Selling Property in Berlin – From Abroad
You live in Zurich, London, Tel Aviv or Sydney – and your flat is in Berlin. Perhaps the tenant has moved out, perhaps you want to deploy the capital elsewhere, perhaps remote management has simply become a hassle. The sale is entirely possible without travelling. We are your hands on the ground.
Reihenfolge
How Remote Sales Work
- 1
Valuation via Video and Documents
You send us the floor plan, declaration of division, and photos, or we arrange a viewing with the tenant or property management company. You will receive a written valuation with a detailed explanation – in German or English.
- 2
Digital Brokerage Agreement
Signed using a qualified electronic signature or scanned. No paper needs to travel.
- 3
Keys by Post or via the Management Company
For vacant properties, you send us the keys by registered post; for rented properties, we coordinate with the tenant. You never need to be present.
- 4
Marketing and Viewings
We conduct every appointment, keep you updated via WhatsApp or email, and send offers in writing. You make decisions remotely.
- 5
Notarised Power of Attorney Instead of Travel
You have a power of sale notarised by a notary in your place of residence, or you have the purchase agreement concluded by a representative without power of attorney and then ratify it. Outside the EU, the document requires an Apostille (Hague Convention) or legalisation.
- 6
Purchase Price to Your Foreign Account
The notary pays the proceeds, after settlement of any land charges, directly into the account you designate – even outside the Eurozone. Please clarify the reporting obligations of your country of residence beforehand.
Taxes: Germany Retains the Right to Tax
Profits from the sale of German real estate are taxed in Germany under almost all double taxation agreements – regardless of your place of residence. The ten-year speculative period applies: if the purchase was more than ten years ago, the profit is tax-free. Within this period, it is subject to limited income tax liability in Germany; your country of residence usually credits the German tax or exempts the gain. A tax return in Germany is then due – a German tax advisor can handle this remotely.
Power of Attorney, Apostille, Certification
Within the EU, a notarised power of attorney is generally sufficient. For Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the USA, Israel, Australia, and other contracting states of the Hague Convention, the document additionally requires an Apostille from the competent authority. For countries without an agreement, legalisation by the German embassy is necessary. Alternatively, you can have it notarised directly at the German embassy or consulate – this is legally equivalent to a German notary. We will coordinate the format with the Berlin notary before you make an appointment.
Selling a Rented Apartment from Abroad
The tenancy agreement transfers to the buyer ("purchase does not break tenancy"). We check whether the apartment would achieve a higher price as a capital investment or, after a consensual termination of the tenancy, if vacant. The difference in Berlin is often 15–25%. We conduct discussions with the tenant on-site.
What You Underestimate When Managing Remotely
Berlin property management companies respond slowly, and land registry offices even slower. The energy performance certificate, declaration of division, owners' association (WEG) meeting minutes, and budget plan must be available before marketing – we request them and chase them up. And: the buyer wants to see the apartment. A video does not replace a viewing; we conduct those.
Unsere Rolle
Your Representation in Berlin
Everything you would otherwise have to fly to Berlin for three times.
Obtaining Documents Locally
Land register extract, declaration of division, energy performance certificate, administration documents – we obtain everything.
Inspecting Condition and Preparing Property
We inspect, document defects, coordinate tradespeople and cleaning, and present offers to you.
Comprehensive Viewings
Organised, with credit checks of prospective buyers. You receive a brief summary after each appointment.
Coordinating Notary and Power of Attorney
We clarify the correct format for your country with the notary, and send you the draft power of attorney and the purchase agreement for review.
Handover to the Buyer
Report, meter readings, keys, re-registration with the property management and utility providers – without you.
Communication in Your Time Zone
WhatsApp, email, video call. In German or English. We accommodate you.
Vermeiden
What Often Goes Wrong When Managing Remotely
Power of Attorney in Incorrect Format
A simple signature or a power of attorney without an Apostille will be rejected by the land registry office – delaying the sale by weeks.
Forgetting Tax Liability in Germany
Anyone who sells within ten years must file a tax return in Germany – even if they have long since moved away.
Using Relatives as "Agents"
The uncle in Berlin means well, but has no time, no buyer database, and no valuation benchmark.
Leaving an apartment vacant
A year of vacancy incurs service charges, heating costs, and a loss of value. If you intend to sell, you should do so promptly.
Frequently asked questions
From Abroad
Your property in Berlin – we'll take care of it.
Message us via WhatsApp, in your time zone. We reply in German or English.