The most important points
Having the right documents when buying real estate is crucial to ensuring that your purchase is secure, transparent, and smooth. As experienced real estate agents, we know how important thorough preparation is so that you have a complete overview from the very beginning. In this article, we explain which documents you need as a buyer, what you should pay particular attention to, and which documents you should definitely request from the seller and check carefully. This will help you lay a solid foundation for your journey to owning your own home.
1: Documents for your financing
Before you compile the documents for the property purchase, it is important to have a clear understanding of your own financial situation. This is the only way to ensure that the bank can check your creditworthiness and give you a binding financing commitment. With this solid foundation, you can confidently enter into discussions with the bank and take the first step towards a successful property purchase.
What documents are required to finance a property?
Additional property documents for the bank
- Calculations: Living space calculation, usable space calculation, and gross floor area calculation (GFA).
- Building specifications: Especially for newer properties or planned renovations.
- Photos: Current exterior and interior photos of the property (for the bank's appraisal).
- Draft purchase agreement: The bank requires the notary's draft in order to determine the final terms and conditions.
- Proof of insurance: Copy of the building insurance (fire insurance policy).
2: Documents for inspecting the property
Before you take the big step and purchase your own property, it is worth taking a closer look at the documents, because the devil is in the details. This is where the documents for buying a house, the documents for buying an apartment, and, in general, the documents for buying real estate come into play. They show you at a glance the condition of the property, whether there are any encumbrances, and the legal situation. If you carefully review these documents before signing the purchase agreement, you can play it safe and relax as you move into your new home.
A. Checklist: Legal and official documents
These documents help you understand who really owns the property, whether there are any rights held by other people, and what rules apply to the construction or use of the land.
Note: The cadastral map, the list of public easements, and the development plan apply to the entire property. They are therefore important when buying an apartment because they apply to the entire property. Property in this context means the entire plot of land including all buildings and apartments located on it.
B. Checklist: Technical and construction documents
3. Additional documents when buying an apartment
When you buy a condominium, you not only acquire your own apartment, but also become part of a condominium owners' association (WEG). Therefore, there are additional documents from the seller that you should review in order to get a complete picture of the property and the community.
What documents must the seller provide when buying an apartment?
- Declaration of division and community rules: These documents clearly show which areas of your apartment belong to you (separate property) and which are shared (stairwell, roof, facade). They also contain the rules according to which the owners live together.
- Minutes of owners' meetings (at least for the last three years): Here you can find out which renovations are planned or have already been carried out and how decisions are made in the community. A look at the minutes helps to avoid later conflicts or unpleasant surprises.
- Budget and annual statements: These documents show the financial situation of the WEG: How much are the monthly maintenance fees and what are they used for?
- Amount of the maintenance reserve: The reserve is the cushion for repairs and larger investments in the community. If it is too small, you could face unexpectedly high special payments.
4. Documents for the notary
When you buy a house or an apartment, a lot happens behind the scenes to ensure that everything is legally secure. The notary ensures that the purchase contract is correct and that you are entered in the land register as the new owner. The bank wants to ensure that its loan is protected – to do this, it has a land charge entered in the land register.
The most important documents in this context are therefore your financing commitment from the bank and the deed of land charge. With these documents, everything is clearly regulated so that your change of ownership goes smoothly and securely.
What does the notary need from the bank when buying a house?
- Financing commitment: The bank confirms that your loan for the purchase is secured. Without this commitment, the notary cannot complete the purchase agreement.
- Land charge certificate: This document is created by the bank as security for the loan. The certificate is officially notarized by the notary and then entered in the land register. This means that the loan is legally secured.
3 tips for a secure path to property ownership
The path to owning your own home is exciting—and having the right documents is your strongest ally. Think of them as the key that allows you to approach the purchase in a structured, well-prepared, and legally secure manner.
- 1. Completeness counts: Request all relevant documents from the seller and check them carefully. Only those who have all the information can make the right decision.
- 2. Security from the outset: Clarify your financing early on and submit all necessary documents to the bank. This will help you avoid delays and secure the best terms.
- 3. Transparency creates trust: Use the documents to realistically assess the actual value and condition of the property. This will give you clarity and confidence in every decision.
Carefully following these steps will lay the foundation for a secure and relaxed property purchase. With the right preparation and professional support, your dream of owning your own home will become a reality, step by step. Our coming home sales team is at your side, providing you with individual advice and ensuring that you always have an overview of the situation.
Get in touch with us: Together, we will bring you a big step closer to your new home.
