How to Sell an Apartment, House, or Other Real Estate in Germany?
Selling real estate in Germany is a process that requires knowledge of local legislation and market conditions. We will explain how to sell an apartment, house, or other real estate in Germany, what to consider at each step, and why a professional real estate agent is an integral part of a successful transaction.
Preparation for Sale:
Property Valuation
The first step is to correctly assess the market value of your apartment, house, or plot of land. Mistakes in valuation can lead to the property remaining on the market for a long time or being sold at an undervalued price.
Valuation Options:
- Independent Experts: Hire a certified appraiser for a professional valuation.
- Online Services: For example, ImmoScout24, Immowelt — they offer basic valuations based on market data.
- Comparison of Similar Properties: Research prices for similar properties in your area.
Document Collection
To sell the property, you will need to prepare a range of documents:
- Grundbuchauszug (land register extract)
- Energieausweis (energy certificate)
- Floor plans of the house or apartment
- Purchase agreement (if available)
- Utility bills and additional costs (Hausgeld for apartments in multi-family buildings).
Finding a Buyer
Platforms for Listings
- ImmoScout24: One of the largest portals for selling and renting real estate in Germany.
- Immowelt and eBay Kleinanzeigen: Suitable for local buyer searches.
- Social Media: Facebook or LinkedIn groups can also be helpful.
Creating an Attractive Listing
The listing should be informative and attract the attention of potential buyers.
Include:
- Key features of the property (size, number of rooms, year of construction)
- Amenities (garage, garden, balcony)
- Infrastructure of the area (transport, shops, schools)
- High-quality photos and, if possible, a video tour of the property.
Hiring a professional photographer can significantly increase interest in your offer.
Legal Aspects of the Sale
The Role of the Notary
In Germany, property sales always conclude through a notary.
The notary:
- Checks the legal aspects of the transaction
- Prepares the purchase agreement
- Submits inquiries to the land registry
- Organizes the transfer of ownership to the buyer.
Taxes and Fees
- Spekulationssteuer: If you have owned the property for less than 10 years and it was not your primary residence, you may be required to pay capital gains tax.
- Finalizing the Deal
Agreeing on Terms
After finding a buyer, agree with them on:
- The final price
- The terms of property transfer (e.g., move-out date)
- Any additional expenses.
Signing the Contract
Sign the contract only after the notary has reviewed all the details. After signing, the buyer must transfer the money to a notary escrow account (Notaranderkonto).
Property Handover
Once the purchase price is paid, the notary completes the transaction, and you hand over the keys to the buyer.
Tips for a Successful Sale
- An experienced real estate agent will help you at every stage of the sale — from preparing documents to organizing showings, finding buyers, and handling the legal aspects.
- Invest in "home staging": minimal repairs and proper interior preparation can increase your chances of selling.
- Be flexible in negotiations: sometimes a small concession can speed up the deal.
- Keep an eye on the market: analyze price changes and demand in your area.
Why Is a Professional Real Estate Agent Important When Selling Property in Germany?
Selling property is a complex and multifaceted process that involves not only legal and financial aspects but also marketing, negotiations, and document preparation. That is why the role of a real estate agent in the sales process cannot be overstated.
Advantages of Working with a Real Estate Agent:
- Market Expertise: A real estate agent has deep knowledge of the local property market and can provide an accurate valuation of your property, helping to avoid pricing mistakes.
- Professional Marketing Strategy: A real estate agent knows how to properly present the property to potential buyers using high-quality photos, effective listings, and advertising channels.
- Legal Support: The agent can help you properly complete all necessary documents, avoid legal errors, and ensure compliance with all laws.
- Negotiating with Buyers: The agent handles all negotiations with buyers, ensuring the best deal for the seller. They can also assist in handling complex negotiations, such as price reductions or agreement on terms.
- Time and Effort Savings: Selling property takes a lot of time and effort, including property showings, answering questions, processing offers, and handling documentation. The agent takes care of these tasks, making the process much easier for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Property in Germany:
- Which documents are required for the sale?
Grundbuchauszug, Energieausweis, floor plans, and utility bills. - How long does the sales process take?
On average, 3-6 months, including finding a buyer, negotiations, and legal formalities. - What should you do if the property is not selling?
Reassess the price, improve the listing, or carry out minimal repairs.
With our help, you can solve many complex issues in Germany remotely, without having to be there in person.
Contact us now by phone, through the request form, or via chat on our website.
