In Germany, there is a clear differentiation between mortgages for own use ("Eigenbedarf") or buy to let mortgages ("Kauf zur Vermietung"). If you’re looking to buy a property to rent it out, you will face different requirements than if you’re buying for your own use.
Differences between an own-use mortgage and buy-to-let mortgage in Germany:
Interest rates are higher on buy to let mortgages because banks have stricter (and more expensive) capital requirements for investment properties. The minimum deposit is typically higher than for own use. Proof of the rental income will allow this income to be included in your household budget or disposable income calculation.
Note: If you buy an investment property and rent it out as a so-called landlord then you can offset your expenses resulting from generating rental income against your rent. This includes interest expenses as well as costs for maintenance and repairs.
In addition, you can deduct a building depreciation allowance of 2% (and in some cases higher) as costs from your income. The depreciation is calculated as a percentage of the building cost of the property (in other words, the purchase price minus the value of the land).
If you are interested in buying a property for rent, you can learn more about it in our article "Why Buy-to-Let is so attractive in Germany".