Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, they can. German law does not restrict the right of foreign citizens who do not reside in the country from purchasing real estate.

Yes, it is possible, but subject to key conditions. The bank must be confident in your ability to repay, so the main requirement is providing documents that confirm stable and reliable sources of income.

Important clarification: Due to current international sanctions, citizens of Russia and Belarus currently have virtually no possibility of obtaining financing for real estate purchases in Germany.

In addition to the cost of the property itself, the buyer is required to pay three main types of expenses. It is important to budget for these in advance.

1. Real Estate Transfer Tax (Grunderwerbsteuer). Its rate depends on the federal state. For example, in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) it is 6.5%. Across Germany, the rate varies from 3.5% to 6.5%.

2. Notary fees and state charges. These costs are fixed and total about 1.5% of the purchase price. Combined with the tax in NRW, this already amounts to 8% in mandatory payments.

3. Real estate agent’s commission (Maklerprovision). This is a variable amount. The commission is typically between 3% and 6% (the mentioned amounts usually include VAT – 3.57% or 7.14%). An important nuance: by law, the commission can be paid entirely by the seller, but in practice, it is often split or fully passed on to the buyer. If the transaction is conducted without an agent, these costs can be avoided.

On average, the entire process—from the decision to buy to the moment you become the official owner—takes about two months.

This timeframe is due to several mandatory legal steps that guarantee the transaction’s security:

1. Preparation and notarization (up to 1 month).

   • After agreeing on a price, it can take about 2 weeks until the contract is signed at the notary’s office. This period is provided by law to protect consumer rights, especially if one of the parties is a company.

   • After signing the contract, the notary makes a preliminary entry in the land register (Grundbuch), which also takes about 2 weeks.

2. Verification of encumbrances and payment (another ~1 month).

   • The notary checks the property for possible debts (e.g., outstanding building management fees).

   • After receiving official payment authorization from the notary, the buyer has 2 weeks to transfer the funds.

   • After full payment is made, the final entry of the new owner is made in the land register, which takes approximately another 2 weeks.

Thus, a standard transaction takes 2 months, ensuring legal clarity and protection for all parties involved.

This depends on the type of property. The law distinguishes rules for residential and commercial property to protect buyer rights.

• When purchasing residential property (apartment, house for personal use): By law, the commission must be split equally between the seller and the buyer. For example, with a total commission of 6% (+VAT), each party pays 3% (+VAT).

• When purchasing commercial property (offices, shops, land for development): This rule does not apply. The common practice is for the entire commission to be paid by the buyer. Its amount averages 4.76% (already including VAT), but can reach up to 7.14%, depending on the complexity of the transaction, the federal state, and the number of parties involved.

Why is a vacant apartment the better choice?

• You can rent it out to a new tenant under modern market conditions and at the current market rate.

• You independently select a reliable tenant to work with.

• Such apartments are valued higher, but this is justified by the full control and absence of risks.

What to consider when buying an apartment with a tenant? When purchasing such a property, you legally inherit all terms of the existing lease agreement. You need to carefully examine:

• The lease agreement terms: The rental amount (often below market rate), duration, special conditions.

• The tenant’s profile: It is important to assess how reliable they are and how difficult eviction might be in the future, if necessary.

Strategic exception: If you plan to live in the apartment yourself eventually, then buying a tenanted property can be advantageous. The law in this case is on your side, and you can evict the tenant for personal use. This allows you to buy the apartment at a lower price (due to the low rent and existing tenant) and then vacate it.