How to buy property in Deutschland
A practical guide for buyers (including foreigners): step-by-step process, purchase costs, annual taxes, financing and quirks in Deutschland. Informational, verified August 2026 — not legal advice.
Can foreigners buy?
No restrictions on foreign buyers of any citizenship.
The process, step by step
- 1Reservation + Grundbuch (land register) check
- 2The notary drafts the contract (mandatory, impartial)
- 3Signing at the notary; payment after priority notice (Auflassungsvormerkung)
- 4Pay the transfer tax
- 5Final Grundbuch registration (can take months — normal)
Purchase costs (on top of the price)
| Transfer tax (per state) | 3,5–6,5% |
| Notary + registry | ~1,5–2% |
| Agent fee (often split) | până la ~3,57% fiecare |
Annual taxes: Modest Grundsteuer (typically a few hundred €/year).
💶 What it costs to buy a €200,000 home in Deutschland
What it really costs you, with taxes, notary and registry included — estimated from the country's rules, before you talk to a notary.
| Resident | Non-resident / second home | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer tax (per state) | €7,000 – €13,000 | €7,000 – €13,000 |
| Notary + registry | €3,000 – €4,000 | €3,000 – €4,000 |
| Agent fee (buyer's share) | €0 – €7,140 | €0 – €7,140 |
| Estimated final price | €210,000 – €224,140 | €210,000 – €224,140 |
Indicative estimate from the country's public rules; rates differ by region and by your situation. Not tax advice.
Financing as a non-resident
Conservative banks: non-residents typically need 40–50% down.
Quirks that surprise buyers
- ⚠️ There is no pre-contract — the notary is the centre of the deal
- ⚠️ Months can pass between signing and full ownership (the Vormerkung protects you)
- ⚠️ Total purchase costs are among Europe's highest (~8–12%)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in Deutschland as a foreigner?
- No restrictions on foreign buyers of any citizenship.
- What costs and taxes do I pay when buying in Deutschland?
- Transfer tax (per state): 3,5–6,5%; Notary + registry: ~1,5–2%; Agent fee (often split): până la ~3,57% fiecare. Modest Grundsteuer (typically a few hundred €/year).
- Can I get a mortgage in Deutschland as a non-resident?
- Conservative banks: non-residents typically need 40–50% down.