Buying an architect-designed house in Munich — exclusive properties with a distinctive style

Clean-lined cubes, flat roofs, large windows and an absence of ornamentation: Bauhaus-style houses continue to set the standard to this day and are also in high demand in Munich. Alongside original examples of classical modernism, carefully restored properties are coming onto the market, often with spacious plots in established neighbourhoods.

The post-war decades saw the emergence of striking roof shapes, open-plan layouts and plenty of exposed concrete or natural stone. Such houses are often situated on quiet, leafy plots and offer potential for renovation for buyers who appreciate their substance and character.

From the 1980s onwards, architects began to blend design references, colour and unusual proportions. Buildings from this period tend to divide opinion, which is precisely why they appeal to lovers of distinctive design.

The latest new-build projects focus on minimalist forms, floor-to-ceiling glazing, high-quality materials and energy efficiency. Larger properties are often realised as architect-designed villas in Munich, with seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors.

Such houses are spread across the entire city and its surrounding areas, from Bogenhausen via Nymphenburg, Solln and Harlaching to Obermenzing and on to the lakeside districts. RIEDEL acts as an estate agent for them in both Munich and the Fünfseenland region. For many buyers, having their own garden is also a deciding factor: an architect-designed house with a garden in Munich combines design quality with private outdoor space, whether on a park-like plot or as a secluded city garden near the English Garden.

In addition to the design, the plot, the building’s structure and the state of renovation are the key factors determining the value of this type of property. Older houses often impress with their location and architectural form, but require a realistic assessment of the roof, building services and energy efficiency. A contemporary new-build spares the buyer this work, but leaves less scope for personal design. Anyone considering a renovation should also check whether the house is subject to ensemble or listed building protection. This is not uncommon, particularly with buildings in the classical modernist style. It is precisely these factors that should be included in a robust search criteria before viewing the property.