Play with the big boys

A little while back money week ran a story on how all the big financial institutions like Meryl Lynch, have been buying German apartments in bulk -- tens of thousands at a time. They have been given this opportunity by Germany's privatised industries selling of their property stocks to reduce costs. And they have taken the opportunity because Germany has the most depressed property market of all industrialised, "western" countries.

Liam Bailey, Head of International Research for David Stanley Redfern Ltd, gave his thoughts on what this means for the German property market: "These major players buying thousands of apartments throughout Berlin and Germany are likely to use their considerable financial clout to create somewhat of a seller's market, and/or to increase incentives for people to buy. Most notably raising rents, and increasing the availability of finance packages, as well as the percentage thereof."

Janet Gieram, a Berliner and head of DSR's new Western European Division, said that their plans are already beginning to take effect, with "prices and rental rates finally seeing some real growth, the latter triggering an upsurge in people willing to buy their property as oppose to just renting."

Berlin then, currently presents one of the best investment opportunities on the global market, because property there is more affordable than any other established market. Put simply, you can buy into the safety of an established market, with the price and potential of an emerging market property.

David Stanley Redfern Ltd's new Western European division, consisting of a fully staffed office, and a team of sourcers, gives them the ability to maintain what has become one of the liveliest portfolios of German properties of any other worldwide agent operating in the market. Currently DSR are focusing on Berlin property, but plan to offer property throughout Germany as decent opportunities become available.

David Stanley Redfern Ltd even have 3 bulk investment opportunities, where tens of apartments are being sold as a package. This gives serious investors the chance to play with the big boys like Meryl, Lynch, and fully capitalise as the latter's efforts to generate return on their investments continue to bring about growth in the market.

DSR's bulk Berlin investment opportunities include: a development of 1 commercial unit and 8 apartments in Kreuzberg, and a development of 2 commercial units and 6 apartments in Pankow.

For more information, visit www.davidstanleyredfern.com/investment-property/germany/