In recent times the property market in Germany has been dominated by the ongoing merging of the East and West states , which has resulted in a number of anomalies in the market place.  It was when the true extent of the poverty of East Germany was realised that the major task ahead became evident, and the government realised the large project on their hands.  

The process of arranging German Mortgages to buy a house in Germany can be quite expensive, although when you consider that many Germans actually buy a house for life, this is a cost which can often be discounted.  The country has a very affluent expat community, which has grown in size as the economy has recovered.  Many market observers in the country do not recommend buying property if your stay is for less than three years, although anything over that and a purchase should be considered.