Garage as an investment: How to check financing online and maximize your returns
14 Jul 2025
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A garage is more than just a parking space; it is a stable investment with attractive returns. We show you how to check the financing of a garage as an investment online and avoid pitfalls.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Garages offer a solid return on investment of four to eight percent with low management effort.
Financing often takes place through installment loans, as banks rarely offer construction financing for small amounts.
Rental income must be taxed, but acquisition and ongoing costs can be claimed for tax purposes.
Der Mangel an Parkraum in deutschen Städten macht Garagen zu einem zunehmend gefragten Investmentobjekt. Anders als Wohnimmobilien erfordern sie weniger Verwaltungsaufwand und bieten dennoch eine solide Rendite von oft mehr als vier Prozent. Die Finanzierung stellt jedoch eine besondere Herausforderung dar, da nicht jede Bank ein solches Vorhaben wie eine klassische Baufinanzierung behandelt. Dieser Artikel führt Sie durch den Prozess, von der ersten Renditeberechnung über die Auswahl des richtigen Kredits bis hin zu den steuerlichen Vorteilen, damit Ihr Investment auf einem sicheren Fundament steht.
Realistically Assess the Return Potentials of Garage Investments
Investing in a garage is attractive due to stable income with manageable effort. In many German cities, an annual rental yield between four and eight percent is achievable. With a purchase price of 20,000 euros and monthly rental income of 100 euros, this already results in a gross yield of six percent per year. Demand is further driven by the 65.8 million registered vehicles in Germany, leading to a low vacancy rate, often below two percent. Especially in urban areas, the demand for secure parking far exceeds the supply. Another advantage is value stability; garages are less price-sensitive than residential real estate. With a well-planned property loan for investors, the return on equity can be further optimized. These solid figures form the basis for the decision to consider financing a garage as an investment online.
Identify the right financing options for your garage project
Financing a garage differs from financing an apartment, as loan amounts are usually below 50,000 euros. Many banks shy away from the effort of mortgage-backed construction financing for such relatively small amounts. A common and flexible alternative is a loan with no fixed purpose. This does not require a land registry entry, and processing is often completed within a few days. For the construction of a new garage, possibly as a double garage or carport with a tool shed, a renovation loan may also be considered if it is linked to an existing property. Carefully examine the terms: An installment loan often has higher interest rates but offers more flexibility than an annuity loan. The following options are typically available:
Installment Loan: Quickly available and without a land registry entry, ideal for purchase prices between 5,000 and 50,000 euros.
Renovation Loan: Specifically for construction measures, often with more favorable interest rates, but tied to a property.
Construction Financing: Sensible for very expensive projects or the purchase of an entire garage complex with more than 10 units.
Own Capital: For purchase prices below 15,000 euros, direct purchase without external capital can be the most profitable solution.
Choosing the appropriate financing method is a crucial step before calculating the specific costs.
Accurately calculate cost factors and additional expenses
The total costs for a garage extend beyond just the purchase price or construction costs. A solid prefabricated concrete garage starts at around 5,000 euros, while a brick version can quickly exceed 16,000 euros. For the foundation, you should also expect costs between 1,300 and 1,600 euros. Many investors underestimate the additional costs, which can account for up to 15 percent of the purchase price. A detailed budget calculation for the loan application helps to keep track of all items. The essential cost items include:
Purchase or construction costs: The largest single item, depending on material and size (e.g. from 10,000 euros for a double garage).
Foundation and groundwork: Necessary for stability and durability, approximately 100 euros per square metre.
Additional purchase costs: Property transfer tax (depending on the federal state 3.5 to 6.5 percent), notary and land registry fees (approx. 2 percent).
Ongoing costs: Maintenance (approx. 50 to 100 euros per year), property tax and insurance.
Optional features: An electric gate can cost an additional 1,500 euros, a wall box for electric cars from 1,000 euros.
An accurate calculation of these factors is essential to correctly assess profitability and review legal requirements.
