FRANKFURT
Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth biggest city, located on the river Main, not only in the centre of Germany but also in the geographic centre of Europe. It has long been regarded as the economic powerhouse of Germany, with over 300 banks, including the European Central Bank, from 50 countries shaping the cityscape. Frankfurt is also both popular and highly regarded internationally as a business location and trade-show venue.
Frankfurt is largely a commuter city; during the day, the city’s population swells from 741,000 to over a million. Living in a central location is a real blessing as it allows residents to enjoy the city’s sporting and leisure facilities and outstanding cultural life while others are commuting.
The city is also Germany’s most international hub and in Mercer’s global expats ranking it takes 7th place – with expat employees stating that the quality of life, the excellent infrastructure and the international flair are some of the biggest draws.
Frankfurt Airport is the fourth largest airport in Europe and in terms of turnover of goods, it actually occupies the top spot – after all Germany is the world’s leading exporter and Frankfurt Airport is the gateway to Asia’s markets. It is estimated that Frankfurt will eventually become the EU’s number one financial centre.
Frankfurt has been slowly but surely growing in both economic importance and cultural popularity over recent years. With a relatively compact and easy to navigate centre, beautiful skyline, a cosmopolitan and varied food scene, the home of the many internationally acclaimed sports teams and plenty of green space – it’s little wonder that so many global and European corporate headquarters have chosen to base themselves in this exciting and growing city.
"In Mercer’s global expats ranking Frankfurt takes 7th place, with many stating quality of life, excellent infrastructure and international flair as the city's biggest draws."
What can you get for your money in Frankfurt?
Knight Frank has listed all properties within the past 12 months.
Neighbourhoods to watch
Osthafen
The formal industrial area around Osthafen and the inner city where you can live in skyscrapers for the first time in the history of Frankfurt is experiencing a surge in popularity currently. Buildings range from post-war apartments and stately 18th century flats, to modern, contemporary buildings. It remains quite an affordable area, with its busy Osthafen harbour and commercial district, and has a diverse and international population.
Historical Wiesbaden
Just 23 km outside of Frankfurt lies Wiesbaden, the second-largest city in the state of Hesse, with a population of 290,000. It’s located squarely in the well-connected Rhein-Main region, but compared to Frankfurt, its real estate rates are quite low. Wiesbaden is part of a dense network of public transport connections, and many people commute from there, with trains departing from the central station reaching Frankfurt in 30-45 minutes.
What’s driving demand
Local education
5/6
5 Universities / 6 international Schools Education perks Free education and studying
Reason for buying?
Profession
Financial
Consultation
Education
Price per sq m:
Core: €7,800 Prime: €14,000 Super Prime: €26,000
Did you know
No.3
Frankfurt is ranked the third best city in Europe for investment and development prospects in 2020
Who's buying?
40% Local 35% National 25% International
Reasons to buy
Germany is a nation of tenants, nowhere else in Europe are home ownership rates as low. In Frankfurt, barely 23% of residential property is owner-occupied. With such a strong corporate workforce and international presence, this means that there will always be a strong and reliable demand for rental apartments in Frankfurt.
At 114 index points, the average purchasing power in Frankfurt is far above the German average. The same applies to average income and the level of rents, which are among the highest in Germany. With a growing population to match the growing popularity and economic strength of the city, estimated to increase by 12.5% by 2030, residential property demands are set to increase in tandem with this influx of people looking to call Frankfurt home.
When it comes to property, ‘Made in Germany’ is a globally recognised seal of quality. This reputation is borne out of the reliably high building quality, innovative project developments and outstanding, internationally acclaimed architecture that can all be found in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt market in numbers
Whether it is for lifestyle or investment purposes, there can be extra costs that need to be considered in addition to the purchase of the property itself. While the cost of the property is by far the most significant expense, additional costs you may need to cover can include local fees, taxes, running costs and possible charges that will need to be factored in.
Purchasing costs
13%
The total purchasing costs associated for buying a property in Frankfurt, which includes:
Additional information
Costs include:
Transfer tax/property acquisition tax of 7%. Advisory fees include 1% lawyers’ fees and approximately 2% notary fee.
Definitions:
Rental yields: Based on gross income. Average rental: Based on prices per month. Prime market: The most desirable and most expensive property in a given location, defined as the top 5% of each market by value. Super prime market: The most desirable and most expensive property in a given location, defined as homes priced at more than US $10 million.
Investment breakdown
Core market
Rental yield: 2.8% Expected running costs: €4 sq m Average rental: €18.5 sq m
Prime market
Rental yield: 2.5% Expected running costs: €5 sq m Average rental: €22 sq m
Super prime market
Rental yield: 2.5% Expected running costs: €8 sq m Average rental: €30+ sq m
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Sources: 1. Ziegert EverEstate, 2. Knight Frank. This city guide is provided for general information only. It is not definitive, nor is it intended to amount to advice on which you should solely rely upon. As far as applicable laws allow, we do not accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions, nor for loss or damage that may result directly or indirectly from reliance on or use of its contents.