I've just received a press release which may or may not be relevant for some of you - it depends on your status in Germany.
I've only quickly flown through the pdf document, so I suggest you PM me with your normal E-Mail address for the doc as attachment - please note, it's in German.
Hamburg appears to have started giving grants for people moving into newer flats/houses, or for those intending to build properties. The grant appears to be a real help towards the cost of a children's room. Part of Germany's drive to promote, er, family life... I almost said something else
Other parts of Germany may have similiar schemes, so the Hamburg info may act as a guide to what is available elswhere.