Joske Thompson
415-608-2233
Berlin Real Estate
For International Clientele
Rich in History and Opulence
Berlin is the capitol of Germany (since 1990 following German reunification) and has a population of approx. 3.5M people.
Berlin’s economy is mainly based on the service sector due to being one of the most popular touristic destinations in Europe. Other industries include IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology. Lately Berlin also is the epicenter for new and successful startups and sometimes is referred to as Silicon Allee (deriving from the original Silicon Valley in the U.S).
Located in the eastern part of Germany Berlin is an important hub to the Eastern European states like Poland. Although many people would refer to Alexanderplatz being the city centre, there is no real city centre in Berlin. Rather Berlin has a lot of “Kieze” which are little communities of their own within Berlin.
Berlin is relatively flat and its biggest river is called Spree. In the Western Berlin borough Spandau the Spree meets the Havel.
In this area there are many of the lakes like Wannsee and Tegeler See. But also if you take the S-Bahn direction East you will soon find yourself in the middle of great nature and lots of nice lakes that invite you to jump in and cool off during summertime.
Lifestyle in Berlin
RICH IN HISTORY, EMBRACING THE MODERN
Major Transportation Hub
Museums, Theaters, & Restaurants
World Historical Center
World Class Education Institutions
Beautiful Public Parks
Seasonal Climates
Business Destination
Startup Ecosystem
Progressive Mentality
Nightlife Destination
Fashion Destination
International Residents
Very Pet Friendly
Established Tourism Industry
Food
Berlin is globally known for its big food scene. The word 'Berliner' actually translates to donut. While you can find all types of international fare, new and old-world, the traditional food of Berlin has a deep-rooted history in the city and is a draw for international tourists everywhere. Home of the Wurst (sausage), in the streets you can find plentiful Currywurst, a dish similar to Sausage, chili and french fries. Many of the local dishes have foreign influence, such as Doner Kebab and Durum, Senfeir, Konigsberger Klopse, Berliner / Pfannkuchen, and Kunefe.
Art
Art aficionados will find their world turned upside down in Berlin. Home to 440+ galleries, tons of world-class collections and some 10,000+ international artists, it has assumed an anchor position on the global artistic scene. Young energy, restlessness and experimental spirit combined and infused with an undercurrent of grit are what give this ‘eternally unfinished’ city its street cred. Since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s abundant space and relatively inexpensive cost of living have made it a haven for international emerging artists.
Play
Whether you prefer to spend your holiday taking in the traditional tourist destinations such as historical sites, architectural works of art, or touring some of the the abundant number of museums, or you prefer something with a little grit and edge, Berlin has the classic attractions and experimental attitude to deliver some one-of-a-kind experiences like; The Monster Kabinett, a wonderland (so to speak) of massive robotic creatures, clanking metal sculptures and insect-like beasts. Another unique attractions is the Liquidrom, a futuristic German spa allows visitors to float in a pool of salt water while zoning out to underwater techno.
Luxury
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is the country's leading fine dining destination with 21 Michelin Starred restaurants. For those with an afinity towards luxury brands, Berlin has to offer a jewel in the crown of Berlin department stores, Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), which houses designer stores such as Gucci and Prada as well as other European quality outlets.
Well over 100-years-old, every day the original iron gate from 1907 is opened for visitors to begin their shopping adventures. Over the years more mainstream stores have found their way into the department store mix.
Be sure to visit the renowned luxury food hall on the sixth floor for an overwhelming sensory experience. Visit the renowned luxury food hall on the sixth floor for an overwhelming sensory experience.
Attractions & Destinations
A City Continuously Evolving
Internationally Certified. Locally Recognized.
Joske Thompson is a licensed Global Real Estate Advisor and has been trained as a Certified International Property Specialist to specifically address the needs of those looking to purchase property in California as a foreign national and U.S. nationals looking to purchase property abroad. He is the President of the San Francisco chapter of FIABCI, an elite network represented in 65 countries with members from all professions of the real estate sector. His extensive knowledge on international property and investment practices, paired with his robust worldwide network, affords Joske the competitive edge to deliver successful strategies for his global clientele. As a member of Top Agent Network, Joske is locally recognized as a top agent in San Francisco.
Cost of Living Comparison
Compared to Berlin
San Francisco
62% MORE EXPENSIVE
Food: +69%
Housing: +133%
Clothes: +17%
Transportation: -12%
Personal Care: +72%
Entertainment: +86%
Total Difference: +62%
Exchange: .873 EUR/USD
Hong Kong
50% MORE COSTLY
Food: +31%
Housing: +139%
Clothes: +11%
Transportation: -15%
Personal Care: +10%
Entertainment: +63%
Total Difference: +50%
Exchange: .11146 EUR/HKD
Sydney
28% MORE COSTLY
Food: +26%
Housing: +43%
Clothes: +30%
Transportation: +10%
Personal Care: 0%
Entertainment: +55%
Total Difference: +28%
Exchange: .613 EUR/AUD
DUBAI
24% MORE AFFORDABLE
Food: +40%
Housing: +42%
Clothes: +40%
Transportation: -22%
Personal Care: +36%
Entertainment: +70%
Total Difference: +24%
Exchange: .23778 EUR/ AED
Economics
The German Economy
as of Jan 2019
Germany At a Glance
The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment. Germany benefits from a highly skilled labor force, but, like its Western European neighbors, faces significant demographic challenges to sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and a large increase in net immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare system and necessitate structural reforms.
Reforms launched by the government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average growth, contributed to strong economic growth and falling unemployment. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World War II. The German Government introduced a minimum wage in 2015 that increased to $9.79 (8.84 euros) in January 2017.
Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and 2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second term increased Germany's total budget deficit - including federal, state, and municipal - to 4.1% in 2010, but slower spending and higher tax revenues reduced the deficit to 0.8% in 2011 and in 2017 Germany reached a budget surplus of 0.7%.
Following the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Chancellor Angela MERKEL announced in May 2011 that eight of the country's 17 nuclear reactors would be shut down immediately and the remaining plants would close by 2022. Germany plans to replace nuclear power largely with renewable energy, which accounted for 29.5% of gross electricity consumption in 2016, up from 9% in 2000.
GDP: $3,701 B
GDP Growth: 2.5%
GDP per Capita: $44,500
Government Type: Democratic, Federal Parliamentary Republic
Public Debt/GDP: 64%
Population: 80.5M
Unemployment: 3.8%
Inflation: 1.7%
Forbes Rankings
Trade Freedom: 21
Monetary Freedom: 14
Property Rights: 16
Innovation: 1
Technology: 31
Red Tape: 99
Investor Protection: 71
Corruption: 12
Tax Burden: 41
Personal Freedom: 1
Meet Your Global Real Estate Advisor
Joske Thompson
Certified International Property Specialist
1699 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109
joske@joske.org / Tel. +1 (415) 345 3100
Gracefully Matching Passionate Clientele with Distinguished Properties
