Villa verkaufen: Wenig Routine, hoher Anspruch

Guide by Stephan M. Czaja, Lukinski

• Location and surroundings
• Land size
• Architecture and year of construction
• Usage possibilities
• Buyer structure

Standard solutions do not work here. Without a clear plan, sellers lose time, negotiation room or, in the worst case, money.

• Rare sales situation
• High asset value
• Individual starting position

The right start: clarify goals and framework

Before documents for the sale are compiled or conversations are held, the direction should be clear. Is it about discretion, a quick closing or the maximum price?

This decision shapes the entire sales process. Just like in villa sales in Düsseldorf or also in villa sales in Berlin.

• Set a price target
• Define the time horizon
• Determine the degree of publicity

Also in real estate sales in Cologne.

A clear start prevents unnecessary corrections later on.

No desire to read? Stream for free

The 12 steps in the sale are also available as a video. More content can be found on my YouTube real estate channel.

Preparation: the basis for a clean sale

The quality of the preparation largely determines the success. Especially in the high-price segment, buyers expect transparency and professionalism.

• Documents complete
• Price realistically set
• Strategy clearly defined

Structure the documents

The higher the quality of the villa, the higher the expectations. Missing or unclear documents almost always lead to delays.

• Land register extract and cadastral map
• Construction plans and floor plans
• Proof of renovations

Realistically assess the property value

Comparable properties are limited in Cologne, offer prices are often not reliable. The market value results from an individual assessment.

• Location and micro-location
• Condition and equipment
• Usage potential

The offer price is a strategic tool – not a wish list.

Highly sought-after villa locations in Cologne

In the high-price segment, the demand is particularly focused on:

• Marienburg
• Hahnwald
• Rodenkirchen
• Lindenthal
• Sülz (outlying areas)
• Junkersdorf



Marketing: public or discreet?

When selling a villa, the question of the right marketing approach almost always arises.

• Discretion vs. reach
• Buyer quality vs. visibility

Off Market: targeted and confidential

In Off Market sales, the villa is offered exclusively to selected interested parties.

• No real estate portals
• Targeted buyer communication
• High discretion

On Market: Visible, but controlled

Public marketing increases reach, but requires clear control.

Many inquiries do not automatically mean the best closing.

Sell yourself or hire a real estate agent?

Both options are possible, but they differ significantly in terms of effort.

• Self-management or professional support

Private sale

Full control, but also full responsibility – from pricing to negotiations.

The key question is often: Are you willing to invest your time in it?

Selling with an experienced real estate agent

A specialized agent structures the process, filters buyers, and conducts negotiations. The decision-making power remains with the owner.

• Market experience
• Qualified buyer network

Contact

Common mistakes when selling a villa

Most problems arise already during the preparation phase.

1. Unrealistic price expectations
2. Incomplete documents
3. Inappropriate marketing
4. No credit check
5. Unstructured viewings
6. Weak negotiation position

Buyer selection and viewings

In the villa segment, quality matters more than quantity.

• Few, suitable interested parties
• Check creditworthiness early on

Negotiation, notary, and closing

Price negotiations are factual and based on figures. After agreement, the purchase contract, notary appointment, and payment processing follow.

• Review the contract
• Notary appointment
• Arrange handover

Taxes and follow-up

After the sale, tax-related issues should be clarified.

• Check for speculation tax
• Consider usage

Sell securely? With structure and experience

Selling a villa in Cologne is complex and demanding. Those who approach the process structuredly, make clear decisions early on, and actively steer the process create the best conditions for a successful closing – regardless of whether it is sold discreetly or publicly.

1-bedroom / 2-bedroom apartment for sale: expiration

You want to sell a small apartment, maybe it is the very first property you sell. Then many questions arise, which I will answer here shortly.

PS: I buy directly, call me or write me here under contact.

4 big questions when selling for the first time

The most common questions from first-time sellers:

• How much is my small apartment worth?
• Selling with or without a broker?
• Do I have to pay tax on the sale of the apartment?
• What is the first step in apartment sale?

First, let’s clarify the most important questions. After that, I will present to you in detail the 18 steps in the sale of an apartment. From the very first step to the purchase contract and notary appointment.

Apartment building, high-rise building or ETW in the apartment block:

How much is my small apartment worth?

The value of a property, no matter whether it is a small apartment, a large apartment or even a multi-family house, is generally always measured on the basis of three central factors:

1. Location (city, district and street)
2. Property type / condition (cosmetic repairs to renovation backlog)
3. Tenant / Vacancy

Let’s start with the insight: Valuation.

Location of the apartment: Munich vs. Duisburg – Factor #1

Location – Central in the valuation, the land price, or the location of your apartment. 40 square meters in Schwabing (Munich) is very different from 40 square meters are Marxloh (Duisburg).

Location means not only in which city to sell, but also which district, in which street, with which house number. The difference between districts is big, but also between streets. Just think of an apartment, close to an intersection with a main street, the typical noise and only 300 m away, the small idyllic city park. Same street, big difference.

