Buying a penthouse in Munich — premium flats with a roof terrace overlooking the city

Penthouse flats and roof terrace flats are often used interchangeably in the market, even though they describe different types of property. The classic penthouse is designed as the top floor of a building, often with a recessed façade, its own entrance and particularly spacious, sometimes two-storey outdoor areas. A roof terrace flat, on the other hand, is often created by converting or repurposing an attic, which is fitted out with a private outdoor area as part of the work.

When buying a roof terrace flat in Munich, the specific features – namely the floor plan, ceiling height, access to the terrace, privacy and the location of the structures – are ultimately the deciding factors. RIEDEL assesses properties in both categories according to the same criteria, because location, condition and actual quality of living matter more than the label.

Those interested in a penthouse in Munich or a flat with a roof terrace do not form a homogeneous group. Their requirements are nevertheless similar: a private outdoor area, a clear boundary above, and an urban location without the confines of city life.

Owners-occupiers are looking for a lifestyle that combines urban living with a private retreat. Couples and families who do not wish to live in a multi-storey detached house find the penthouse an alternative offering a comparable amount of outdoor space without the responsibilities that come with owning a plot of land. Buyers with demanding careers appreciate the convenience of short distances and do not want to have to carry out any further work on the flat itself.

International buyers, whom RIEDEL reaches through the Christie’s International Real Estate network, often seek city locations offering a prestigious standard of living. When purchasing a penthouse flat with a roof terrace in Munich, they pay particular attention to the terrace area, as this is where a large part of their living and entertaining takes place.

The more precise the buyer’s requirements regarding location, size and terrace are, the more effectively RIEDEL can search for a suitable property within its own portfolio and across its network.

RIEDEL has been operating in Munich since 1982 and specialises in high-end residential property, which has always included penthouses and rooftop flats in the city centre. As a member of the IVD and having been named Estate Agent of the Year 2025 (Bellevue), RIEDEL operates with a network that extends far beyond regionally advertised properties.

Owners wishing to sell without public attention contact us directly. Buyers whose requirements we are already familiar with are informed of such properties before any decision has even been made to advertise them. This time advantage is crucial in a sector where there are rarely several comparable properties available for selection at the same time.

Through its membership of the Christie’s International Real Estate network, RIEDEL reaches buyers from international markets who are specifically seeking premium residential locations in Munich and the Fünfseenland region – a key factor for owners when it comes to showcasing their property to the right buyer base.

The process of buying a penthouse in Munich does not differ fundamentally from other property transactions, but it does differ in terms of the lead time and the speed with which decisions must be made.

1. Define the search criteria: location, size, terrace requirements, budget and timeframe. Only once these parameters are clear can a targeted search begin. RIEDEL records this profile and continuously cross-checks it against its own market overview, including off-market properties.

2. Selecting properties: Suitable listings (including those being marketed discreetly) are selected according to the search profile and presented to the client before being widely publicised. This shortens the search time and prevents buyers from only being able to react once a property has long since been made public.

3. Viewing and assessment: Well-prepared viewings with a technical assessment of the floor plan, energy efficiency rating, terrace and access. RIEDEL identifies the factors that underpin a purchase decision and those that merely make a property appear attractive at first glance.

4. Negotiation and completion: We provide support with pricing, the notary appointment and the handover. Anyone who understands the seller’s perspective and can provide evidence of comparative prices negotiates from a different position to an anonymous prospective buyer enquiring via a property portal.