Corpus Makler · Guide · November 2026
1. Clarify goals and timeframe
It starts with your questions: by when do you want or need to sell? Are you moving out yourself, or is the property let? Is there still a loan on the property? If there is ongoing financing, talk to your bank early, because an early repayment charge (Vorfälligkeitsentschädigung) may apply. Tax questions, for example about the ten-year speculation period for property not used by yourself (§ 23 EStG), are best clarified with your tax adviser in advance.
2. Estimate the value realistically
The asking price largely determines how the sale goes. A price that is too high often leads to few enquiries and long marketing; one that is too low costs you money straight away. How a well-founded estimate is made is explained in our article What is my property worth?.
3. Gather the documents
Buyers, banks and the notary need a number of documents: land register extract, energy certificate, floor plans, living space calculation and, for flats, also the declaration of division, minutes and statements of the owners' association. Missing documents often delay a sale by weeks. You will find an overview in the article Documents for selling a property.
4. Exposé and marketing
A good exposé describes the property completely and honestly: location, floor plan, condition, features, costs and the mandatory information from the energy certificate (§ 87 GEG). Good photos and a clear floor plan matter more than flowery text. You should mention known defects openly. Anyone who fraudulently conceals defects is liable despite a contractual exclusion of warranty.
5. Viewings and checking prospective buyers
Viewings are the opportunity to answer questions and identify serious prospects. Before you commit, you should know whether the buyer's financing is in place – for example through a financing confirmation from the bank. In Germany, a property purchase only becomes binding with the notarised purchase contract. Verbal commitments are not legally binding.
6. Purchase contract and notary appointment
The purchase contract must be notarised (§ 311b BGB). The notary drafts the contract, and consumers should usually receive the draft two weeks before the notarisation. After the appointment, the notary arranges the priority notice of conveyance (Auflassungsvormerkung) for the buyer, obtains the necessary approvals and deletion documents and informs the buyer when the purchase price is due.
7. Payment of the purchase price and handover
Once the purchase price has been paid, the property is handed over, usually with a handover report recording meter readings, keys and condition. The change of ownership in the land register takes place once, among other things, the real estate transfer tax has been paid. From the agreed handover date, benefits and burdens pass to the buyer.
Our support
Corpus Makler accompanies you through every step: with a free market price estimate, obtaining the documents with your power of attorney, a complete exposé, organising viewings, preparing the notary appointment and the handover. The brokerage contract is concluded in text form; we agree the commission and how it is split in writing in advance.
Further reading
Our guide articles give a general overview (as of November 2026) and do not replace legal or tax advice in individual cases. The German version is binding.
