Speculation Period (Spekulationsfrist)
Speculation period (Spekulationsfrist) for real estate in Germany: the 10-year rule, exemptions for owner-occupiers, and tax consequences.
Financial
§ 23 EStG
Also known as: holding period, capital gains tax period, speculative period
The speculation period (Spekulationsfrist) under German tax law is 10 years. If a property is sold at a profit within this period, the gain is subject to income tax. Exception: the property was used exclusively by the owner or was owner-occupied in the year of sale and the two preceding years. (§ 23 EStG)