Independent Purchase Advisor for International Buyers
Roots and Roof is an independent purchase advisory helping international buyers evaluate and buy apartments and houses in Berlin with confidence — from first search to keys in hand.
Desh Bhardwaj
Founder & Principal Advisor
Why Roots and Roof
Buying property in a foreign country is equal parts exciting and disorienting — new laws, new language, a market that plays by its own rules. Roots and Roof was founded to close that gap: a single trusted Berlin property advisor who understands both where you come from and how Berlin works, so you can make confident decisions instead of guesses.
Desh has spent over a decade between Berlin and the international expat community, helping families and investors turn 'someday' into a signed contract. She built Roots and Roof around a simple idea — that finding a home abroad shouldn't mean navigating it alone.
What We Do
From your first search to years of ownership, Roots and Roof stays close by so you never have to navigate the German property market alone.
Curated listings matched to your budget, district preferences and investment goals — including off-market opportunities.
Introductions to banks that work with international and expat buyers, plus help structuring financing that makes sense abroad.
We coordinate with trusted notaries and lawyers so contracts, translations and registrations are handled correctly the first time.
Rental yield analysis, district growth trends and portfolio strategy for buyers treating Berlin as a long-term investment.
From viewing trips to utility setup and neighbourhood orientation — practical help for families actually moving to Berlin.
Post-purchase support for owners abroad — tenant coordination, maintenance oversight and annual reporting.
How It Works
We learn your goals, budget and timeline — whether you're buying a home or building an investment portfolio.
You receive a shortlist of properties matched to your brief, including honest notes on each district and building.
In-person or virtual viewings, followed by structural, legal and financial checks before you commit to anything.
We negotiate on your behalf and connect you with financing partners experienced with international buyers.
We coordinate the notary appointment, translations and registration so the legal process is smooth and understood.
From handover to setting up your new home or tenancy, we stay involved until you're truly settled.
Curious what's actually happening in the market right now? Read our Berlin property market insights or the latest German real estate news.
Client Stories
"We looked at Berlin for two years from a distance and got nowhere. Desh had us under contract on an apartment in Prenzlauer Berg within four months of our first call."
Ritu & Sameer Kapoor
Moved from Mumbai
"Roots and Roof made an unfamiliar market feel manageable. The financing introductions alone saved us months of dead ends with German banks."
Tom & Sarah Whitfield
Relocated from London
"It wasn't just the paperwork — Desh helped us actually understand which neighbourhood would feel like home for our family. That mattered more than we expected."
Marco Rossi
International Investor, Milan
Common Questions
Yes. Germany places no restrictions on foreign or non-resident buyers, including NRIs and Indian citizens. Residency is not required to purchase property here.
Not necessarily. Viewings can often be done virtually, and the notary appointment can be handled via power of attorney in many cases. A Berlin property advisor can confirm what's realistic for your situation.
Beyond the purchase price, expect notary and registration fees, real estate transfer tax, and possibly agent commission — typically 8-12% combined on top of the purchase price.
Roots and Roof works on a flat advisory fee basis, agreed upfront before any work begins — never a commission on the property price, so our advice is never influenced by which property you choose or its sale price. Exact fee ranges are shared during your discovery call, based on the scope of support you need.
Yes, though terms vary by bank and residency status. Working with lenders experienced in financing international and expat buyers makes the process considerably smoother.
Yes — many international investors buy in Berlin as an investment while based abroad, so ongoing coordination for tenants, maintenance, and annual reporting is a common part of the service.
Get In Touch