Note: The following article is for general guidance only. For binding legal advice, we strongly recommend that you consult a specialised lawyer. We will be happy to put you in touch with the right lawyers in our region.
Selling property in Berlin as an expat. Your questions. Our answers.
Regardless of whether you have already left Germany or continue to live here: As an expat, you can sell your property at any time. Perhaps you want to release capital, change your living situation or simply reorient yourself - your reasons are individual, but the path is clear: with the right support, the sale will be uncomplicated and secure.
We know that many expats are confronted with questions when thinking about selling property in Germany: How does it work from abroad? What documents do I need? Do I have to be present at the notary appointment - and what if I don't speak German?
We have been assisting international owners with the sale of their properties for many years - legally sound, digitally organised and with a great deal of sensitivity. Our team knows the market in Berlin, Potsdam and Brandenburg down to the last detail and communicates in nine languages. We know what matters - and what matters to you.
We support you.
Book a 30-minute free consultation.
Discuss your questions about buying or selling your property individually, without obligation and free of charge with one of our estate agents.
Can I sell my property from abroad?
Yes - this is not only possible, it is now common practice. The sale also works if you do not live in Germany or cannot attend the notary appointment in person. To do this, you will need a notarised power of attorney, which you can obtain from a German diplomatic mission abroad or a notary in your current country of residence, for example.
We support you in organising all the necessary steps remotely. Our processes are geared towards digital communication and clear workflows.
How do I find out the realistic market value of my property?
As IVD market reporters for Berlin and Brandenburg, we know the property market in Berlin, Potsdam and the surrounding area of Brandenburg very well. Our well-founded valuations are not based on rough estimates, but on current sales data, location analyses and comparable properties.
For initial orientation, we also offer you a free online valuation calculatorwhich will give you a realistic price range within a few minutes - ideal if you want to get an idea of what your property could be worth at the moment.
If you want to find out more, the next step is to create a customised market value assessment - including sales potential, target group analysis, pricing strategy and recommendations for action. This is based on our local experience and is personally reviewed and discussed with you by our experts - regardless of whether you live in Germany or on the other side of the world.
How do I best prepare the sale?
A successful property sale starts with good preparation. The more structured your approach, the smoother and faster the entire process will be - and the greater the chance of achieving a fair market price.
We support you step by step - among other things with
- the compilation of all necessary documents (extract from the land register, parcel map, energy certificate, declaration of division, etc.)
- Commissioning and communication with property management or notary's office
- the creation of a professional exposé with meaningful pictures and texts - multilingual, on request
- the presentation of your property on national and international platforms
- Planning and organising viewings - also by video or as a live broadcast for prospective buyers abroad
In addition, we advise you on pricing in line with the market, answer questions from interested parties, check creditworthiness documents and accompany the negotiations - transparently, service-orientated and with a clear focus on your goals.
As a full-service partner, we do as much as possible for you - and keep you up to date at all times.
What do I need to consider for tax purposes?
The so-called speculation tax may apply if you sell your property within ten years of purchasing it - unless you have used the property yourself. Even if you live abroad, Germany can levy taxes, especially if there is no double taxation agreement with your country of residence.
We do not offer tax advice ourselves, but we can put you in touch with specialised tax advisors who focus on expats and international owners and who can assess your individual situation with legal certainty.
Play it safe with our experts!
We have been working with lawyers, financial experts and law firms from a wide range of fields for many years. Anyone interested in buying, selling, financing, refinancing, etc. will sooner or later need specialists with many years of expertise.
How does communication work if I don't speak German?
Our team speaks German, English, French, Farsi, Norwegian, Swedish, Greek, Russian and Mandarin. We accompany you linguistically through the entire sales process: from the preparation of sales documents to negotiations with buyers and notarisation.
Exposés, online adverts and documents can also be created in multiple languages on request. In this way, we create trust with potential international buyers - and ensure a smooth process.
