Buying property in Germany as a non-resident
You do not need German citizenship or a residence permit to buy land or a house in Germany. This guide explains the notary-based purchase, the checks to make before you sign, and the step-by-step process to secure a plot for your prefab home.
No citizenship or residency requirement
Germany does not restrict who may own real estate. As of 2026, EU citizens, non-EU nationals and people living abroad can all buy a plot or a house on the same legal footing as a German resident. There is no foreign-buyer surcharge, no purchase permit and no obligation to live in Germany. In this respect, buying land here is more open than in many other countries.
The differences for non-residents are practical rather than legal. Mortgage financing is harder to obtain and usually requires more equity — see our guide on mortgages in Germany for expats. Every document is in German and must be certified by a notary, and you will complete identity and source-of-funds checks under anti-money-laundering rules.
The notary process (Notar) explained
In Germany a property purchase must be certified by a notary (Notar), a neutral public official who represents neither the buyer nor the seller. A private contract for land has no legal effect without notarisation. The notary drafts the purchase deed, explains it to both parties, and handles the entries in the land register (Grundbuch), which is kept at the local court (Amtsgericht). The rules follow the German Civil Code (BGB) — see the official English translation of the BGB.
If you do not speak German fluently, the deed must be read with a sworn interpreter present or accompanied by a certified translation. If you cannot attend in person, a notarised power of attorney (Vollmacht) lets a representative sign for you. After signing, the notary registers a priority notice (Auflassungsvormerkung) so the plot cannot be sold to anyone else while payment is completed.
The steps to buy a plot
1 · Find & check the plot
Choose a plot and check the local development plan (Bebauungsplan) for what and how you may build. Confirm utility connections and, ideally, order a soil survey.
2 · Notary drafts the deed
A German notary (Notar) drafts the purchase deed. The notary is a neutral official — a notarised deed is legally required for land.
3 · Sign & priority notice
You sign before the notary (with an interpreter if needed). The notary enters a priority notice (Auflassungsvormerkung) protecting your claim.
4 · Pay & register ownership
You pay the price and the real-estate transfer tax. Once the tax clearance certificate arrives, ownership is registered in the land register in your name.
Budget for the ancillary purchase costs on top of the plot price: the real-estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) of 3.5–6.5% depending on the federal state, notary and land-registry fees, and any estate-agent commission. These are covered in our property taxes & fees guide. Prices shown elsewhere on this site are stated excl. plot and ancillary costs.
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FAQ: buying property as a non-resident
Answers on citizenship rules, the notary, powers of attorney and the plot-purchase steps — up to date for 2026.
Can a non-resident buy property in Germany?
Do I need to be in Germany to sign?
What does the notary do?
What are the steps to buy a plot?
What checks should I make before buying a plot?
Do I need a German bank account?
As of 2026, general information only, provided without warranty. Prefabricated House is an independent comparison portal and does not provide legal advice. For your specific purchase, consult a German notary and, where helpful, an independent English-speaking lawyer.
