Capital: Erfurt
Thuringia
Thuringia is a central German state known for its forests, historic cities, and growing automotive industry.
- Last updated:
- Editorially reviewed
- Transfer Tax
- 5.0%
- €15,000 on €300,000
- Asking price/m² (median)
- €2,004
- Cold rent/m² (median)
- €6.80
- Gross rental yield (median)
- 4.1%
- No. 6 of 16 states
Asking prices and rents from online listings for apartments, as of November 3, 2026. Not notarised sale prices.
Thuringia lies in the middle of Germany and has about 2.1 million residents (end of 2025). The property transfer tax is 5.0%. Key markets are Erfurt and Jena; Erfurt is an ICE hub with direct trains to Berlin and Munich. Live figures for the state's prices, rents and gross yield are shown at the top of this page.
Real Estate Market
Erfurt is the state capital and a stop on the high-speed ICE line between Berlin and Munich. Jena is home to Friedrich Schiller University. Weimar is a World Heritage city that draws tourists.
- Erfurt: ICE stop on the high-speed line between Berlin and Munich
- Jena: home to Friedrich Schiller University
Transfer Tax Details
Thuringia charges a Grunderwerbsteuer of 5.0%. Only Bavaria is lower, at 3.5%. On a purchase price of 150,000 euros the tax is 7,500 euros. Notary and land registry fees add about 1 to 1.5% of the price.
Investment Cities
Demand is concentrated in Erfurt, Weimar and Jena, which are linked by rail and the A4 motorway.
- Erfurt: the state capital, with the ICE hub and state government offices
- Jena: home to Friedrich Schiller University
- Weimar: a World Heritage city (Classical Weimar, Bauhaus) with tourism and the Bauhaus University
- Eisenach: home to the Wartburg castle, a World Heritage site
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property transfer tax in Thuringia?
Thuringia charges a Grunderwerbsteuer of 5.0% on real estate purchases. Only Bavaria charges less.
Is Thuringia a good state for first-time property investors?
The transfer tax is lower than in most states; only Bavaria charges less. Before you buy, check the population trend and the vacancy in the specific city. The current prices and rents above show whether a property pays off.
How important is the ICE rail connection for Erfurt's property market?
The ICE trains on the high-speed line between Berlin and Munich stop in Erfurt. For tenants who commute now and then, that makes Erfurt a well-connected place to live. How much of this is reflected in prices cannot be measured.
Cities with the highest yield in Thuringia
Gross rental yield of cities with at least 30 listings for sale.
Check an apartment in Thuringia
A city's median says little about a single apartment. Enter the address, price and rent to see cash flow, net yield and taxes.