Buying from abroad

Buy from abroad, without constant travel.

Viewings, documents and negotiation run remotely. Only the purchase contract is recorded by a notary in Germany in person, if need be with a power of attorney.

In brief

Buy property in Berlin from abroad

A notary must record the purchase contract for a property (§ 311b (para. 1) BGB (German Civil Code)), according to the German Federal Chamber of Notaries only in person and not by video. If you do not travel, you authorise someone you trust beforehand. The land registry only accepts powers of attorney with a signature certified by a notary at the very least (§ 29 GBO (Land Register Code)). German embassies and consulates or a notary in your country of residence can certify it, and that notary's document needs an apostille or legalisation depending on the country. If the buyer does not speak enough German, an interpreter should attend the appointment (§ 16 BeurkG (Notarisation Act)). Viewings, documents and negotiation run beforehand by video, email and post.

The route

Five steps, almost all of them remote.

Viewing by video

We walk you through the property by video, send photos, floor plan and documents in advance, and answer questions about the location. We bundle on-site appointments into one weekend.

Clarify your financing first

If you are financing, clarify what the bank requires of non-residents before the notary appointment. More under Mortgages for non-residents.

Attend or be represented

You attend the notary appointment yourself or authorise someone you trust. The land registry must accept the power of attorney, so a private letter is not enough.

Have the power of attorney certified

At a German embassy or consulate or with a notary in your country of residence, usually in person. Depending on the country, the document needs an apostille or legalisation.

Payment and registration

After the notary appointment the tax office sends the assessment for the real estate transfer tax, usually after six to ten weeks. Only after payment do you receive the clearance certificate without which the land registry will not register you.

Cost

What comes on top of the purchase price

When you buy in Berlin with an agent, around eleven to twelve per cent in buying costs come on top, which you must pay yourself. The breakdown is under Buying costs in Berlin. You will also find a worked example there.

Frequently asked questions

Buying from abroad: frequently asked questions.

Answers as of: 17 October 2026

Can I buy property in Berlin without travelling to Germany?

Yes, if you appoint someone you trust with a power of attorney certified by a notary at the very least. According to the German Federal Chamber of Notaries, the notary appointment itself takes place in Germany, not by video.

Where do I have the power of attorney certified?

At a German embassy or consulate, or with a notary in your country of residence. Depending on the country, a foreign notary's document needs an apostille or legalisation. Clarify this in advance with the notary in Berlin who will record the contract.

Do I have to speak German to buy?

No. The notary reads the contract aloud, and if you do not understand enough German, you bring an interpreter. We help you find one.

When does the flat belong to me?

After you have paid the purchase price and the entry in the land register has been made. For that, the land registry needs the tax office's clearance certificate, which only comes after the real estate transfer tax has been paid.

Talk to Phil Radtke.

A conversation in German or English before you book a single viewing.

Arrange a meeting