Buying property in Germany

Purchasing property in Germany follows a well-defined legal process. Here is what to expect — with the key German terms explained at each stage.

1. 1

   Define your criteria (Suchprofil)

   Clarify your budget, preferred neighbourhoods and must-haves. We help you translate a rough wish-list into a realistic search profile and advise on what is achievable at your price point.

2. 2

   Secure financing (Finanzierung)

   Before viewing properties, obtain a financing confirmation (Finanzierungsbestätigung) from a German bank or mortgage broker. This document strengthens your negotiating position significantly and is often expected before an offer is taken seriously.

3. 3

   Property search (Objektsuche)

   We search our portfolio and the wider market on your behalf — including off-market properties (Exposés) that are never listed publicly. You will only be shown properties that genuinely match your profile.

4. 4

   Viewings (Besichtigung)

   We accompany you to every viewing and provide an honest assessment of the property's condition, location, and price. We flag anything you should know before proceeding.

5. 5

   Making an offer (Kaufangebot)

   Once you have found your property, we negotiate the purchase price and conditions on your behalf and document the agreed terms in a binding offer letter.

6. 6

   Notary appointment (Notartermin)

   In Germany, every property sale must be notarised. The notary (Notar) — an independent public official — drafts the purchase contract (Kaufvertrag). Both parties sign in the notary's presence. An interpreter can be arranged if required.

7. 7

   Land register entry (Grundbucheintrag)

   After signing, the notary submits all documents to the land registry (Grundbuchamt). A priority notice (Auflassungsvormerkung) is entered immediately to protect your claim. Full registration of ownership follows within a few weeks once all payments are made.

8. 8

   Key handover (Schlüsselübergabe)

   We accompany you to the final walk-through and handover. You receive the keys, all relevant documents, and begin your new chapter. We remain your point of contact for any questions afterwards.