Process & Checklist for House Sale
A property sale consists of many steps that must interlink in the correct order. Anyone who knows the sequence won't lose time or nerves. This page guides you from the initial valuation to the handover of keys – and shows what you can do yourself and what we can take care of for you.
Phase 1 – Preparation and Valuation
The process begins with a realistic price. We value the property based on its location, condition, and actual comparable sales, clarify your timeframe and objectives, and determine a pricing strategy. Concurrently, we check for any missing documents.
Phase 2 – Document Compilation
Land register extract, cadastral map, living space calculation, floor plans, energy performance certificate and – for condominium (Eigentumswohnung) units – declaration of division (Teilungserklärung), minutes of the owners' assembly, and economic plan (Wirtschaftsplan). We obtain any missing documents from authorities and administration with a power of attorney.
Phase 3 – Marketing
Professional photos, a compelling exposé including the legally required information from the energy performance certificate, and publication on suitable channels – publicly or discreetly off-market. The goal is to generate demand within the first two weeks.
Phase 4 – Viewings and Buyer Selection
We pre-qualify enquiries, consolidate viewings, and verify the creditworthiness of serious prospective buyers, including their financing confirmation. This ensures that only solvent buyers proceed to negotiation.
Phase 5 – Negotiation and Purchase Agreement
We negotiate in your best interest, agree on the price and terms with the buyer, and instruct the notary to draft the purchase agreement. Both parties review the draft thoroughly before the appointment.
Phase 6 – Notary Appointment
The purchase agreement is notarised by the notary. The notary arranges the priority notice of conveyance (Auflassungsvormerkung), the deletion of old land charges (Grundschulden), and the conditions precedent for the purchase price payment.
Phase 7 – Payment and Handover
Once the conditions precedent have been met, the buyer pays the purchase price. Subsequently, you hand over the property, jointly read the meter readings, and document the handover. Finally, the transfer of ownership is registered in the land register.
Zeitplan
Timeline at a Glance
- 1–3 weeks
Phase 1
Valuation & Documents
Determine pricing strategy and procure missing documents.
- 2–8 weeks
Phase 2
Marketing & Viewings
Exposé, listings, qualified viewings, and buyer selection.
- 1–3 weeks
Phase 3
Negotiation & Purchase Agreement
Agreement, notary draft, and review by both parties.
- 1 day
Phase 4
Notary Appointment
Notarisation and initiation of completion steps.
- 4–8 weeks
Phase 5
Payment & Handover
Purchase price payment, key handover, and land register transfer of ownership.
Vermeiden
Mistakes that Delay the Process
Starting Too Late with Documents
Missing documents are the most common cause of delays. They should be complete before marketing begins.
Incorrect Initial Price
A price that is too high wastes the crucial first few weeks. Afterwards, the property is considered a 'shelf-warmer' and loses value.
Creditworthiness Not Verified
Without financing confirmation, the sale often falls through only at the notary – by then, weeks are lost.
Handover Not Documented
Without a handover protocol including meter readings, disputes and outstanding claims may arise later.
Frequently asked questions
Step by step
We guide you through the entire process.
From valuation to handover – you decide how much you want to take on yourself.