Step by step to home ownership: your checklist for buying a home

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions in life for most people – and often one of the most complex. Numerous tasks await you between financing, viewing and the notary appointment. We have compiled a practical checklist for you so that you don’t overlook anything and master each phase with clarity. This will help you keep track of everything – from the initial idea to handing over the keys.

1. Clarify financing: What can and do you want to afford?

• Determine your realistic budget – including equity, monthly charges and ancillary costs (land transfer tax, notary, estate agent, etc.)
• Check various financing models: annuity loan, building society savings contract, subsidies
• Obtain offers from banks or financial advisors at an early stage – and secure a financing confirmation in case of an emergency
• Plan a financial buffer for renovation, relocation or unforeseen costs

2. Define goal and search for real estate

• Define your living requirements and priorities: location, size, number of rooms, garden, parking space, infrastructure
• Use various channels: Real estate portals, broker contacts, newspapers, local networks
• Create a comparison list to better assess offers
• Arrange viewing appointments – preferably at different times of day to get a realistic picture
• Pay attention to the building fabric, energy performance certificate, floor plan and possible modernization requirements

3. Check thoroughly: Fact check before you buy

• If in doubt, have the property inspected by an expert or architect
• Study all documents: extract from the land register, energy certificate, parcel map, minutes of owners’ meetings (for condominiums)
• Clarify: Are there any building encumbrances, contaminated sites or special rights of use?
• Check the monthly service charges and the condition of the building services (heating, pipes, roof)
• Speak openly with the estate agent or seller about known defects or pending repairs

4. Prepare and securely complete the purchase

• Reach agreement with the seller on price and transfer modalities
• Have the draft purchase agreement drawn up by a notary and check it carefully
• Agree the final loan conditions with the financing bank
• Attend a notary appointment: Sign the purchase contract, clarify payment modalities
• Once the purchase price has been paid, the land register entry is made – so you are officially the owner
• Plan the move and handover carefully: handover protocol, meter readings, keys, renovation if necessary

Don’t want to leave anything to chance when buying real estate? Then request our complete checklist as a PDF – or let us guide you personally through the entire process. Contact us – so that your search for your own home becomes a safe and well-prepared project.

Notes

The generic masculine is used in this text to improve readability. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where this is necessary for the statement.

Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific individual case.

Photo: © aoo8449/Depositphotos.com

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