Find & Finance Your Dream Property | Leading Real Estate Experts

Frankfurt am Main – Despite holding an estimated eight trillion euros in combined assets, affluent Germans are increasingly seeking financing strategies tailored to their specific financial situations when purchasing property, according to financial advisors. While substantial wealth or high income typically eases the process, securing a mortgage isn’t always straightforward for high-net-worth individuals.

Rebecca Scheidler, founder and managing director of the loan brokerage Engel & Völkers Finance, emphasizes the importance of equity. “As a general rule, it is remarkably sensible to contribute 20 percent of the purchase price as equity when financing a property,” she stated. However, she notes that many entrepreneurs prefer to maintain liquidity and avoid tying up capital in real estate, while newly self-employed professionals, such as doctors, often have significant capital invested in their practices.

This preference for liquidity can lead high-earners to explore financing options that require minimal or no equity investment. According to a recent report by the German Statistical Federal Office, approximately ten percent of full-time employees earn around 100,000 euros annually, with one percent exceeding a salary of 213,000 euros. A study by UBS indicates that 2.8 million people in Germany possess over one million euros in assets. These figures suggest a substantial segment of the population capable of affording high-value properties, such as those in Frankfurt’s Grand Tower.

The current landscape of real estate financing offers a range of options. Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer organization, highlights the importance of comparing offers from different lenders, noting significant variations in interest rates and conditions. Their analysis, updated on March 20, 2026, emphasizes the benefits of flexible mortgage terms, including options for changing repayment rates and making partial repayments.

Immobilienscout24, a leading German property portal, advises prospective buyers to realistically calculate all costs, including ancillary purchase costs and to consider state subsidies like those offered by KfW and the Wohn-Riester program. They too recommend a minimum of 20 percent equity to reduce financial risks. The portal’s data, updated February 20, 2026, underscores the potential savings available through careful comparison of loan offers.

The availability of flexible financing options, such as those allowing for adjustments to repayment schedules and early partial repayments, is becoming increasingly vital as buyers navigate changing financial circumstances. Stiftung Warentest’s comparison of 76 providers reveals substantial differences in the conditions offered, emphasizing the need for thorough research. The organization’s analysis of follow-on financing and forward loans, updated March 3, 2026, demonstrates potential cost savings of thousands of euros through strategic planning.

While complete financing without equity is possible, it generally comes at a higher cost, as noted by Immobilienscout24. The decision to minimize equity investment often depends on individual circumstances and financial goals, with entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals frequently prioritizing liquidity.