Mortgage calculator for Germany

EU citizens do not need a German residence permit under EU free-movement rules. Lenders must not discriminate between EU citizens solely because of nationality. For non-EU applicants, document requirements depend on the lender and country of residence. Approval still depends on your finances and the property. Living outside Germany can limit your options.

Mortgage lenders assess whether your income is stable enough to cover repayments. Probation can make future income less certain; an open-ended employment contract and a stable work history can help. Minimum employment periods and acceptance during probation vary by lender and also depend on your wider finances.

Lenders need evidence that income earned abroad is reliable and can cover your repayments. If you're paid in a currency other than euros, exchange-rate changes can affect your ability to repay a euro mortgage. Banks set their own rules on which income sources and currencies they accept.

Having no German credit history is different from having a record of missed payments. Banks assess your ability to repay using verified income, living costs, existing debts and savings. Schufa, a German credit reference agency, provides additional credit information. A limited record may mean the lender needs more financial documents.

A German EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit for qualified employment. Lenders assess your finances and set requirements for residence documents. Before applying, check whether the lender accepts your permit type and how long it must remain valid.

Your borrowing budget depends on the monthly repayments you can sustain, the money you can contribute and the lender's assessment. Start with your household's take-home income, then subtract living costs, existing debt payments and expected property running costs. Keep a reserve for unexpected expenses. A multiple of annual income cannot reliably establish your maximum mortgage.

How much you need to contribute depends on the lender and property. Budget separately for Grunderwerbsteuer (property transfer tax), notary and land register fees, and any estate agent fee. Calculate the costs for your particular purchase and keep an emergency reserve. Contributing more money reduces the loan you need.

The lender needs to review your finances and the property before approving the mortgage. Missing documents can delay that review. Ask for an estimated timescale once the lender has your application and required documents. A calculator result is not mortgage approval.