Real Estate Crisis in Luxembourg: Understanding and Navigating the Current Market

- Has the real estate market in Luxembourg really changed? We are in the middle of a real estate crisis, nothing is selling in Luxembourg anymore!
- Oh, really? If that were the case, many more real estate agencies would have already gone bankrupt.
- We are still selling. In Luxembourg, demand remains huge, and the country remains attractive. Supply is nowhere near being able to meet this demand.
- Yes, but then, why can't I sell my property?
For some of the properties in our portfolio, there is no movement. For others, it’s business as usual: inquiries and viewings are numerous. In recent years, prices have increased much faster than salaries. As far as banks are concerned, "cheap" loans are a thing of the past. Over a longer timeframe, a rate of 4-5% is not abnormal. In the short to medium term, it is very unlikely that interest rates will drop significantly. Today, we are witnessing a rebalancing. Supply is slowly returning to a price level that is accessible to demand. Some do not hesitate to speak of a drop of up to 25%.
For some owners, by choice or obligation, the price is firm. Unfortunately, these properties will not sell. Depending on the case, they will remain on the market for several years or will be foreclosed on by the bank. Even if a buyer is found at a high price, banks are now appraising properties in detail, and they will no longer back buyers if the property is overvalued. This is true even if it fits into the applicants' budget.
Owners who agree to meet buyers halfway are selling their properties. This often comes with a handsome capital gain, as the real estate market has historically been very strong. The exception to this rule applies to properties purchased within the last two years.
You want to sell your property? How should you proceed?
Above all, do not rely on the prices displayed on real estate portals. They generally provide a highly inflated picture of reality. Have your property appraised by someone who knows the market. That is the real estate agent's job. They spend 40 hours or more doing this every week.
You want to buy a property? Where to start?
Go to a mortgage broker or banks to find out how much you can borrow. Do this before you start scheduling viewings. We can provide you with contacts. Do not assume you can offer 20% less on all properties on the market. Although many properties are listed at inflated prices, some are accurately priced and sell very quickly. Making an offer that is too low might cause you to miss out on great opportunities. If you are unsure, seek advice from an agent to represent you.