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Buy an apartment or house in Germany

Selected criteria

  1. I already live in Germany
  2. Housing and real estate
  3. Buy an apartment or house

Buying property in Germany requires more than choosing a property: you need to check your budget, financing, documents and future owner costs in sequence. Start by deciding whether buying suits your plans and chosen region. Then calculate the full cost of the transaction, not just the listing price, and discuss possible financing in advance. When choosing a property, consider its type, condition, energy performance and land-rights specifics. Before signing the contract, carefully review the documents, estate agent terms and taxes. If you are buying an apartment, look at the building's costs and the owners' association decisions in advance. Use separate resources for auctions, building, investment purchases or Erbbaurecht: these options involve additional risks and checks.

Plan overview

A practical route from deciding to buy and setting a budget to checking the property, completing the transaction and planning owner costs.

What to do step by step

  1. 1

    Define the purpose and time horizon of the purchase

    Compare buying with renting, choose a region and decide whether the property is for yourself, investment, an existing house or future construction.

    Articles for this step

    Why People in Germany Rent More Often Than They Buy: Reasons, Statistics, and Risks Buying Real Estate in Germany as a Foreigner: The Process, Costs, and Risks
  2. 2

    Create a complete budget

    Calculate the property price together with ancillary costs, taxes, a reserve and ongoing owner payments.

    Articles for this step

    Buying a Home in Germany in 2026: Steps, Documents, Taxes, and Risks Real Estate Taxes in Germany in 2026: Purchase, Ownership, Rental, and Sale Cost of Owning a Home in Germany: Taxes, Utility Bills and Nebenkosten
  3. 3

    Check your financing options

    Prepare information on income, capital, residence status and credit history; compare a mortgage and Bausparvertrag separately.

    Articles for this step

    Mortgages in Germany for Foreigners: Requirements, Documents, and Buying Stages Bausparvertrag in Germany: How a Building Savings Contract Works and Who Needs It
  4. 4
  5. 5

    Check the property before making a final decision

    Request documents, inspect the home's technical condition and review the energy certificate.

    Articles for this step

    Inspecting a Home Before Buying in Germany: A Checklist for Documents, Building Systems, and Risks Energieausweis in Germany: the energy certificate for residential properties when selling or renting
  6. 6

    Review the transaction terms before signing

    Check the draft contract, notarisation process, estate agent commission and tax implications.

    Articles for this step

    Buying a Home in Germany in 2026: Steps, Documents, Taxes, and Risks Real Estate Agent in Germany: Who Pays the Commission for Renting and Buying Real Estate Taxes in Germany in 2026: Purchase, Ownership, Rental, and Sale
  7. 7

    Prepare for property ownership

    Budget for regular costs, learn about the heating system and, for an apartment, how the owners' association makes decisions.

    Articles for this step

    Cost of Owning a Home in Germany: Taxes, Utility Bills and Nebenkosten Heating in Germany: How Homes Are Heated and How Tenants Pay for Heat Homeowners’ Meetings in Germany: How an Eigentümerversammlung Works

Important notes

  • Calculate not only the property price, but also transaction and ownership costs.
  • With Erbbaurecht, a low price requires a separate review of the contract terms.
  • The energy certificate helps compare properties but does not replace calculating future costs.
  • For an apartment, owners' decisions can affect you and your costs.

Common mistakes

  • Start searching without a budget
  • Bid emotionally at an auction
  • Ignore missing documents