Germany » The Purchase Process

In Germany the buyer needs to present called "irrevocable acceptance" of loan financing before signing the Notary contract, or if the buyer has the cash deposit, he/she must tender proof of the existing funds. Now, the Deed of Purchase and any accompanying papers (such as the official declaration of partition) should be surveyed. If the contracts are not in English and you are not German-speaking, it is better to have a professional translation completed.

After the buyer has inspected the documentation; it is time to set the date for signature of the Deed. At the Notary meeting, all buyers must be present, and show their legal papers (valid passports). If the buyer is a company, the person(s) signing the contract need to bring their legal papers from the company (authorization and an excerpt from the Chamber of Commerce entries showing the authorization status) plus passport. 

Notary Public will read the Deed for both parties, and if a translator is needed, one will be provided at this meeting. After making any changes or additions the Deed is signed by both parties and the Notary Public.

This contract includes explanations such as the agreed-upon purchase and all conditions, the day of payment, the day of handover to the new owner; any needed repairs or other actions to be completed by the seller, and any other specifications as needed. After signature, the Notary Public will perform application in the so-called "Grundbuch" (the land title register), without which no sale of property can be completed. At the Notary meeting, the real estate commission must be paid.