Energy performance certificates, land registry extracts, building plans – anyone wanting to sell their property often has to search high and low for the necessary documents. If something is missing or documents have expired, a trip to various offices and authorities is unavoidable. To save you time searching, we have compiled the necessary documents and where to find them.
Many people know that a land register extract is required to sell a property. This extract shows who the owner is and whether the property is encumbered by debts or a mortgage. You can obtain the land register extract from the land registry office.
The cadastral map is also important. It is the official proof of the existence of a property. It shows its location and boundaries, any buildings on the property, and the parcel and plot numbers, which serve to identify the land. The land registry office is responsible for the cadastral map.
building plans are also necessary . This includes the building permit, a building description, and, for newer buildings, a certificate of acceptance. You can obtain the complete set of building plans from the building authority.
Prospective buyers of your property also value the calculation of the living and usable floor space . Some want to know the exact figures and ask about the enclosed space (UR) or the gross volume (BRI), i.e., the volume of your property. You can also obtain this information from the building authority or an architect.
Sellers sometimes forget to check the extract from the land register . This document lists the public-law obligations of a property owner. These include, for example, the location of garbage cans or maintaining a minimum distance to neighboring properties when making additions or alterations.
energy performance certificate is mandatory . If the certificate is missing for a property viewing or if legal requirements are violated, fines of up to €15,000 may be imposed. Energy performance certificates can generally be issued by qualified and authorized professionals such as architects, engineers, master craftsmen with relevant additional training, or energy consultants. You can find more information in the chapter "Marketing a Property" on page X.
You will also need a list of all maintenance and modernization measures and operating costs for the last two years, for example taxes and insurance.
In the case of apartment buildings or condominiums, you will also need declarations of division, minutes from the last owners' meetings, any existing leases or rental agreements, and proof of residential and usage rights. These documents can be obtained from the land registry, the property management company, or the condominium association manager.