10 steps: The notary procedure in Germany explained
The notary process to buy a home in Germany with a mortgage is rather complicated, and with plenty of legal jargon.
Dr. Chris Mulder
Published on Jan 19, 2021 . Updated 3 months ago
The legal process to buy a home in Germany with a mortgage is rather complicated, with plenty of legal jargon, and rather different from other countries. It is also costly and time-consuming. This deep dive, therefore, spells out all the steps, the terminology and the choices you have.
Table of Contents
- Buyer and seller need to sign a purchase contract ("Kaufvertrag") in front of a notary.
- The mortgage contract and land charge form ("Grundschuldbestellungsurkunde") is created by the bank.
- The notary issues a priority notice of conveyance ("Auflassungsvormerkung") for the local land registry office or district court.
- Separate notary appointment for ordering the registration of the land charge.
- After all the required signatures are there and have been notarized, the notary makes a request for approval of the registration of the land charge.
- The customer pays the taxes and fees.
- After receiving the due date notice from the notary, the buyer must complete the disbursement instruction form.
- The buyer must now transfer the down payment from his equity to the seller and then instruct the financing bank to disburse the loan amount.
- The notary requests registration of you as owner in the land registry.
- Congratulations!
- All the key issues and notary terms explained in detail
