Is a written purchase offer binding?

No. Only the notarised purchase contract is binding.

Should I accept the first offer?

That depends on the price, market situation and financing. Compare the offer with a realistic valuation.

Can I demand a reservation fee?

Reservation agreements with a fee are legally sensitive and often only effective if notarised. Seek advice on this.

Received a purchase offer for your property – what now?

A written purchase offer is an important step – but not yet a sale. A property purchase only becomes legally binding with notarisation (notarielle Beurkundung). Until then, you should carefully check every offer.

What a purchase offer contains

A serious offer states the price, buyer, desired handover date, possible conditions such as a financing reservation and a deadline. It is not notarised and therefore not binding for either party.

Check financing

The highest offer is not always the best. What is crucial is whether the buyer can actually pay. Have the bank provide a financing confirmation or proof of equity before you arrange a notary appointment.

Compare multiple offers

If several offers are available, financing security, handover date and conditions also count in addition to the price. A structured bidding process can maximise the price fairly without prospective buyers backing out.

From offer to notary appointment

After agreement, a notary's office (Notariat) is commissioned to draw up the draft contract. Both parties receive it in advance – for private buyers, at least two weeks before notarisation. We review the draft with you and accompany you to the appointment.