{"id":5823,"date":"2026-06-26T09:32:48","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T09:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/?p=5823"},"modified":"2026-06-26T13:03:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T13:03:43","slug":"local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/","title":{"rendered":"Local Tax Considerations When Buying Property in Germany"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Germany is a modern country with excellent infrastructure, some of the greatest cities in the world, and gorgeous natural beauty.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0easy to understand why someone may be interested in buying property there.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Foreign nationals and non-residents\u00a0are\u00a0permitted\u00a0to\u00a0purchase\u00a0land, property, and freeholdings anywhere within Germany.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Germany is famed for its\u00a0bureaucracy,\u00a0and this is especially true for property\u00a0and real estate.\u00a0With a little investigation, you can figure out everything you need to know to\u00a0deal with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Germany property taxes<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this blog,\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0break down the terminology,\u00a0nuances, and structure of the taxes\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0encounter\u00a0when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/buying-property-germany-foreigner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>buying property in Germany<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key takeaways<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"0\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you buy property in Germany you have to pay\u00a0<strong>property\u00a0purchase tax\u00a0(\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Grunderwerbsteuer)<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An <strong>annual property tax\u00a0(Grundsteuer)<\/strong>\u00a0is applied to all property\u00a0owners.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0Grundsteuer\u00a0is a local tax charged in four quarterly installments.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is common for landlords to pass these costs onto tenants in a fee called\u00a0<strong>Nebenkosten<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:0,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The local tax multiplier is called\u00a0<strong>Hebesatz<\/strong>\u00a0and is defined by the location of your property.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#What_Is_the_Local_Property_Tax_in_Germany\" >What Is the Local Property Tax\u00a0in Germany?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#What_is_Included_in_Local_Taxes\" >What is Included in Local Taxes?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#What_is_The_Tax_on_Buying_a_House_in_Germany\" >What is The Tax on Buying a House in Germany?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#How_much_is_property_transfer_tax_in_Germany\" >How much is property transfer tax in Germany?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#How_are_local_property_taxes_calculated\" >How are local property taxes calculated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#Who_pays_local_property_tax\" >Who pays local property\u00a0tax?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#How_often_is_local_property_tax_paid\" >How\u00a0often\u00a0is local property tax paid?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#Are_local_taxes_included_in_mortgage_payments\" >Are local taxes included in mortgage\u00a0payments?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#Are_local_taxes_based_on_where_you_live\" >Are local taxes based on where you\u00a0live?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#Is_real_estate_tax_a_local_tax\" >Is real estate\u00a0tax\u00a0a local tax?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#What_happens_if_you_dont_pay_local_property_tax\" >What happens if you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0pay local\u00a0property\u00a0tax?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#How_to_find_your_local_property_tax_number\" >How to find your local property tax number?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#Seek_professional_advice_for_local_property_tax_online\" >Seek professional advice\u00a0for local property tax online\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Local_Property_Tax_in_Germany\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Is the Local Property Tax\u00a0in Germany?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The local property tax in Germany is called the\u00a0<em>Grundsteuer<\/em>. This is an annual tax on real estate ownership. It is\u00a0paid for\u00a0by the owners of land, houses, apartments, and\u00a0commercial\u00a0properties.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is collected\u00a0by the\u00a0local municipality in a city or\u00a0town.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is common for landlords to pass these costs onto their tenants as a fee called the <em>Nebenkosten<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><strong><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" style=\"background-color: #c33a32;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/#request-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FILE YOUR GERMAN RENTAL INCOME TAX RETURN<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5835\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client.jpg\" alt=\"foreign rental income tax germany\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client.jpg 2121w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Real-estate-agent-handing-over-key-to-client-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Included_in_Local_Taxes\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is Included in Local Taxes?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">German local taxes are comprehensive and cover a range of different local services.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These include\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>M\u00fcllgeb\u00fchren<\/strong>: The waste collection and disposal service.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Stra\u00dfenreinigung<\/strong>: Street cleaning and municipal maintenance service.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Abwassergeb\u00fchren<\/strong>:\u00a0sewage\u00a0and\u00a0waste\u00a0water\u00a0services.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_The_Tax_on_Buying_a_House_in_Germany\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is The Tax on Buying a House in Germany?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Germany property\u00a0transfer\u00a0tax (Grunderwerbsteuer)\u00a0applies whenever you buy a house, apartment, or plot of land. It is a one-time tax based on the purchase price\u00a0and state tax rate\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once\u00a0paid\u00a0\u00a0and\u00a0after signing the purchase contract you are officially registered as the property\u2019s owner.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"4\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_is_property_transfer_tax_in_Germany\"><\/span>How much is property transfer tax in Germany?