Comparison, location Munich / Duisburg:

• 40 m² in Munich Schwabing: 483,000 euros
• 40 m² in Duisburg Marxloh: 74,000 euros

Difference Munich / Dusiburg:

+ 550% price difference

Who buys small apartments?

After looking at the supply side (your apartment), we take a look at the buyer side. What about supply and demand in your micro-location (street and district). Especially in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart and other cities with universities and colleges, the sale goes faster than in rural areas. Simply because the demand is significantly higher here.

Also with a view to future developments, demographic changes, such as the increasing number of single-person households. There are fewer large families and more single people. Perspectives play a role in the assessment.

Let’s come after the location to property itself, your one-bedroom apartment or two-bedroom apartment.

Property type / condition (cosmetic repairs to renovation backlog) – factor #2

The property type itself is relevant for all buyers. That it is a 1-room / 2-room apartment is clear. Other factors would then be, for example, the entire building. Is your apartment in a high-quality apartment building or in an anonymous apartment block. This makes it more or less attractive to later buyers / tenants (rental price).

To evaluate your property, you need to take a look at its condition. On the one hand, the part ownership that you share with the homeowners association and your special property, the apartment. Topics the cosmetic repairs, renovation congestion, but sometimes also existing furniture.

For such a valuation, you should talk to a professional, visit the apartment, if necessary, also consult a few documents and records. You can learn more about this a little further down in the guide, in the 18 steps to selling an apartment!

Renovate / refurbish before selling?

Many who are selling an apartment for the first time often ask if they still need to renovate or even refurbish their condo? In fact, they don’t have to go to this trouble; many buyers like to buy properties that they can subsequently upgrade. Ultimately, of course, this has positive effects on property returns.

Tenants, leases and vacancies – Factor #3

Tenant / Vacancy – Factor 3 in the valuation of your one-bedroom apartment or two-bedroom apartment is the current occupancy rate.

Sell rented apartment – If the apartment is rented, the history of the tenant in the resale also counts a little. Ideally, there were no arrears and difficulties. Likewise, vacancy also plays a role, or for the later effort of re-renting from the apartment. If you have lived in your apartment as an owner-occupant, this counts as vacancy, after all, the new owner must re-rent the apartment if he does not want to occupy it himself as an owner-occupant.

The more we go into detail, the less the price is ultimately affected.

Therefore, we match the three key evaluation factors once again:

1. Location (city, district and street)
2. Property type / condition (cosmetic repairs to renovation backlog)
3. Tenant / Vacancy

Selling with or without a broker?

Sell privately or with a real estate agent? Besides the valuation, the big question in sales. If you haven’t sold a condominium yet, you might think at first: selling without a real estate agent will save me money! In fact, however, the private sale has some risks. Just think of the previously spoken valuation, but also of the entire procedure and purchase process, the individual real estate listings, the constant communication with prospective buyers and real prospective buyers, the negotiations, purchase contract and …

In the end, the few percent you pay as a seller in brokerage costs are not much compared to the mistakes that can happen. Even more important, however, is the time factor, as you will see later in the entire 18 steps up to the purchase agreement and notary appointment.

Realistic assessment, personal network, communication and advisor:

Do I have to pay tax on the sale of the apartment?

For you as a seller, there is only one relevant tax to consider when selling an apartment, the speculation tax.

Speculation tax on sale: when and how much?

Speculation tax is explained relatively quickly and simply. First distinguish: Owner-occupier and capital investor (rental).

If you have exclusively occupied your apartment yourself, the sale is tax-free.

As soon as you have rented out your apartment, the situation changes. Now the speculation tax takes effect.

• Self-interest = tax free
• Capital investment (rental) = speculation tax is incurred
• Speculation period 10 years (between purchase / sale)
• Exception: own use in the year of sale + 2 years earlier

The profit you make is taxed.

Formula:

• Taxable profit = sales price – purchase price

Why does the speculation tax exist?

The speculation tax is intended to make too fast real estate transactions (speculators) uninteresting, due to the relatively high tax rate that applies. The amount of the speculation tax is based on the regular tax rate (income tax), this can be up to 42% for private individuals. From ~ 255,000 annual income (including profit from sales) even the additional rich tax +3%.

• Speculation tax up to 45% in maximum

The speculation tax is therefore incurred if you have rented out your property. Then the period (speculation period) is 10 years. That is, between the purchase of your apartment and the sale of your apartments, ten years must have passed. Then the sale of your apartment is tax-free. If you sell within these ten years, you will have to pay the speculation tax.

There is one exception, should you have rented out your property but then use it yourself for two years before selling it, you can sell it tax-free in the following year.

• Does not fall taxation of gain on the sale of real estate
• Self-interest = tax free
• Capital investment (rental) = speculation tax is incurred
• Speculation period 10 years (between purchase / sale)
• Exception: own use in the year of sale + 2 years earlier
• Amount is based on the income tax rate (person)

What is the first step in apartment sale?

The first step to selling an apartment is deciding that you want to sell your condo! If you are already at this step, learn here the 18 steps of the apartment sale.

