# Thuringia

> Thuringia is a central German state known for its forests, historic cities, and growing automotive industry.

Canonical: https://www.investbud.de/en/states/thueringen
Last updated: 2026-10-28

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.

- Transfer Tax: 5.0%
- Capital: Erfurt
- Population: 2,1 million
- Area: 16.202 km²
- Transfer tax of 5.0%; only Bavaria charges less
- Erfurt and Jena are university cities
- Weimar is a World Heritage city (Classical Weimar, Bauhaus)
- Erfurt ICE hub with direct trains to Berlin and Munich

## 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

## Practical Tips

- In Jena, locations near the university are within easy reach for students and employees
- Erfurt's Altstadt and the adjoining Krämpfervorstadt to the east are central locations. Compare the purchase price and achievable rent there with the live figures above before you count on appreciation

## 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.