At Hope Apartments, we help owners every day to find the right solution for them – be it professional letting or preparing for sale. In this article, we take a look at both options – without judgment, but with plenty of relevant information.
Selling - makes sense when...
There can be many reasons for selling a property. Perhaps a major life change is imminent, such as a move abroad, an inheritance or the financial freedom that the proceeds of the sale make possible. Even if the market promises good prices, selling is often an obvious option. (If the sale is tax-free after 10 years)
Advantages
- Immediate inflow of capital, e.g. for new investments or personal projects
- No more responsibility for maintenance, taxes and cost increases
- Emotional relief, especially for properties with a family history
- Take advantage of good market phases, e.g. high demand or price increases
Decline in demand, for furnished rentals
Disadvantages
- No long-term income
- Speculation period (without 10-year tax liability)
- No subsequent owner-occupation possible
- Brokerage or sales expenses, which should be accompanied professionally
Do you own a condominium, are you still undecided about the rental strategy and would like to achieve a high return at the same time? Please contact us without obligation. We offer a comprehensive service for your property, from management and marketing to furnishing.
Renting - makes sense when...
Letting – especially furnished – offers an attractive opportunity to use a property as a capital investment while remaining flexible. For many owners, it means long-term income while retaining value.
Advantages
- Regular rental income – a passive income
- Increase in value remains with the owner
- Flexibility for later owner occupation or sale
- Tax advantages such as depreciation, deduction of advertising costs, etc.
Disadvantages
- Administrative expenses (tenant changes, maintenance, ancillary cost accounting)
- Obligations as a landlord – from tenancy law to communication
- Vacancy risk, depending on location and target group
- Personal expenses if no external management is used
Unfurnished rental: Advantages, disadvantages and tax aspects (SEV)
Unfurnished rentals are still the most common form of residential use in Germany, especially in the long-term rental segment.
It offers a number of advantages: The administrative burden is lower, there is less wear and tear from furniture and generally long-term tenancies with stable income. In addition, there is no responsibility for the maintenance and replacement of furnishings.
However, this form of rental also has disadvantages: The rental price is lower than for furnished offers. The flexibility in the event of personal use or sale is also more limited, as stricter tenant protection regulations apply by law.
Furnished rentals - the flexible middle way
Between sales and traditional long-term rentals, there is a third option that more and more owners are choosing: temporary furnished rentals. Whether to business travelers, expats or people in transitional phases – the demand for high-quality, immediately available living space is increasing.
What this means:
Higher rental income compared to unfurnished rentals
Low-risk target groups (professionals, companies, project workers)
Flexible rental contracts, often between 3 and 12 months
Less dependence on tenancy law (for temporary rentals)
With a professional partner like Hope Apartments, furnished letting is particularly convenient. We take care of furnishing, marketing, tenant selection and complete management – so that owners benefit from all the advantages without having to worry about it themselves.
Fazit: Keine falsche Entscheidung – aber viele Fragen
Whether you decide to sell or rent out your property – both options can be the right one. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal situation, your financial goals and your future plans.
Our tip:
Seek independent advice, weigh up the options – and think long-term. Especially for properties in urban locations or with attractive furnishings, a furnished rental can be a worthwhile middle ground that combines yield, flexibility and ownership.
For more information and details, we recommend the following articles. Feel free to read them to find out more about furnished or unfurnished letting:
