I am seriously thinking of moving to Germany - lots of positive reasons of course. But I found this, and I would appreciate any informed thoughts. Thanks in advance...
1. Germans do not want to own property, most Germans prefer to rent and purchase a property overseas. Germany has one of the lowest home ownerships in the European Union. Ask yourself why Germans do not want to own a property in their own country?
2. German Banks hit by lending to failed American Banks, helping fuelling the property bubble in the USA,- before the market collapsed, were some of the hardest Banks to get a mortgage from. In fact it was rare for a Bank or Mortgage company to consider more than a 50- 60% mortgage on a German property. Why did the Banks shun encouraging home ownership in their own Country?
3. Germany is a litigation state. Germans are the most likely to sue in the European Union. The state encourage this. And many States do not even need evidence to award damages in civil courts. One reason, many Germans say its better to own nothing in there own Country,- its safer.
4. If you work and own property in Germany, and become unemployed. You are not entitled to unemployment benefits. Germany has a 'means tested' benefit system, and many property owners once they become unemployed- simply have to sell to survive.
5. Damaging a property in Germany is not considered a criminal act, and neither is trespassing. Many properties get vandalized, and German Law states it is a civil law case- as long as you can prove who damaged the property.
6. Utility and other bills related to the property, are some of the highest in the European Union, compared to average salaries. The use of alternative energy such as solar power is "illegal" unless you get permission from the local authorities or the local electricity company- One reason few Germans use green energy.