Interest rate trends remain a key factor this year—both in the real estate market and the financing market. After interest rates had largely stabilized again toward the end of last year, recent geopolitical tensions and the associated uncertainties in the capital markets are once again causing fluctuations in financing conditions. For the current year, 2026, we therefore continue to expect volatile sideways movement or even slightly rising financing costs. In a recent online survey*, experts at VON POLL IMMOBILIEN examined the extent to which the latest geopolitical tensions are affecting financing conditions and financing opportunities for real estate buyers. In addition, the real estate agents surveyed assessed at what point in the purchasing process financing hurdles currently become most apparent and which factors are particularly relevant in this context.
“The recent conflicts in the Middle East are once again causing uncertainty in the capital markets and are also indirectly influencing inflation, energy prices, and interest rates—factors that, in turn, affect real estate financing and its framework conditions,” explains Dr. Lucie Lotzkat, managing partner at VON POLL FINANCE. She adds: “Financing applications are scrutinized more closely today and require even more careful preparation. A realistic assessment of one’s own financial situation therefore remains crucial. Those who understand their financial flexibility and seek advice early on can find suitable financing solutions even in a more challenging market environment.”
Geopolitical Tensions: Financing Is Becoming More Difficult for Buyers
Fig. 1 – Source: VON POLL IMMOBILIEN – As of May 2026
Overall, the assessments of the real estate agents surveyed point to more challenging financing conditions for prospective buyers since the recent geopolitical tensions stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict: While 49.8 percent report that financing has become somewhat more difficult, 31.3 percent observe a significantly more difficult situation for real estate buyers. At the same time, 18.5 percent have not yet noticed any significant changes in the availability of financing for real estate purchases. Only 0.5 percent of respondents believe that financing conditions have improved. Overall, the results thus show a financing environment that remains challenging, though it varies by region and property.
“These results underscore the trend we are also observing from the perspective of VON POLL FINANCE: Bank lending has recently become somewhat more restrictive. Creditworthiness, collateral, and property valuations are being scrutinized more closely, which in some cases prolongs the brokerage process and can also affect time-to-market,” explains financing expert Dr. Lotzkat. She continues: “However, the stricter financing conditions are by no means attributable exclusively to the recent geopolitical conflicts. We have been observing more selective lending since last year—due, among other things, to inflation, economic uncertainties, and the more challenging interest rate environment. At the same time, however, our findings also show that financing remains possible—especially when prospective buyers are well-prepared and seek professional advice early on.”
Success Rates for Real Estate Financing Under Pressure
Fig. 2 – Source: VON POLL IMMOBILIEN – As of May 2026
From the perspective of the real estate agents surveyed, the trend in financing success rates paints a mixed picture: While 38.4 percent currently see no change in the chances of success, 6.2 percent even observe rising success rates. At the same time, however, 41.2 percent of real estate agents see a slight decline in the success rate, while another 14.2 percent report a significant decline. Overall, the results suggest that the financing situation continues to vary by region and depends on the property, equity ratio, and buyer profile.
“The stricter conditions for real estate financing can, of course, also affect success rates. At the heart of every assessment are the household budget as well as factors such as equity, employment status, and available collateral. If individual requirements are not sufficiently met, this can affect the affordability of the monthly payment or the bank’s overall assessment. At the same time, successful financing always depends on several individual factors that also vary by region. This makes it all the more important to seek sound and timely advice from a financing expert,” says Dr. Lucie Lotzkat of VON POLL FINANCE.
When Financing Obstacles Become Apparent in the Purchase Process
Fig. 3 – Source: VON POLL IMMOBILIEN – As of May 2026
As many as 23.2 percent of the real estate agents surveyed state that financing reviews are rarely problematic at present. However, according to nearly half of the experts (47.4 percent), insufficient financial flexibility among prospective buyers most often only becomes apparent once the purchase decision becomes more concrete and all property, financing, and ancillary costs are examined in detail. Another 17.1 percent report that insufficient financial flexibility is already identified during the budget review prior to the first viewing—for example, because prospective buyers explore their financing options in advance, or because higher equity requirements and financing costs limit their financial flexibility early on. Additionally, 12.3 percent of respondents indicate that financing hurdles only become apparent shortly before the transaction is finalized—for example, when additional costs, changed financing terms, or stricter requirements from lenders emerge during the final property and document review.
“The success of real estate financing stands or falls on preparation. Prospective buyers should therefore consider their financial situation early on and analyze it thoroughly. An independent financing advisor can provide excellent support here—they offer a realistic assessment of the individual’s budget and simulate various financing scenarios. This way, prospective buyers know exactly what they can and cannot afford—and can thus tailor their search accordingly,” explains financing expert Dr. Lotzkat. She adds: “Together with the advisor, a suitable strategy can then be developed—whether it involves optimizing the use of equity, adjusting installment payments, or taking advantage of relevant subsidy programs. In addition, an independent comparison of banks is important. At VON POLL FINANCE, we draw on the terms and conditions of approximately 700 financial institutions across Germany.”
The Most Common Financing Challenges in 2026
Fig. 4 – Source: VON POLL IMMOBILIEN – As of May 2026
From the perspective of the real estate experts surveyed, the most common financing challenges lie primarily in the financial starting point of prospective buyers and in the banks’ currently more rigorous review processes: 69.2 percent cite insufficient or suboptimally allocated equity as a relevant factor, while 68.7 percent point to stricter or more intensive bank reviews regarding household budgets, creditworthiness, collateral, and property valuations. High interest rates rank third (56.9 percent), followed by banks’ reluctance to extend credit (44.1 percent) and the ratio of real estate prices to financing costs (19.0 percent). Uncertain income prospects play a role in the view of 5.7 percent of real estate agents, while high closing costs are a factor for only 3.3 percent.
“Equity can improve the financing structure, but it is not the sole determining factor. The key factor remains whether the monthly payment is sustainable within the household budget. This makes an early and realistic assessment of one’s own financial flexibility all the more important. After all, those who know their financial limits will also look in the right price segment. While a high equity ratio can improve the financing structure, it is not the sole determining factor. For real estate agents, this means that qualifying prospective buyers becomes a crucial factor for success. Those who work with qualified financing experts early on protect sellers, buyers, and their own closing process,” summarizes the VON POLL FINANCE expert.
About the Survey
*The online survey was conducted by VON POLL IMMOBILIEN among 236 independent real estate experts at the company in May 2026.
All data and graphics may be used and published with a reference to the following source: VON POLL IMMOBILIEN ([www.von-poll.com](https://www.von-poll.com))
