Additional purchase costs in Berlin
What buying in Berlin costs on top.
On top of the purchase price come around eleven to twelve per cent in Berlin when an agent is involved. You must have this money yourself.
In brief
Additional purchase costs in Berlin
When you buy in Berlin, you pay 6.0% real estate transfer tax, around 1.5 to 2.0% for notary and land register, and, if an agent is involved, usually 3.57% commission including VAT. For a flat at €500,000, that comes to around €56,850 in total. Banks generally do not lend these buying costs, they count as equity. For international buyers this is the most important item to plan for, because non-residents usually have to bring more equity anyway.
The detailed breakdown
You will find all four items with due dates, a worked example and a calculator in the guide to buying costs in Berlin. If you are buying from abroad, also read Buying from abroad and Mortgages for non-residents.
Frequently asked questions
Buying costs in Berlin: frequently asked questions.
Answers as of: 17 October 2026
How high are the buying costs in Berlin?
With an agent, around eleven to twelve per cent of the purchase price: 6.0% real estate transfer tax, around 1.5 to 2.0% for notary and land register, and usually 3.57% commission including VAT.
Does the seller pay part of the commission?
If you buy a flat or a single-family house as a private individual, buyer and seller each pay half of the commission. For other properties and company buyers, we agree it in text form before marketing starts.
Can I finance the buying costs?
Generally not. Banks lend the purchase price, and you bring the buying costs as equity yourself. If you buy from abroad, plan additional reserves for this.
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