Step by step: checklist sale

You now know the 4 important questions and answers! How much is my small apartment worth? Selling with or without a broker? Do I have to pay taxes on the sale of my apartment? What is the first step in selling an apartment? Go into detail now with this 18 step checklist. From the time of sale, to the notary appointment and purchase price transfer.

Preparation: prepare property and sale

• Financial planning and timing of sale
• Hire real estate agent
• Records and documents
• Increase real estate value
• Determine offer price
• Create exposé

Sales phase: market property and find buyers

• Market real estate
• Contact with prospective buyers
• Filter and select prospective buyers
• Credit check
• Viewing dates
• Sales talk & purchase price negotiation

Sales processing: purchase contract until handover

• Draw up purchase contract with notary
• Notary appointment
• Land register entry and payment processing
• Handover of the property
• Notary fees & broker commission
• Pay taxes

Modern micro apartments with furnished apartments:

Location, location, location! Here’s another special look at a selection of major cities:

• Berlin
• Düsseldorf
• Frankfurt
• Hamburg
• Cologne
• Munich
• Stuttgart

Immobilie vermarkten: Defensiv, Offensiv & Off Market

Möchten Sie Ihr Haus oder Ihre Wohnung verkaufen, gibt es unterschiedliche Möglichkeiten, die sich je nach individueller Präferenz, Immobilientyp und Lage unterscheiden. Primär sprechen wir in der Vermarktung von 3 Varianten.

Vorab der Überblick:

• Defensive Strategie
• Offensive Strategie
• Off Market Strategie

Defensive Strategie: Immobilien in Top Lage

Sind Sie im Besitz einer exklusiven Immobilie, in einer Toplage, mit gutem Schnitt, so dass sie sowohl für Singles, als auch für Familien, interessant sein könnte? Herzlichen Glückwunsch! Diese Immobilie kann höchstwahrscheinlich schnell vermittelt werden. Die Vermarktung kann also relativ defensiv geplant werden und kostet dementsprechend weniger Zeit. Gegebenenfalls können Sie sogar direkt an einen internen Käuferkreis verkaufen, wenn Sie den richtigen Makler haben. So dass die Immobilie noch nicht einmal im regulären Markt erscheint.

Zusammengefasst:

• Immobilie in Top Lage
• Hohe Nachfrage
• Schneller Verkauf wahrscheinlich

Offensive Strategie: Immobilien in B-Lage / C-Lage

Wenn die Immobilie nicht in einer begehrten A-Lage liegt, muss die Vermarktung gesteigert werden. Das geht durch verschiedene Methoden, Plattformen und Möglichkeiten. Dementsprechend ist die Immobilienverkauf Strategie offensiv. Gleiches gilt für größere Objekte mit 20, 30 und mehr Einheiten – egal ob Neubau, saniertes Mehrfamilienhaus, Quartier oder Hochhaus.

For digital marketing, professionals rely on specialized agencies like Model Agency One.

Das bedeutet also:

• Immobilie in B-Lage / C-Lage
• Vermarkung auf Plattformen / in Zeitungen

Die Strategie variiert je nach Immobilientyp und Lage:

Off Market Strategie: Hohe Diskretion

Dann gibt es noch eine dritte Vermarktungsstrategie: die Off Market Immobilien. Je hochwertiger eine Immobilie, insbesondere Villen und größere Anwesen, je bekannter und prominenter eine Person, je vermögender eine Person, desto weniger Kommunikation ist gewünscht. Ebenso, keinerlei Präsenz der Immobilien in offenen Märkten. Dafür nutzen Immobilienmakler die Off Market Strategie.

Objekt wird ausschließlich ausgewählten, selektierten, kaufkräftigen Interessenten gezeigt

Fazit: Immobilienvermarktung

Circa 85% des Immobilienmarktes sind offensiv, 14% sind defensiv und benötigen nicht viel Vermarktung und < 1% wird im Off Market Bereich gehandelt. Daraus lässt sich schließen: ein Großteil der Immobilien braucht eine gute Vermarktung.

Die 3 Strategien zusammengefasst:

1. Offensive Strategie
2. Defensive Strategie
3. Off Market Strategie

Anhand dieser Matrix werden dann die verschiedenen Strategien, Kommunikationswege und Plattformen gewählt.

Kaum hat die Vermarkung Ihrer Immobilie begonnen, melden sich auch schon die ersten Kaufinteressenten bei Ihnen.

Weiter zu Schritt 8: Kontakt mit Kaufinteressenten

Die Vermarktung Ihrer Immobilie ist erfolgreich und die ersten Kaufinteressenten melden sich. Wie Sie mit Anfragen per Mail und Telefon umgehen, dazu mehr hier.

• Kontakt mit Kaufinteressenten

Zurück zu Schritt 6: Exposé erstellen

Das Immobilien Exposé ist einer der wichtigsten Schritte. Schließlich geht es hier darum, Ihr Haus oder Ihre Wohnung von der besten Seite zu zeigen. Alle unsere Tipps zu den wichtigsten Unterlagen, Fotos & Co. in unserem Ratgeber.

• Exposé erstellen