Snow blankets German market appeal

The unusually harsh winter is freezing Germany's real estate market and industry experts are predicting heavy losses of revenue as a result.

Before the New Year, German property was looking forward to an optimistic period of growth in 2010 but the snow has put everything on ice as construction grinds to a halt and the estimate for loss is €2 billion in the first quarter.

Properties for sale in Germany are suffering too, as disruption to a normally efficient infrastructure wreaks havoc and the real estate sector finds itself in limbo as a result.

Once thawed out however, Germany will be warmed to learn that it ranks as one of the best places to live according to a survey by the International Living magazine.

The country ranks fourth in the list, cited as providing some of the highest levels of culture, leisure, economy, healthcare and infrastructure.

Some of the listed appeals of Germany are its low key youth culture, high quality theatre, art and classical music concerts, stunning and accessible scenery, all of which attracts the more mature and discerning investor.