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The amount taxed depends on the value of the property and what state (bundesland) it is\u00a0located\u00a0in. The individual state tax rates are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-25\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-25\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">State (Bundesland)<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">State Tax Rates<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bavaria<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Berlin<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Brandenburg<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bremen<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hamburg<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hesse<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Lower Saxony<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">North Rhine-Westphalia<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rhineland-Palatinate<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Saarland<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Saxony<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Saxony-Anhalt<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Schleswig-Holstein<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">6.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Thuringia<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">5.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-25 from cache -->\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, a \u20ac400,000 property bought in Berlin, which has a tax rate of 6.0%, would be taxed with the following formula:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u20ac400,000 X 6.0% = \u20ac24,000 in land purchase charges.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><strong><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" style=\"background-color: #c33a32;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/#request-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CLAIM YOUR GERMAN PROPERTY TAX RETURN NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_local_property_taxes_calculated\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">How are local property taxes calculated?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The annual property tax (Grundsteuer) is\u00a0paid\u00a0by the owners of land and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/tax-advice-foreign-real-estate-owners-germany\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>real estate in Germany<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The means of calculating this tax was reformed from 2025 onwards. The new system uses\u00a0property value, land value, the size and use of real estate, and the location.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is all factored into a\u00a0basic equation that works out as Value x Tax Rate x municipal multiplier.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Property Tax = Assessed Property Value \u00d7 Tax Rate \u00d7 Municipal Multiplier<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5833\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany.jpg\" alt=\"benefits of investing in rental property.\" width=\"2126\" height=\"1409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany.jpg 2126w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-1536x1018.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-2048x1357.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Facade-of-residential-building-in-the-center-of-Berlin-Germany-1400x928.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2126px) 100vw, 2126px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_pays_local_property_tax\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who pays local property\u00a0tax?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The owner\u00a0of the land\u00a0and property\u00a0is responsible for\u00a0the\u00a0Grundsteuer\u00a0property tax. This cost is often\u00a0passed onto the tenant in the case of residential properties. In Germany this is\u00a0a common practice\u00a0and is called\u00a0\u201cNebenkosten.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_is_local_property_tax_paid\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">How\u00a0often\u00a0is local property tax paid?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0Grundsteuer\u00a0property tax is an annual tax. However, it is charged in four quarterly instalments.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Generally,\u00a0the\u00a0dates for payment are\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">15\u00a0February\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">15\u00a0May\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">15\u00a0August\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">15\u00a0November<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The most common payment methods used are direct debit or bank transfer.\u00a0Some tax offices can even take cash payments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_local_taxes_included_in_mortgage_payments\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are local taxes included in mortgage\u00a0payments?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The mortgage is\u00a0an arrangement between the owner and a financial institution\u00a0such as\u00a0a bank, though there are related fees and\u00a0charges none of these are related to the local or federal taxes in Germany.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Non-nationals can still apply for a mortgage but may face higher fees in certain\u00a0areas. Most mortgage providers in Germany prefer if you have an income stream from within the EU.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><strong><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" style=\"background-color: #c33a32;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/#request-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FILE YOUR GERMAN RENTAL INCOME TAX RETURN<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_local_taxes_based_on_where_you_live\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are local taxes based on where you\u00a0live?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, but not in the way you may think. In some\u00a0countries\u00a0taxes can vary by locality or state. Germany is divided into states, known as\u00a0Bundesland, but they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0factor\u00a0into\u00a0local taxation.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead, it is\u00a0the location in relation to urban or high demand areas that\u00a0defines\u00a0your local taxes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This system is called\u00a0a local multiplier, called\u00a0a\u00a0Hebesatz.\u00a0A rural area will have a lower multiplier than a town, and a major urban area, like Berlin, will have an even higher multiplier.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This multiplier will be used to\u00a0figure out your tax bill<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your average property tax will be defined by the value of your property, your tax rate, and the hebesatz multiplier for your area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5834\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing.jpg\" alt=\"initial steps to buy rental property online\" width=\"2384\" height=\"1257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing.jpg 2384w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-2048x1080.