Some buildings in Europe tell a story, and Haus Vier Jahreszeiten is one of them. Once built as a hotel complex, it later became a mix of privately owned studios and apartments. Today it attracts buyers looking for very low entry prices and a taste of life in the German mountains.
In this article I’ll talk about what Haus Vier Jahreszeiten is, what’s going on with the owners’ association (VOW), and what prices you can expect for a small apartment in 2025.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The Story Behind Haus Vier Jahreszeiten
- The Building and Its Location
- Inside the VOW Situation
- Studio Prices in 2025
- What to Check Before You Buy
- Final Thoughts
1. The Story Behind Haus Vier Jahreszeiten
Haus Vier Jahreszeiten was originally built in the mid-1970s, with construction starting in 1974 and completion around 1976. It began its life as a large hotel designed to serve the growing tourism in the Harz Mountains. Over time the building changed purpose several times. During the years when tourism slowed down, the property was even used as temporary housing for asylum seekers.
Later it was divided into many small studio units and sold to private owners. Most apartments are compact studios with small kitchenettes and balconies, often between 20 and 35 square meters. Some have been renovated, while others remain in their original condition from the 70s. This mix of history and affordability makes Haus Vier Jahreszeiten a unique place — part of it feels like a hotel from the past, and part of it has turned into a collection of private homes and investment units.
2. The Building and Its Location
Haus Vier Jahreszeiten stands in the center of Hahnenklee, a small mountain town near Goslar in Lower Saxony. Hahnenklee is known for its fresh mountain air, green forests, and year-round outdoor activities. Visitors come here for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports. The town has two rodelbahnen (summer and winter toboggan runs), a small ski slope with lifts, and scenic walking trails around the Bocksberg mountain.
The building itself is only a short walk from cafés, restaurants, and the Stabkirche — the famous wooden church that gives Hahnenklee its charm. Despite its central location, prices remain surprisingly low, which is why many buyers looking for affordable property in Germany discover Haus Vier Jahreszeiten first.
3. Inside the VOW Situation
Like many large former hotel complexes, Haus Vier Jahreszeiten has an active owners association (VOW) that manages the building, shared areas and maintenance costs. Over the years this association has faced several challenges, mostly linked to the size and age of the property.
In August 2021 a fire broke out in the wellness area of the complex, causing serious damage to the swimming pool and parts of the lower level. The local fire department from Goslar and Hahnenklee responded quickly, but the damage was large enough that the entire pool area had to be closed. Since then the swimming pool has remained out of use and is now being rebuilt as part of a larger renovation project.
In 2025 the VOW announced another major expense, the replacement of the external fire escapes. Each owner is expected to contribute an average of about twenty thousand euros per studio to cover the cost. This decision has caused concern among some owners, especially those who bought their apartments as small investments or holiday homes.
Because of this, more studios have come on the market in recent months. Some owners want to sell because they cannot or do not want to pay the new renovation costs. It has created both challenges and opportunities, a challenge for existing owners who must contribute, and an opportunity for new buyers who can now find more listings at lower prices.
Despite these problems the building remains active and partly renovated, with the owners association still working toward long term stability and modernization.
4. Studio Prices in 2025
Haus Vier Jahreszeiten still offers some of the lowest entry prices for property in Germany. Small studio apartments appear regularly on German real estate websites such as Immobilienscout24 and Ebay Kleinanzeigen. In 2025 you can already find studios with Seeblick (lake view) for around twenty five thousand euros. These are usually furnished and between twenty and thirty five square meters in size.
However, buyers should be aware that these prices often do not include the upcoming renovation costs. The announced contribution for the fire escape replacement, estimated at around twenty thousand euros per unit, is expected to be charged separately. This means that while the listing price may look low, the total cost of ownership could be much higher once all planned works are included.
Even with these additional costs, many still see Haus Vier Jahreszeiten as an affordable way to own property in a scenic part of Germany. The combination of low purchase prices, mountain views and a peaceful setting continues to attract both private buyers and small investors who are willing to take on some renovation risk for long term value.
5. What I Would Check Before Buying
If I were buying a studio in Haus Vier Jahreszeiten, the first thing I would want to know is whether there will be more one time contributions in the future. A clear long term maintenance plan from the VOW is very important. It shows what kind of repairs or replacements are expected in the coming years and how the costs will be shared among the owners.
If the VOW does not have such a plan, it is up to you to decide if you are comfortable with that risk and if you could handle another large expense like the current one. These things can make a big difference in what seems at first like a cheap purchase.
Also keep in mind that we are in no way connected to the building or to any sellers. We do not sell apartments and we cannot arrange viewings. If you are interested, you will need to contact the selling agents yourself and always do your own research before making any decision.
It is wise to speak with an independent buyers agent who understands German property law and to ask clear questions to the VOW about planned works, reserve funds and management. The more you know before you buy, the fewer surprises later.
6. Final Thoughts
Haus Vier Jahreszeiten shows both the beauty and the risk of affordable property in Germany. The location is lovely and the prices are still low, but shared ownership means shared responsibility. Renovations, fees and collective decisions all play a part in how the building develops.
For the right person this place can be a charming getaway or a small investment in a scenic mountain town. For others it might feel too complex. Either way, it remains one of the most talked about examples of affordable property in the Harz region.
If you own or have stayed here, feel free to join the discussion on our community forum at affordablebricks.eu/community and share your experience with others looking for real stories about buying affordable property in Europe.
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