Successfully navigate legal and tax frameworks
Before investing, you must check the legal requirements, particularly the need for a building permit. This is a matter for the federal states: In Bavaria, garages up to 50 square metres in area often do not require a permit, whereas in Baden-Württemberg the limit is 30 square metres. An enquiry with the relevant building authority provides clarity here and prevents fines of up to 50,000 euros. Tax-wise, renting out garages is also relevant. You must declare rental income in Appendix V of your tax return. The key is in the deductible costs: You can write off the acquisition costs over 20 years at a linear rate of five percent per year. This means that with a purchase price of 20,000 euros, you reduce your taxable income annually by 1,000 euros. Interest on a long-term loan, maintenance costs, and property tax are also deductible. Note the VAT obligation of 19 percent on the rent, from which only small business owners are exempt. With this knowledge, you can better assess the risks of your investment.
The digital path to financing: Online check in four steps
Checking the financing of a garage as a capital investment online is straightforward today and saves time. With digital comparison portals, you can get an overview of the conditions of various banks in just a few minutes. The process can be broken down into four simple steps. First, enter the desired loan amount, based on your cost calculation, and a term of typically seven to ten years. In the second step, provide information about your financial situation, such as income and monthly expenses. Many providers conduct a credit check in real-time without immediately affecting your SCHUFA score. In the third step, compare the non-binding offers; pay attention not only to the interest rate but also to the possibility of special repayments. The fourth and final step is digital identification via video identification and uploading the necessary documents, such as salary statements and the draft purchase contract. This way, you can manage the entire process from checking to completing your annuity loan conveniently from home.
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More useful links
The Deutsche Bundesbank offers detailed financial stability reports that provide insights into the German financial landscape.
The KfW provides information about funding programmes for individuals in the area of existing properties, which can also be relevant for garage projects.
The ifo Institut supplies current analyses and data on its real estate market topic page, which are useful for investment decisions.
FAQ
Was kostet der Bau einer durchschnittlichen Einzelgarage?
Die Kosten für eine Einzelgarage variieren stark. Eine einfache Fertiggarage aus Stahl oder Beton ist ab ca. 5.000 Euro erhältlich. Eine massive, gemauerte Garage kann inklusive Fundament und Nebenkosten 20.000 Euro oder mehr kosten.
Welche laufenden Kosten fallen bei einer vermieteten Garage an?
Zu den laufenden Kosten zählen die Grundsteuer, die Kosten für eine Gebäude- oder Haftpflichtversicherung sowie eine jährliche Instandhaltungsrücklage von etwa 50 bis 100 Euro für kleinere Reparaturen an Tor oder Dach.
Wie finde ich den richtigen Mieter für meine Garage?
Nutzen Sie lokale Online-Kleinanzeigenportale und Aushänge in Supermärkten der Umgebung. Beschreiben Sie die Lage, Größe und Ausstattung (z.B. Stromanschluss) genau. Eine Bonitätsprüfung ist bei Garagenmietern unüblich, aber eine Kaution von zwei bis drei Monatsmieten ist empfehlenswert.
Muss ich auf die Mieteinnahmen einer Garage Umsatzsteuer zahlen?
Grundsätzlich ist die Vermietung einer Garage umsatzsteuerpflichtig (19 Prozent). Sie können jedoch die Kleinunternehmerregelung in Anspruch nehmen, wenn Ihr Gesamtumsatz im vorangegangenen Jahr 22.000 Euro nicht überschritten hat und im laufenden Jahr 50.000 Euro voraussichtlich nicht übersteigen wird.
Welche Kündigungsfristen gelten für einen Garagenmietvertrag?
Wird eine Garage separat von einer Wohnung vermietet, gilt das Gewerbemietrecht mit liberaleren Regeln. Die gesetzliche Kündigungsfrist für Mieter und Vermieter beträgt drei Monate zum Ende eines Kalenderquartals, sofern im Mietvertrag keine abweichende, kürzere Frist vereinbart wurde.
Lohnt sich der Kauf eines ganzen Garagenhofs?
Der Kauf eines Garagenhofs kann die Rendite durch Skaleneffekte steigern und das Mietausfallrisiko auf mehrere Mieter verteilen. Allerdings ist der Verwaltungsaufwand höher und die Anfangsinvestition erfordert in der Regel eine klassische Immobilienfinanzierung, die eine gründlichere Prüfung durch die Bank nach sich zieht.
