How much deposit do I need to buy property in Germany as an expat?

Short answer: Most expats in Germany need at least 10–20% deposit (down payment / Eigenkapital) plus additional purchase costs of around 10–12% of the property price. The exact amount depends on your income, residency status, and financing structure.

When buying property in Germany as an expat, banks typically expect you to contribute a minimum amount of equity. While some buyers finance up to 100% of the property value, this is rare and usually comes with stricter conditions and higher interest rates. In most cases, providing at least 10–20% deposit significantly improves your chances of getting approved for a mortgage.

In addition to the deposit, you must also cover additional purchase costs (Kaufnebenkosten), which include property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer), notary fees, and agent commissions. These costs typically add up to 10–12% of the purchase price and must be paid upfront, meaning they are usually not financed by the bank.

Your required deposit also depends on factors such as your income, creditworthiness (e.g. SCHUFA score), employment type, and whether you are an EU or non-EU resident. Expats with stable income and strong financial profiles may qualify for better financing terms, while others may need a higher equity contribution.

To understand how much deposit and total budget you should plan for, use our Property Investment Calculator to estimate your financing scenario and monthly costs.

Key takeaways:

• Most expats need at least 10–20% deposit (Eigenkapital) to buy property in Germany.
• Additional purchase costs (Kaufnebenkosten) of around 10–12% must be paid upfront.
• Higher deposits improve mortgage approval chances and financing terms.
• Income, residency status, and credit score all impact your required equity.

Planning to buy property in Germany? Use our calculator to estimate your deposit, financing, and total investment costs.