Avert a forced auction: Sell your property in Berlin in time
When repayments are no longer possible, the worst thing is not the sale – but the auction. There, your property is knocked down for 60–80% of its value, the costs are ultimately borne by your proceeds, and the remaining debt often persists. A private sale at market value saves your equity and your creditworthiness in most cases. It only needs one thing: that you act now.
Reihenfolge
Immediate actions
- 1
Speak with the bank – today
Banks don't like to auction; it costs them time and money. Whoever contacts them early and presents a plan almost always gets a respite: repayment suspension, deferment, extension of the repayment period or a deadline for the private sale. Silence is the only strategy that is sure to fail.
- 2
Get the figures straight
Remaining debt, arrears, fixed interest period, early repayment penalty, other debts. And: What is the property worth? You will get this figure from us within 48 hours.
- 3
Has the auction already been applied for?
Then you have received an order from the local court (Amtsgericht). Within two weeks you can apply for protection against enforcement according to § 30a ZVG (postponement up to six months). The bank can also stop ongoing proceedings at any time if a sale is in sight.
- 4
Commission a private sale
With an agent who can act quickly: photos in 48 hours, exposé on day 3, first viewings in week 1. In such cases, we work with pre-registered, finance-checked buyers.
- 5
Inform the bank about every step
In writing: order placed, marketing started, offers available, notary appointment planned. Every message buys time.
- 6
Debt counselling in parallel
If debts remain after the sale, the free debt counselling helps (Berlin: Caritas, Diakonie, Consumer Centre (Verbraucherzentrale)). It negotiates with creditors and can avoid personal insolvency.
Why the auction is almost always the worst solution
In the first hearing, an award can only be made from 50% of the market value; from 70%, the creditor cannot object – in Berlin, awards typically range from 65–85%. Expert opinions, court fees, and interest are deducted from the proceeds. If a remaining debt persists, you remain liable. And the entry with SCHUFA will accompany you for years. A private sale achieves 100% market value, takes four to five months, and leaves no trace.
What the bank really wants
Their money back, with as little effort as possible. An auction takes 12–24 months and often brings the bank less than the remaining debt. That's why banks almost always agree to a private sale if they see that it is being pursued seriously. We provide the bank with weekly marketing reports on request – that is the proof.
If the remaining debt exceeds the value
Then a gap remains after the sale. Nevertheless, the sale is better: the gap is smaller than after an auction, and the bank often negotiates over remaining debts – instalment payments, partial waiver, settlement. With debt counselling by your side, the negotiating position is good.
Fast doesn't mean giving it away cheaply
Our speed does not come from a low price, but from preparation: pre-registered buyers, checked financing, notary contract prepared in parallel. A market-appropriate price with a clear deadline sells in Berlin in four to eight weeks. "We buy your property immediately" offers are 15–30% below that – that is the auction in different packaging.
Zeitplan
The quick route
- 3 days
Phase 1
Day 1–3
Consultation, valuation, instruction, letter to the bank, photos and exposé.
- 6 weeks
Phase 2
Week 1–6
Targeted approach to pre-registered buyers, block viewings, financing check, offer.
- 2 weeks
Phase 3
Week 6–8
Notary contract (draft already prepared), notarisation, bank stops proceedings.
- 6 weeks
Phase 4
Week 8–14
Purchase price due date, redemption, payout, handover. Total: 3–4 months.
Unsere Rolle
What we handle in this situation
We are not a buyer and not a creditor. We work for your best possible proceeds – and quickly.
Valuation in 48 hours
In writing, with justification. You will need this figure for your discussion with the bank.
Letter to the Bank
We will draft the notification of the instructed private sale, including a timeline – and keep the bank continuously informed thereafter.
Pre-registered Buyers
Financially vetted interested parties from our database will view the property before public marketing.
Notary Prepared
The draft contract will be prepared before the buyer is identified. This saves two to three weeks.
Discretion
No sign, no 'urgent sale' in the property description. Neighbours and buyers will not know the reason.
No Upfront Costs
Commission only upon successful completion, from the purchase price. You don't need to pay anything in advance.
Vermeiden
What Worsens the Situation
Leaving Bank Letters Unopened
Deadlines continue regardless. Every letter contains an opportunity to respond.
Falling Victim to Property Buying Companies
'Instant purchase, discreet, no agent' means 15–30% below market value. That is your equity.
Setting Too High a Price to 'Save Everything'
Anyone who loses eight weeks without enquiries in this situation doesn't have that time to spare. Market price, clear deadline.
Taking Out New Loans to Pay Instalments
This only postpones and exacerbates the problem. Sale or refinancing with your principal bank – not chain loans.
Frequently asked questions
If Time is of the Essence
Write to us today. Within 48 hours, you'll know where you stand.
Briefly describe the situation to us – confidentially. We will get back to you immediately.