How the sale works — 5 steps, realistic duration
Short answer: A property sale runs in five steps: estimate the value, compile the documents, decide on the marketing, hold viewings and negotiate, notary appointment and handover. From preparation to key handover usually takes 3 to 9 months, as of 2026 — depending on location, condition and asking price.
1. Estimate the value
A free online initial estimate as a range, then a well-founded on-site valuation if needed.
2. Compile the documents
Land register extract, energy performance certificate, floor plans and proof — the more complete, the faster the sale.
3. Decide on the marketing
With or without an estate agent, which channels, which asking price — the decisions that set the price and the duration.
4. Viewings and negotiation
Vet prospective buyers, secure creditworthiness, negotiate the price cleanly.
5. Notary and handover
Purchase contract at the notary, payment, key handover and handover protocol.
You can find the detailed roadmap at Selling a house: the process in 10 steps.
For context: Prefabricated House does not sell anything itself and does not place listings. On request, we connect you with vetted contacts (e.g. estate agents in your region) and support you with independent guides — free of charge and without obligation.
What would you like to sell?
Sell a house
The complete process in 10 steps — from the value to the handover.
Sell a plot of land
Land value, buildability and the right pool of buyers for your plot.
Sell a freehold flat
Declaration of division, service charge, owners' association minutes — what additionally matters for a freehold flat.
Used prefab house & tiny house
Selling used prefab, tiny and modular houses — special features and options.
Selling & building new — how the two interlock
Many sellers build new afterwards: smaller, barrier-free or energy-efficient. Anyone who overlays both schedules saves double moves and expensive bridging. We show in which order the sale and the new build fit together — and how the gap in between is financed.
What does a house sale cost in 2026?
In Germany, a house sale typically costs the seller 1 to 4 percent of the sale price, as of 2026 — excluding the estate agent's commission. The largest items are the energy performance certificate, the cancellation of registered land charges, possibly a valuation report and, in the case of early loan repayment, the early repayment charge. If an estate agent is engaged, the regionally varying commission is added, which since 2020 has, for single-family houses, generally been shared between buyer and seller. You can find the complete overview with tables at Costs and taxes when selling a house.
All topics around selling
Frequently asked questions about selling
How long does a house sale take in 2026?
From preparation to key handover usually takes 3 to 9 months, as of 2026. Sought-after locations and complete documents shorten the duration considerably, while unusual properties or an asking price that is too high extend it. The notary phase from draft contract to handover alone takes about 6 to 10 weeks.
What is my house worth?
An online initial estimate based on location, floor area, year of construction and condition provides a first orientation — as a range, not an exact figure. For the actual asking price, the local market is what counts. Only a market value appraisal (Verkehrswertgutachten) or the assessment of experienced professionals on site is binding.
Can I sell and build new at the same time?
Yes, this is a common approach, but it requires a clean schedule. Both projects run in parallel over months; the gap in between is bridged by interim financing or a leaseback. It is important to set the sale proceeds realistically before the budget for the new build is fixed.
Does Prefabricated House sell my property?
No. We do not sell ourselves and place no listings. We provide independent guides, a free online initial estimate and, on request, contact with vetted points of contact such as regional estate agents. The service is free and non-binding for sellers.
Ready for the next step?
Describe your property in 2 minutes — we will get back to you with a vetted recommendation for your region. Free and non-binding.
Request a sale now