Buying a home: from search budget to handing over the keys

1. Establish your search budget and overall cost

List your own funds, future monthly housing budget and cash reserve. Purchase price, transaction costs and modernisation determine the total requirement. A budget assessment helps your search but is not a binding approval for any property you choose.

2. Examine the property and the numbers

• Gather the particulars, plans, floor-area information and land register documents.
• Have the building condition, energy certificate and foreseeable work assessed where needed.
• For an apartment, review the declaration of division, service charges, association reserve and meeting minutes.
• Allow enough time to clarify the draft purchase agreement.

3. Align the mortgage with the purchase

A bank assesses the property and security as well as your household. Clarify drawdown conditions, use of your own funds and possible funding applications before binding steps. A general financing confirmation does not replace an assessed loan agreement or a review of the property.

4. Distinguish signing, payment and ownership

Notarial signing makes the purchase contract binding. Payment follows the agreed conditions and the notary’s notice that payment is due. Keys are handed over at the agreed time. Legal ownership transfers through registration in the land register. These steps do not automatically occur on the same day.

Your checklist for the next appointment

• Record the total budget and preferred monthly payment.
• Check property documents and condition.
• Coordinate the financing decision and drawdown conditions.
• Clarify funding before the relevant project-start date.
• Understand the contract, payment process and handover date.

Frequently asked questions