Selling property in Germany: process and documents

What documents are needed to sell property in Germany?

Use this as a preparation checklist, not a universal list of statutory requirements. The notary, buyer and lender may need additional evidence for your property. Request missing records from the property manager and relevant offices early.

• Land register extract (Grundbuchauszug), existing purchase contract and details of registered rights or charges.
• Floor plans, living-area calculation, cadastral map and available building and renovation records.
• A valid energy certificate where required; check any exemption with a qualified professional.
• For apartments: declaration of division, community rules, resolutions, meeting minutes, budget, annual accounts and maintenance-reserve balance.
• For rented property: tenancy agreement, rent and deposit records; for mortgaged property: current redemption information from the lender.

From listing to handover

Document the condition and known defects, arrange viewings and check the buyer’s financing before the contract is drafted. A property sale contract requires notarisation under § 311b BGB. Payment and handover follow the contract; handing over the keys and registration of ownership are separate steps. Agree a timetable for the transaction rather than assuming a fixed selling period.

Can you sell German property from abroad?

Much of the preparation can be coordinated remotely. Before signing anything, ask the German notary whether representation is possible and what form the power of attorney, identity evidence and foreign documents must take. Allow time for certification, translation, original documents and any apostille or legalisation. A video viewing does not replace those checks.