10 steps to your house in Germany

From plot to keys, step by step

1. 1

   Set your budget and needs

   Work out how much you can spend, including plot and ancillary costs, and list your must-haves — size, number of rooms, single- or two-storey. Prefab prices are usually quoted per house and stated excl. plot and ancillary costs.

2. 2

   Find and check a plot

   Search for a suitable plot and review the local development plan (Bebauungsplan) for what and how you may build. Confirm utility connections and consider a soil survey (Baugrundgutachten).

3. 3

   Buy the plot via a notary

   The plot purchase is completed before a notary (Notar) and registered in the land register. Non-residents can buy freely — see our guide on buying property as a non-resident.

4. 4

   Arrange financing

   Compare mortgage offers and confirm your equity and loan-to-value. For non-residents, banks often lend a lower share, so plan ahead. See our mortgage guide for expats.

5. 5

   Choose a manufacturer and design

   Compare prefab manufacturers, request offers and pick a house type. Review the building description (Bau- und Leistungsbeschreibung) line by line to see exactly what is included.

6. 6

   Sign the construction contract

   You sign a Werkvertrag governed by the BGB, with an agreed price, building description, payment schedule (Zahlungsplan) and completion date. Independent legal review is recommended.

7. 7

   Obtain the building permit

   Your architect or manufacturer submits the building application (Bauantrag) to the local building authority. Building may only start once the permit (Baugenehmigung) is granted.

8. 8

   Prepare the site and foundation

   Utilities are connected and the foundation or basement is built. Prefab houses need a level, ready foundation before the factory-made elements arrive.

9. 9

   Assembly and interior fit-out

   The prefabricated elements are delivered and the weathertight shell is often erected in days. Interior trades then complete the fit-out to the agreed standard.

10. 10

    Acceptance and handover

    At acceptance (Abnahme) you inspect the house and record any defects in the handover protocol. The five-year warranty (Gewährleistung) then runs from this date — and you get the keys.

Related reading: buying property as a non-resident, mortgages for expats and German building contracts.