An overseas property investment guide to Berlin. Plus, find property in the rest of Germany.

Berlin is the German capital and is home to 3.4 million people, making it also the country's largest city.

Located in north-eastern Germany, the city is a major centre in European politics, culture, media, and science. It is also a continental hub for air and rail transport and has recently emerged as a very popular destination for short-break holidaymakers.

The metropolis' urban landscape and historical legacy have attracted visitors for centuries and its universities and research facilities are also famed.

In recent years, the city has emerged as a focal point for individuals attracted by its liberal lifestyle, modern zeitgeist and low cost of living.

To find property in Berlin and more property in Germany, visit: www.justoverseas.co.uk/propertyingermany

Berlin is also celebrated for its numerous cultural institutions - including museums, art galleries, monuments and design institutes. Its bars and clubs are also world famous and have been the birthplaces of many underground sounds.

The city is made up of 23 different districts, each with its own character. As such, different areas have tended to attract different sorts of investors.

In the last decade, the parts of the cityscape around Potsdamer Platz and the eastern city centre have become popular, as has Mitte. This area contains many of the capital's oldest properties and grandest buildings, website real-estate-european-union.com noted.

It added: "North of the river spree Mitte changes into an area with lots of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs - the heart of Berlin's nightlife. It is also the district of alternative galleries and artistic experimentation.

"Friedrichshain, the district to the south of Prenzlauer Berg, is a little run down and was the last area to be cleared of squatters. The area around Simon-Dach-Strasse has many alternative bars, cafes and clubs and is a popular spot with students, real estate here can vary in standard and price."

Finally, the site noted: "The southwest of the city is the place where wealthy Berliners live.

"Largely spared during the War, there are plenty of lovely villas in Gruewald, part of the Wilmersdorf district and around Dahlem in Zehlendorf. The area around Lake Wannsee is a particularly popular spot with Berlin's high-society with mooring for the yacht at the bottom of the garden!"

Pros to Buying Property in Berlin

According to the AFP news agency, foreigners are rushing to invest in the city. In fact, foreigners were responsible for 70 per cent of the purchases in recent months, the German federation of estate agents is reported to have revealed.

"In Berlin, the price per square metre is one of the cheapest of any major city in Europe, including those in eastern Europe," Andrea Magnoni, the Italian co-founder of the Valore fund, told the news agency.

Indeed, the Global Property Guide suggested that a very small apartment in central Berlin could be purchased for as little as €55,260. Larger properties range from €148,575 for a 75 square metre home to €391,350 for an impressive 150 square metre dwelling.

Cons to Buying Property in Berlin

However, German Hawk recently warned people off investing in Berlin. The firm said: "We see many buildings with repair and maintenance backlogs for sale in weak locations.

"Many of them have already changed hands once or twice recently. Berlin still has its troubles. Even it appears cheap, it is not, when risk is considered."

What you need to know when buying property in Germany

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Berlin. The Global Property Guide added: "Financing is possible for foreigners, but should not be expected to cover more than 60 per cent of the purchase price."

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More Expert Guides to Buying Property in Germany

Berlin Property Guide: Investing in Germany

Overseas Property Guide Germany: Invest in Munich

Overseas Property Guides: Invest in Frankfurt

Germany Property Guide: Buy in Hamburg