HBW KNOWLEDGE
Your mortgage.
Clearly explained.
Practical answers to the questions that matter when buying a home.
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12 articles
How much equity does your mortgage need?
What matters is the money available for the purchase price after transaction costs and a reliable cash reserve.
Read article ↗Buying · GUIDEPurchase costs in Hesse: plan the full price
Property transfer tax, notary and land register fees, and any agreed estate agent commission must be included from the start.
Read article ↗Planning · GUIDEWhat monthly payment can you sustain?
A suitable payment follows from your future household budget, including ownership costs, reserves and foreseeable changes.
Read article ↗Basics · GUIDEChoose a fixed-rate period with the remaining balance in mind
The fixed-rate period determines how long your agreed interest rate applies. It does not necessarily determine when the mortgage is fully repaid.
Read article ↗Basics · GUIDERepayment: what actually reduces your mortgage balance
A repayment mortgage payment includes interest and principal. Only the principal element reduces what you owe.
Read article ↗Planning · GUIDERemortgaging: which option suits your remaining balance?
Renew, switch or lock in terms early: the next mortgage phase deserves a fresh comparison.
Read article ↗Buying · GUIDEBuying without equity: what lenders consider
Financing the whole purchase price differs from financing every transaction cost as well. Both require particular care over affordability and reserves.
Read article ↗Buying · GUIDEBuying a home: from search budget to handing over the keys
An early budget review gives direction. A property-specific lending decision follows only after personal evidence and the actual property have been assessed.
Read article ↗Planning · GUIDEWhich documents will your mortgage lender need?
Complete and consistent information helps keep follow-up questions manageable. The exact list depends on employment, the project and the lender.
Read article ↗Buying · GUIDEEnergy certificates when buying: what they show and what they do not
An energy certificate helps you understand a building’s energy performance. Modernisation costs and financing need additional evidence.
Read article ↗Basics · GUIDEThe German land charge: security behind your mortgage
A land charge gives the lender security over the property. Its registered amount and use are distinct from the mortgage balance.
Read article ↗Planning · GUIDEBring public funding into the plan early
Funding may complement your finance. Eligibility depends on use, household, the building and when the project starts.
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