Everything you need to know about the Immobilienkaufmann/-frau profession

What is an “Immobilienkaufmann/-frau”?

An Immobilienkaufmann/-frau is a real estate management specialist. They manage, rent out, sell and help develop properties such as apartments, houses, office buildings, shopping centres and plots of land.
They advise clients, prepare contracts and handle financial and administrative matters related to real estate.

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How does the training work?

• Dual vocational training (company + vocational school)

• Duration: 3 years

• Practical training in: housing companies, property management firms, real estate agencies, banks, etc.

• Theoretical training in: vocational school (law, business administration, real estate management, accounting, …)

• Final qualification: IHK-recognised exam (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

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Typical daily tasks

Property management

• Managing and looking after residential and commercial properties

• Coordinating repairs, maintenance and service providers

• Monitoring building-related contracts and services

Letting and selling

• Presenting properties and conducting viewings

• Preparing and processing rental and purchase contracts

• Negotiating prices, rents and conditions

Financial and legal consulting

• Advising on financing, mortgages and real estate loans

• Monitoring incoming rent payments and service charges

• Supporting budgeting and profitability calculations for properties

Real estate marketing

• Creating advertisements and exposés (online & print)

• Assessing property values and market potential

• Developing marketing and sales strategies

Administrative work

• Managing files, contracts and correspondence

• Preparing reports on income, expenses and property performance

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Where do they work?

• Real estate development and housing companies

• Property and facility management firms

• Housing cooperatives and public housing associations

• Banks and financial institutions in real estate financing

• Independent real estate agencies and brokers

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What skills are needed?

• Strong communication and negotiation skills

• Solid economic and business mindset

• Basic knowledge of real estate, tenancy and contract law

• Strong organisational skills and accuracy

• Ability to deal with different types of clients

• Confident use of computers and management software

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Career development opportunities

• Promotion to project manager or branch manager

• Further qualification as Immobilienfachwirt/in (certified real estate specialist)

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Management, Business Administration, Facility Management

• Specialisation in property valuation, project development or asset management

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Difference: Immobilienkaufmann/-frau vs. Immobilienmakler/in

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Summary (English)
The profession Immobilienkaufmann/-frau is a great choice if you enjoy combining business, organisation and direct customer contact.
It offers strong job security, many specialisation options and good prospects for advancement within the German real estate sector.