Selling a property is a complex process involving many legal and organisational aspects. Of particular importance are the appointment with the notary, the necessary documents and having a safety net in case the buyer pulls out. In this article, we answer the most important questions on these topics and explain how we, as an experienced estate agency in Berlin, can help you with this.
Will you sort out the appointment with the notary and the purchase contracts?
The appointment with the notary is one of the crucial steps in the process of selling a property. In Germany, it is a legal requirement that property sales be notarised. As an experienced estate agency in Berlin, we will organise the appointment with the notary on your behalf and ensure that all the key details of the contract are clarified.
Arranging the appointment with the notary:
- We will arrange the appointment with a reputable notary’s office in Berlin.
- We ensure that all parties involved (buyers, sellers and, where applicable, financial institutions) are kept informed in good time.
- If you are unable to attend in person, we can help you arrange a notarised power of attorney.
Drafting the contract of sale:
- The notary draws up a draft contract based on the agreements reached.
- We will go through all the clauses with you and advise you on any necessary amendments.
- We clarify any outstanding issues with the buyer to ensure that the contract can be finalised without a hitch.
Accompaniment to the appointment with the notary:
- We’ll be there to support you during your appointment with the notary and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- Once the contract has been signed, we will ensure that all subsequent steps are carried out correctly.
Tip: Before your appointment with the notary, you should take the time to check the draft contract carefully. If you have any questions about specific clauses, you can discuss them with us or a specialist solicitor.
What documents do I need to sell the property?
A successful property sale requires thorough preparation. Having all the necessary documentation in place speeds up the sales process and prevents delays. The following documents are required:
Extract from the land register:
- Contains all relevant information about the property (ownership details, encumbrances, etc.).
- An application can be made at the Land Registry or through a solicitor.
Energy certificate:
- Required by law for sale.
- Provides information on the property’s energy consumption.
- May be issued by a certified energy adviser.
Construction documents and floor plans:
- Important for determining the value and for buyers’ assessment of the property.
- If these are not available, they can often be obtained from the planning office or an architect.
Evidence of modernisation and refurbishment:
- Documentation of renovations or energy efficiency improvements.
- They can increase the value of the property and make the selling process easier.
Tenancies (for let properties):
- Copies of tenancy agreements and lists of tenants.
- Information on current tenancy terms and utility bills.
Declaration of division and housing benefit statements (for flats):
- Contains provisions governing the use and management of the common property.
- Essential for prospective buyers and banks when arranging financing.
Tip: Comprehensive documentation makes your property more attractive to buyers and can help it sell more quickly. We’d be happy to help you obtain any missing documents.
What happens if the buyer pulls out?
Despite careful selection, a buyer may pull out. There may be various reasons for this, such as financial difficulties or personal circumstances. In such cases, we will support you with the following measures:
Security provided by a letter of finance:
- We require buyers to provide a written commitment of finance from the bank before the contract is signed.
- This is how we minimise the risk of someone leaving at short notice due to financial difficulties.
Booking Agreement:
- In some cases, a booking agreement may be advisable.
- By paying a deposit, the buyer undertakes to purchase the property within a specified period.
- If the buyer withdraws from the contract, part of the deposit may be retained.
Re-marketing the property:
- If a sale falls through, we’ll start marketing the property again straight away.
- Thanks to our existing network, we can quickly find alternative prospective buyers.
Examine the legal options:
- If a contract of sale has already been signed, contractual penalties or claims for damages may apply.
- In such cases, a notary or solicitor can look into the legal options.
Tip: Let us advise you on how best to protect yourself against the risk of a sale falling through. A professional estate agency will carry out a thorough vetting of prospective buyers, thereby reducing your risk.
Conclusion
Selling a property raises many questions and presents a number of challenges. Arranging the appointment with the notary, compiling the necessary documents and protecting yourself against the sale falling through are important aspects you should bear in mind. As an experienced estate agency in Berlin, we offer you professional support at every stage of the sales process:
- We will arrange the appointment with the notary and assist you with drafting the contract.
- We’ll help you to gather all the necessary documents in good time.
- We ensure that buyers are vetted in advance to minimise the risk of a transaction being cancelled.
- If a sale does fall through, we quickly put alternative sales strategies into action.
Would you like to sell your property in Berlin safely and professionally? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation! We’ll support you every step of the way, from the initial valuation right through to a successful sale.
