Which documents do you need?
Short answer: To sell a house, you mainly need a land register extract (Grundbuchauszug), cadastral map, floor plan, living-space calculation, construction description, proof of modernisations and the energy performance certificate (Energieausweis). For freehold apartments, the declaration of division and meeting minutes are added. Gather these documents before you start marketing — this builds trust and speeds up the notary appointment.
Download the checklist as a PDF
All documents to tick off for selling your house.
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.
Checklist: document, where to get it and note
| Document | Where to get it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Land register extract (Grundbuchauszug) | Land registry (local court) | Shows owners, encumbrances and rights. Mandatory for the notary. |
| Cadastral map / property map | Cadastral office or surveying office | Proves the location and boundaries of the plot. |
| Floor plan and building plans | Building file, architect or building authority | Important for prospective buyers and the living-space calculation. |
| Living and usable area calculation | Building documents or a specialist firm | The basis for the stated price and comparability. |
| Energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) | Energy consultant or issuer | Mandatory as early as the viewing; key figures belong in the listing. |
| Construction description | Building file or developer | Documents the construction method, materials and fit-out. |
| Proof of modernisations | Your own invoices and receipts | Increase the credibility of the condition and price. |
| Declaration of division (for a freehold apartment) | Property management or land registry | Governs individual ownership and communal areas. |
| Minutes of the owners' association meeting | Property management | Show upcoming resolutions and reserves. |
| Property tax notice and running costs | Tax office, your own statements | Give buyers planning certainty about running costs. |
You can find more templates and lists for your project in our checklist overview.
Energy performance certificate: mandatory as early as the viewing
The energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) holds a special position: it is mandatory when selling and must be presented to prospective buyers, unprompted, as early as the viewing. The most important energy-related key figures also belong in every property listing. There are two variants — the consumption-based and the demand-based certificate; which one is permissible depends on the building.
If the certificate is missing, has expired or is incomplete, this may in principle result in a fine. Plan for the certificate to be issued early, because a demand-based certificate requires a data survey at the building and therefore some lead time.
Note: This guide only provides an overview and does not replace legal or tax advice. Clarify obligations and possible fines in your individual case with a qualified person, for example an energy consultant, tax adviser or lawyer.
For an undeveloped plot, the energy performance certificate does not apply; which documents matter there is explained under selling a plot. The complete sales process is explained in the process of selling a house.
Request a vetted estate-agent recommendation
Unsure whether your documents are complete? On request, we will connect you with a vetted contact in your region — free and non-binding. They support you with preparing the documents and marketing the property.
Request a vetted estate-agent recommendationFrequently asked questions about the documents
Which documents do I need to sell a house?
To sell a house, you need, among other things, a land register extract (Grundbuchauszug), cadastral map, floor plan, living-space calculation, construction description, proof of modernisations and the energy performance certificate (Energieausweis). For freehold apartments, the declaration of division and meeting minutes are added. Complete documents build trust with buyers and noticeably speed up the later notary appointment.
Is the energy performance certificate mandatory when selling a house?
Yes, the energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) is mandatory when selling a house and must be presented to prospective buyers as early as the viewing. The key figures belong in every property listing. If the certificate is missing or incomplete, a fine may in principle result. Please clarify the details in your individual case in good time.
