It doesn't make much sense to own a home in Germany, or in most of EU for that matter. In the countryside, 20 years of rent is maybe one third of the buying pri

It doesn't make much sense to own a home in Germany, or in most of EU for that matter. In the countryside, 20 years of rent is maybe one third of the buying price, not counting in taxes and maintenance. Plus you lose flexibility, both in terms of moving and in investment. What makes sense is what a lot of people do there: when reaching retirement/kids are out, buy property in east europe and live off your pension there.