FAQ
Find answers to the most common questions about AfA Sparen, useful life appraisals, and using depreciation for tax purposes.
A core refurbishment goes further: the building is largely stripped back to its structural elements (e.g., load-bearing structure remains) and major components and technical installations are renewed. Typical scope includes heating/water pipes, electrics, windows/doors, heating system and often roof/façade depending on condition. The goal is a condition functionally close to new, while preserving the structural framework.
The free preliminary assessment in our calculator needs no documents at all — only basic building details (year of construction, construction type, areas, modernizations, condition, use). If you then commission the appraisal, the purchase contract is the most important document: it determines how the purchase price is split between land and building, and therefore the base your depreciation is calculated on. Floor plans, a living area calculation, an energy certificate, the sales listing and — for apartments — owners association meeting minutes are also helpful. We do not need building authority records. We tell you upfront what is actually required in your case.
Your appraisal is prepared by experts who are approved across Europe and certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024. This is an important quality indicator and supports the report’s credibility and traceability.
As standard you receive your appraisal within 3–5 business days once we have all the information we need. The Express option is faster. If an on-site inspection is included, the appointment depends on local availability; missing documentation or follow-up questions can extend the timeline further.
The “standardized” useful life is a typified assumption used in tax practice. The economic remaining useful life is closer to reality: it describes how long the building can likely be used in an economically sensible way—depending on condition, construction, modernizations, and use.
Still have questions? Our team is happy to help.
Our Process
A clearly structured process – from the initial assessment to confident tax use.
We review, without obligation, whether your property may benefit from a reduced remaining useful life – quickly and without risk.
If a potential benefit is identified, you can commission the appraisal in just a few clicks. The report is prepared by certified expert appraisers (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024).
Your property is professionally assessed and documented in a technically, economically and tax-relevant manner.
We support you in using the appraisal correctly for your tax return and assist with any follow-up questions.
Check whether a certified depreciation report may be worthwhile for you.
Check Your SavingsStart with a free initial assessment of your personal depreciation.
No obligation • Report delivery possible within 3–5 business days
City Analysis
This section reflects local building-age patterns, market conditions, and practical tax-office experience.
Dresden combines well-preserved period buildings with post-war and post-reunification modernization patterns. This creates highly individual technical histories and depreciation paths.
Earlier discussions often referenced the BMF letter dated 22.02.2023. This letter was repealed on 01.12.2025. Current evaluation must follow the up-to-date legal framework and case-specific documentation quality.
Many assets show complex depreciation histories, including historical special depreciation elements and later transitions. A clean timeline is therefore crucial before applying a shorter useful life.
Assumption:
Comparison:
At a 45% tax rate this equals about EUR 2,005 additional liquidity per year.
We prepare appraisals across Germany – the remaining useful life follows the same federal tax law everywhere.
Local Tax Offices
You can identify which tax office is responsible for you by the first 2-4 digits of your tax number.
Local pages with tax offices, building-age patterns and answers for your region.
Create a solid basis for increased depreciation with a certified remaining useful life report for tax purposes. Benefit from a simple online submission, expert review by certified appraisers, and a report that serves as a reliable basis for your tax return.
Whether a valuation report reduces your annual tax burden depends on your individual case.
100+ property owners across Germany have already optimized their depreciation with AfA Sparen.
Benefits
Create a well-founded basis for your depreciation with a traceable remaining useful life assessment.
The shorter the professionally substantiated remaining useful life, the higher the annual depreciation allowance. This can reduce your tax burden and improve your cash flow.
Our reports are prepared by certified expert appraisers (DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024) and are clearly documented and fully traceable – providing a reliable basis for tax-related use.
Tax savings directly affect your net return. Especially for older properties or buildings with renovation requirements, a valuation report may prove worthwhile depending on the individual case.
100+ professionally substantiated valuation reports in the past 3 years
Dresden
Dresden features a substantial number of residential buildings with historic structures and varying degrees of modernisation. For such properties, the remaining useful life is often highly individual. A remaining useful life report allows property owners in Dresden to assess their buildings realistically and align depreciation with the actual condition of the property.
