Kaufmieten

Kaufmieten is a term used in German-speaking real estate to describe a contract arrangement in which a tenant rents a property with an option or obligation to purchase it in the future. The concept is closely related to Mietkauf (lease-to-own). The exact structure varies by contract and jurisdiction, and it is encountered in residential as well as commercial contexts.

In a typical Kaufmieten agreement, the tenant pays monthly rent, and a portion of that rent is credited toward the eventual purchase price. The contract specifies how much is credited, the agreed purchase price, and the period during which the option can be exercised. Some agreements require an option fee or a larger down payment if the purchase occurs; maintenance responsibilities are defined in the contract.

Advantages for tenants include a path to ownership without immediate full financing and the chance to evaluate the property before buying. For sellers, Kaufmieten can provide a steady income and a built-in buyer. Drawbacks include the risk of forfeiting credits if the option is not exercised, potential overpayment, and legal complexity.

Legal and financial considerations vary by country and region. In some jurisdictions, credits from rent are treated as part of the purchase price for tax or financing purposes; in others they are handled differently. Prospective participants should seek independent legal and financial advice and review contract terms carefully.

Related terms include Mietkauf, Kaufoption, and Kaufpreis. Kaufmieten arrangements are most common where access to traditional mortgage credit is limited or where sellers want to facilitate a sale to a qualifying buyer.