Flat rate tax is not bollocks at all. Indeed it has been shown, should you care to take the time to research such a thing, to considerably increase overall revenue while simultaneously reducing poverty in all the countries that have such a system. The fact that the 'poorer' pay far less tax than in a tiered system is forgotten by those shouting about the fact that the 'rich' apparently pay less tax than they should. The increased revenue comes from the simple fact that there is an incentive for ALL to earn more, whereas in most tiered systems, increased earnings means increased taxes disproportionate to the extra work involved. (Google..flat rate tax)
Having said all that, property prices/rental in the former East Germany is lower than the EU average. Most of the previous 'Iron Curtain' countries are considerably cheaper than the more Western countries.
You pay your money and take your choice!