🏗️ Checklist: Buying Property in Germany

Grundbuch, Notar, Grunderwerbsteuer — all steps for buying property in Germany.

German terms

Hauskauf Grundbuch Notar Grunderwerbsteuer Finanzierung Kaufvertrag

Progress 0 / 8

Clarify budget and equity capital (minimum 20% + ancillary costs recommended) Required

Kaufnebenkosten / Eigenkapital

Ancillary costs: Grunderwerbsteuer (3.5-6.5%), Notar (~1.5-2%), Grundbuch (~0.5%), possibly broker (3-7% incl. VAT). Equity capital: at minimum for ancillary costs, ideally 20% of purchase price.

Clarify financing (bank meeting, compare interest rates) Required

Baufinanzierung / Hypothek / KfW-Förderung

Obtain financing confirmation BEFORE Kaufvertrag. Compare interest rates (Interhyp, Dr. Klein, Baufi24). Check KfW support programs. Pay attention to extra repayment and interest rate lock-in period.

Search and inspect property Required

Immobiliensuche / Energieausweis / Grundbuch-Auszug

Portals: ImmoScout24, Immowelt, eBay Kleinanzeigen. Hire surveyor/expert for condition inspection. Energy certificate is mandatory. Review Grundbuch excerpt in advance (encumbrances, rights of way).

Notary appointment: Execute Kaufvertrag Required

Notarvertrag / Beurkundung / § 311b BGB

Notar is MANDATORY for property purchase (§ 311b BGB). Review contract draft at least 14 days before appointment. Buyer pays the Notar. Costs: approx. 1.5-2% of purchase price.

Grundbuch entry (Auflassungsvormerkung + ownership transfer) Required

Grundbuch / Auflassungsvormerkung

Auflassungsvormerkung protects buyer immediately after notary appointment. Ownership transfer after payment (approx. 4-8 weeks). Costs: approx. 0.5% of purchase price.

Pay Grunderwerbsteuer (3.5-6.5% depending on state) Required

Grunderwerbsteuer / Finanzamt

Finanzamt sends notice approx. 2-6 weeks after notary appointment. Payment within 4 weeks. WITHOUT PAYMENT: no ownership transfer! Bavaria: 3.5%, NRW/Schleswig-Holstein: 6.5%.

Handover and keys (Übergabeprotokoll) Required

Übergabeprotokoll / Wohngebäudeversicherung

Protocol documenting meter readings, key handover, and condition. From handover: insurance obligation (Wohngebäudeversicherung). Register at Bürgeramt after moving in.

Conclude Wohngebäudeversicherung Required

Wohngebäudeversicherung / Elementarschadenversicherung

MANDATORY with construction financing. Covers: fire, storm, water from pipes. Elementarschadenversicherung (flood, heavy rain) additionally recommended. Compare: check24.de.