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-780x411.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-1000x527.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Online-Real-Estate-Property-Search-And-Web-Listing-1400x738.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2384px) 100vw, 2384px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_real_estate_tax_a_local_tax\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Is real estate\u00a0tax\u00a0a local tax?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0Grundsteuer\u00a0property tax\u00a0is a combination of both local and federal tax rates.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The federal tax rate is called the\u00a0Steuermesszahl, and\u00a0is set and applied nationally. This is combined with the property value and the\u00a0local\u00a0hebesatz\u00a0multiplier, which is set by the local authorities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0grundsteuer\u00a0property tax is collected and used by the local municipality.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_you_dont_pay_local_property_tax\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">What happens if you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0pay local\u00a0property\u00a0tax?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Germany\u2019s specific taxation schedule can feel complicated to property owners from other countries.\u00a0This confusion could\u00a0easily\u00a0lead to\u00a0a\u00a0delayed\u00a0or\u00a0missed payment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If this happens, the first course of action for the tax office is to send you a payment reminder.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the situation is not\u00a0rectified\u00a0then\u00a0you will be issued a formal demand for payment called a\u00a0Mahnung.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">After this, you will begin to\u00a0accrue\u00a0late\u00a0fees and interest\u00a0on\u00a0the amount owed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to minimize the chance of this happening contact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Property Tax International<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and get a German tax expert to investigate your case and ensure that you are fully tax compliant on time, every time.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Income\u00a0tax applies if\u00a0you sell your property\u00a0within a certain\u00a0timeframe<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In\u00a0Germany\u00a0the proceeds from selling property are taxed under\u00a0income tax (Einkommensteuer).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This applies to both resident and non-resident property\u00a0owners,\u00a0however\u00a0there is some nuance. There is\u00a0a period of time\u00a0called\u00a0a\u00a0speculation period\u00a0(Spekulationsfrist). This period lasts\u00a0ten years\u00a0from purchase. The period is\u00a0two years if the property\u00a0is owner\u00a0occupied\u00a0for that period.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sale of the property during\u00a0speculation\u00a0period\u00a0will apply\u00a0a tax called the\u00a0private disposal tax (Ver\u00e4u\u00dferungsgesch\u00e4ft).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, if you wait until\u00a0this period\u00a0elapses\u00a0the sale is tax free!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/german-capital-gains-tax-for-expats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>capital gain tax<\/strong><\/a> is calculated by the sale\u00a0price\u00a0minus the purchase price minus allowable costs.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/german-rental-property-deductible-expenses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Deductible\u00a0costs include<\/strong><\/a>:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Notary and legal fees<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Estate agent commission<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Renovation costs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Transfer tax paid\u00a0at\u00a0purchase<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Aptos\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:3,&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Aptos&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;-&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Costs associated with the sale (adverts, web hosting, valuations)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><strong><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" style=\"background-color: #c33a32;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/#request-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CLAIM YOUR GERMAN PROPERTY TAX RETURN NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_find_your_local_property_tax_number\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to find your local property tax number<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your property tax number is called\u00a0a\u00a0\u201cGrundsteuernummer\u201d.\u00a0It is\u00a0a very\u00a0important\u00a0number. It\u00a0allows\u00a0the local tax authority to\u00a0identify\u00a0your land in their system, correspond with you,\u00a0prove ownership, and it also links your property to its assessed value.\u00a0\u00a0You also\u00a0need it\u00a0to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/german-tax-return\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>pay your property tax and file tax returns<\/strong><\/a>!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The sequence of numbers is composed of three parts. A section for the federal state (bundesland),\u00a0a section for the municipality, and a sequence that\u00a0identifies\u00a0the property itself.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When you\u00a0are issued a property tax notice,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0usually find your property number printed on the top of the letterhead. Other places you can find it include purchase documents,\u00a0and correspondence from the municipality tax office. If you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0find it, reach out to your local tax office (Finanzamt) and you can retrieve it by\u00a0submitting\u00a0your name, property address, or tax ID.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5836\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office.jpg\" alt=\"rental property investment and real estate planning\" width=\"2121\" height=\"1414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office.jpg 2121w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Smiling-businesswoman-looking-at-architectural-model-in-office-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2121px) 100vw, 2121px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seek_professional_advice_for_local_property_tax_online\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Seek professional advice\u00a0for local property tax online<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The German tax system is complex, comprehensive, and\u00a0(occasionally)\u00a0confusing for non-nationals unfamiliar with its nuances.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Compliance is important,\u00a0and the risk of errors or\u00a0missed\u00a0payments\u00a0can result in\u00a0fees and penalties.