Yes. Foreigners can freely purchase property in Berlin and throughout Germany. There are no restrictions based on nationality, residence status, or visa type. You do not need a German passport or German residency to buy real estate. However, certain steps—such as opening a German bank account or securing financing—may require additional documentation.

Berlin Homes helps buyers, renters, and sellers navigate the entire real estate journey. Ourservices include:
‍
● Property discovery and curated listings
● Scheduling and hosting property viewings
● Market analysis and price guidance
● Support with paperwork and due diligence
● Coordination with notaries, banks, and legal advisors
● Assistance through the final signing and handoverWe simplify the process so you can focus on choosing the right property.

No. You can own property in Berlin without living in Germany. Many international clientspurchase homes as investments or holiday residences. If you plan to rent out the property,you may need a local property manager—something we can help organize or advise on.

The Berlin market is competitive and paperwork-heavy. An experienced agent:

● Saves you time by filtering listings
● Provides price guidance based on real data
● Negotiates on your behalf
● Ensures legal accuracy in contracts
● Coordinates with sellers, notaries, and banksBerlin Homes ensures you avoid costly mistakes and secure the best possible deal.

The first step is clarifying your budget and financing options. If using a mortgage, getting a financing pre-approval (Finanzierungsbestätigung) strengthens your position when making an offer. Berlin Homes can connect you with trusted mortgage advisors if needed.

Expect to pay between 10–15% of the purchase price in additional fees, typically including:

● Property Transfer Tax (Grunderwerbsteuer): 6% in Berlin
● Notary & land registry fees: ~1.5–2%
● Real estate agent commission: varies (often shared)
● Optional: legal fees, financing costs, property surveyWe'll provide a full cost breakdown for every property

The process typically takes 6–10 weeks from offer acceptance to final signing at the notary.Mortgage-based purchases may take a bit longer due to bank approval timelines.

Whenever possible, yes. We offer flexible viewing appointments, including evenings andweekends, depending on the seller’s availability.

Germany does not use earnest money deposits in the same way some countries do.You only commit legally once the notary contract is signed. At that time, payment is typically due within 2–4 weeks according to the contract.

We conduct a comprehensive valuation using:

● Recent comparable sales in your area
● Current market demand
● Property size, condition, and features
● Location-specific factors (transport, amenities, neighborhood trends)

You receive a detailed, data-driven price assessment.

Commission can vary depending on the property and agreement, but is typically sharedbetween buyer and seller (“provisionsfrei” options vary). We will outline all costs clearlybefore listing your property.

To maximize your selling price, we recommend:

● Professional cleaning and minor repairs
● Decluttering and depersonalizing
● Providing necessary documents (floor plans, energy certificate, building records)

Berlin Homes can support with staging, photography, and organizing required paperwork.

Yes. We work with experienced, English-speaking mortgage advisors and real estatelawyers in Berlin. We can connect you with trusted professionals based on your needs.

● Pre-qualification: An estimate of what you might borrow—based on yourself-reported finances.
● Pre-approval: A formal letter from a bank confirming how much they will lend you.

Pre-approval is typically required before making a serious offer in Berlin.

Not necessarily. In Germany, the notary is a neutral legal authority who ensures thetransaction is valid and fair. However, many international buyers choose to hire a lawyer toreview the contract or provide personal representation. We can connect you with one ifneeded

In Germany, transactions are usually not handled through traditional escrow accounts.Instead, the notary manages the process, verifies all conditions (title, registrations, buyer financing), and oversees the safe transfer of ownership and payment.