
Neighbors naturally have the right to drill, mow, blow leaves, or celebrate from time to time. That’s part of life. If that is a problem for you, I would recommend a soundproof retreat room.
From your description of your (lack of) relationship with your relatives, the noise from neighbors, and your apparent weak connection to a long-term place of residence, one might conclude that you tend to seek little social contact and sometimes get irritated by other people. If this is the case, not only the immediate surroundings but also the type of people in the area will affect your well-being.
I think the advice to travel a bit is excellent.
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