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There is also the\u00a0additional\u00a0language barrier, with most German documents written entirely in German.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To make sure that you get\u00a0it\u00a0right\u00a0first time, reach out to us at\u00a0Property\u00a0Tax\u00a0International. We have teams of German-speaking Tax experts who can help you navigate the\u00a0bureaucracy\u00a0and ensure you pay\u00a0your taxes correctly and avail of any available deductions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\">\r\n<div class=\"text-center\"><strong><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background\" style=\"background-color: #c33a32;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/property-tax-services\/germany\/#request-callback\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SUBMIT YOUR GERMAN PROPERTY TAX RETURN ONLINE<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Germany is a modern country with excellent infrastructure, some of the greatest cities in the world, and gorgeous natural beauty.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0easy to understand why someone may be interested in buying property there.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Foreign nationals and non-residents\u00a0are\u00a0permitted\u00a0to\u00a0purchase\u00a0land, property, and freeholdings anywhere within Germany.\u00a0\u00a0 Germany is famed for its\u00a0bureaucracy,\u00a0and this is especially true for property\u00a0and real estate.\u00a0With a&#8230; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&#8594;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":5832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-german-property-tax"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>German Local Property Taxes When Buying a House | PTI Returns<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand local tax considerations when buying property in Germany, from transfer tax to annual property taxes and purchase costs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"German Local Property Taxes When Buying a House | PTI Returns\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understand local tax considerations when buying property in Germany, from transfer tax to annual property taxes and purchase costs.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PTIreturns.com Blog | Property Tax Information for Nonresidents\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PropertyTaxInternational\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PropertyTaxInternational\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-26T09:32:48+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-26T13:03:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2121\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1414\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"PTI Returns\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@PropertyTaxInt\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@PropertyTaxInt\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"PTI Returns\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"German Local Property Taxes When Buying a House | PTI Returns","description":"Understand local tax considerations when buying property in Germany, from transfer tax to annual property taxes and purchase costs.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"German Local Property Taxes When Buying a House | PTI Returns","og_description":"Understand local tax considerations when buying property in Germany, from transfer tax to annual property taxes and purchase costs.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/","og_site_name":"PTIreturns.com Blog | Property Tax Information for Nonresidents","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PropertyTaxInternational\/","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PropertyTaxInternational\/","article_published_time":"2026-06-26T09:32:48+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-06-26T13:03:43+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2121,"height":1414,"url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"PTI Returns","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@PropertyTaxInt","twitter_site":"@PropertyTaxInt","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"PTI Returns","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/"},"author":{"name":"PTI Returns","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0707d30c8aae6cc5869615145aaa4d08"},"headline":"Local Tax Considerations When Buying Property in Germany","datePublished":"2026-06-26T09:32:48+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-26T13:03:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/"},"wordCount":1459,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg","articleSection":["German Property Tax"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/","url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/","name":"German Local Property Taxes When Buying a House | PTI Returns","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-26T09:32:48+00:00","dateModified":"2026-06-26T13:03:43+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0707d30c8aae6cc5869615145aaa4d08"},"description":"Understand local tax considerations when buying property in Germany, from transfer tax to annual property taxes and purchase costs.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Estate-agent-and-family-in-front-of-residential-house.jpg","width":2121,"height":1414,"caption":"property tax when buying a house"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/local-tax-considerations-buying-german-property\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Local Tax Considerations When Buying Property in Germany"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/","name":"PTIreturns.com Blog | Property Tax Information for Nonresidents","description":"Tax information, hints and news. Exclusive for overseas property investors and owners.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0707d30c8aae6cc5869615145aaa4d08","name":"PTI Returns","description":"Many international property owners overpay on their tax bill because they simply do not understand their tax entitlements. Since 1996, Property Tax International has been supporting property investors around the world to minimize their tax bill and maximize their profit potential. With that in mind, we have created this blog to empower every property owner to better understand their tax responsibilities and entitlements.","sameAs":["http:\/\/ptireturns.com","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PropertyTaxInternational\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/propertytaxinternational\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/property-tax-international\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/author\/seoptireturns-com\/"}]}},"modified_by":"Asen Yanev","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5823","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5823"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5823\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5857,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5823\/revisions\/5857"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5823"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5823"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ptireturns.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5823"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}