Property Valuation
Online Value Analysis
Estimate rent prices for inherited apartment online
Have you inherited a flat and are wondering what the right rent price is? Setting the rent too high can lead to vacancies, while setting it too low can reduce your return by up to 20%. This guide shows you how to determine the optimal rent price for your inherited flat online and safely avoid pitfalls.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
Always use the qualified rent index of your municipality as a legally secure basis for determining the local comparable rent.
Check if the rent cap applies to your property to restrict the rent to a maximum of 10% above the comparative rent when renting out anew.
Rely on digital tools and AI analysis to use up-to-date market data alongside the rent index for precise and objective price determination.
Inheriting property is an emotional and at the same time complex task. In the midst of grieving, significant financial decisions must be made. One of the first and most important questions is: How can I determine the correct rental price for the inherited apartment? A wrong approach can cost you thousands of euros in returns annually or lead to legal disputes. This article offers you a clear, data-driven roadmap. You will learn to understand the legal framework, correctly utilise the local comparative rent, and use digital tools to set an accurate, market-based rent. This way, you secure your returns and create a solid foundation for the future of your property.
Before you determine the rent for your inherited apartment, you need to be familiar with the legal requirements. Two key instruments are essential here: the rental index and the rent control. Since 1 July 2022, qualified rental indexes are mandatory for municipalities with a population of at least 50,000 and must be freely accessible online. They reflect the local customary comparative rent and form the basis for any serious calculation.
The rent control, extended until 2029, limits the rent for new rentals in tense housing markets to a maximum of 10% above the local customary comparative rent. Violations can lead to tenants reclaiming overpaid rent. Therefore, it is crucial to check if your property is located in such an area. A thorough understanding of these rules protects you from financial losses and is the first step towards professional renting. Correct application of these instruments forms the foundation for the subsequent steps in your price determination.
The local customary comparative rent is the most important reference value for determining the rental price of your inherited apartment. It is formed in accordance with § 558 Abs. 2 BGB from the rents paid for comparable living space in the past six years. The simplest way to determine this is the qualified rent index of your city or municipality. This provides a legally secure range based on objective criteria.
The following factors significantly determine the comparative rent:
Location: Differences between districts can affect the rent by over 30%.
Size and layout: The living area in square meters and the number of rooms are basic indicators.
Year of construction and energy condition: A good energy rating can increase the rental price by up to 15%.
Facilities: Features such as a balcony, a fitted kitchen, or modern flooring justify surcharges.
A common mistake is the inaccurate classification of one's own property into the categories of the rent index. Take your time for this or use digital assistants. Once you have determined the basic rent, you can consider specific value drivers of your apartment in the next step.
The rental index provides a price range; the exact positioning of your apartment within this range depends on its individual condition. A recent renovation can increase the rental price by 10-20%. Document all modernisations from the past 15 years, particularly in the areas of bathroom, windows, and heating. A detailed list justifies a higher rental rate and is invaluable in case of any tenant inquiries.
The equipment also plays a crucial role. A high-quality fitted kitchen can justify a monthly surcharge of 50 to 80 euros, depending on the city and quality. Check if your inherited property has special features not covered in the standard rental index, such as a smart-home system or an exceptionally fast internet connection. These details not only help you determine the rental price for your inherited apartment accurately but also assist in later marketing. A transparent listing of all advantages, as is common in a detailed exposé, builds trust. Next, we will show you how to process this data digitally.
Manual research in rental indices and comparing with other offers is time-consuming and error-prone. Online rent calculators analyse hundreds of thousands of offer data and provide an initial orientation in seconds. These tools are often more up-to-date than the rental indices, which are published every two years. The decisive advantage lies in the data-supported objectivity, preventing gut decisions.
Modern AI-supported platforms take it a step further. They link rental index data, current offer rents, socio-demographic developments, and even construction activities in the neighbourhood. This creates a dynamic picture of the real market value. Instead of working through countless tables, you receive a clear course of action. The ImmoGPT chat from Auctoa, for example, can provide an initial assessment in just 2 minutes and show which factors are particularly relevant for your inherited flat. This technological support is the fastest way to calculate the optimal rental yield. With this validated price, you can now tackle the final step.
After you have collected and analysed all the data, set the final rental price. This should be in line with the market to avoid vacancies but also maximise your full return potential. Consider allowing a small negotiation margin of about 3-5%. A slightly higher price gives you flexibility without looking unprofessional. Document your calculations carefully.
A transparent justification of the rental price in the lease agreement, based on the qualified rent index or an expert report, is essential. This is particularly important if the rent control applies and you claim an exception (e.g. due to previous rent or modernisation). Proper documentation protects you from future conflicts and proves your professionalism. The question of whether it is more worthwhile to rent out or sell heavily depends on correctly determining the rental price. A well-justified rental price is the best insurance for a long-term successful rental relationship.
Determining the rental price for an inherited apartment online is not rocket science, but it does require a structured and data-driven approach. Do not rely on estimates from neighbours or outdated assumptions. Use the available digital tools such as online rental price indexes and AI evaluations to form a solid decision-making basis. By considering the legal framework and objectively assessing the condition of your property, you not only maximise your rental income by up to 20%, but also minimise the risk of vacancies and legal disputes. A well-founded determination of the rental price is the cornerstone for successfully dealing with your real estate inheritance.
The Statistical Office (Destatis) provides a press release with official data and analyses on housing, rents, or real estate.
The Consumer Advice Centre Brandenburg provides information on important aspects of household liquidation and contract termination following a death.
The Federal Ministry of Finance provides detailed information on inheritance and gift tax in Germany.
The Bundesbank offers analyses on the development of residential property prices and rents in Germany.
The Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs, and Spatial Development (BBSR) provides a dashboard with current data and reports on the real estate market.
What happens if I set the rent too high?
A rent that's too high can lead to several negative consequences: longer vacancy periods because fewer prospective tenants will express interest, and a greater risk of a tenant legally challenging the rent and reclaiming overpaid amounts, especially in areas with rent control measures.
How do I account for modernisation in the rent?
After modernisation, you can add 8% of the recoverable costs to the annual rent. For extensive modernisation, your property may even be exempt from rent control, allowing for more flexible pricing. A thorough assessment is crucial here.
Can I charge more for a furnished flat?
Yes, you can demand a surcharge for the furnishings. This is usually calculated based on the current value of the furniture, with a deduction for wear and tear. The surcharge must be transparently detailed in the rental agreement.
Where can I find the rent index for my city?
Since July 2022, cities and municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants are required to provide rent indices free of charge online. These are typically available on your municipal government's official website.
How can Auctoa assist me in finding the right rent?
Auctoa uses AI technology to analyse not only official rent indices but also thousands of up-to-date comparison offers and market trends. Our evaluation provides you with a data-driven, realistic rent estimate within minutes and helps you optimise the return on your inherited property.
What is the cap on rent increases?
The cap regulates rent increases in existing tenancies. It stipulates that the rent cannot rise by more than 20% within three years, and in some tense markets, only by 15%.
