Villa at a glance: Sierra Blanca

Villa – This villa is special from its layout and architecture! This villa is not “standard”, because it was not designed for an anonymous buyer, but originally with personal reference. This can be seen during the viewing on a large scale, but also in the details of this exclusive 4.4 million villa, in the heart of Marbella.

Originally, the property was intended for a loved one. Exactly this attention to detail, you can see during the tour in every single room, from the individual bathroom design (more on this later), to the equally individual bedrooms, to ceiling elements, which in individual rooms remind you of “cottages”, through extra inserted slopes, for even more sleeping comfort.

In addition, an extremely spacious terrace, the large swimming pool and of course the perfect location, in the middle of Marbella, with unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Villa at a glance

First of all, the most important key figures of the villa at a glance:

• Purchase price in dollars: $ 5,190,000
  Purchase price in euros: € 4,400,000
  Purchase price in pounds: £ 3,380,000
  Purchase price in Swiss francs: CHF 1,080,000
• Area in SqFt: 16,468
  Area in m²: 1,530
• Living space in SqFt: 8,255
  Living space in m²: 767
• Bedrooms: 5; Bathrooms: 6

Buy a villa: View listing

Are you interested in a villa in Marbella? Here you will find the exposé of the villa, in Lukinski Home:

• Villa in Sierra Blanca

Location in Marbella: Golden Mile

Location – If you want to be in the middle of Marbella, only 30, 40 minutes away from the airport (Malàga), only a few minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea, you should settle in the city, more precisely in the quarters above the Golden Mile. Also left and right of the city center, the “Old-Town” of Marbella.

So this extremely good location offers ultimate proximity to the city, the beach, the airport and also exclusivity and security; an important aspect for many buyers.

Situation at a glance:

• Mediterranean Sea and first class climate
• Only 40 minutes to the airport (Málaga)
• Over 100 golf courses nearby

Marbella: location and map (macro)

Here’s a quick look at the location of Marbella in the south of Spain, near Gibraltar, the southernmost point of mainland Europe.

Micro-perspective: City

At a closer look you can see the typical city construction, along the coast.

Interiors: living room, bedrooms and bathrooms

Living space – A quick overview of the property: The total living space of 767 m² is distributed over 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and an extremely large living area, on the ground floor.

Living Area: Living Room Gallery and Dining Room

The living area is more or less a living room, gallery and dining room in one. Rarely found, more often the villas, here in Marbella and on the Costa del Sol, are rather divided into individual rooms instead of spacious areas. This is what makes this villa so special. The reception area and transition to the living area, are welcoming. Especially when living well in Marbella, with family and friends, a key aspect when buying.

The interior, as already briefly described, is very spacious, especially on the ground floor, in a large, open living area. Everything from noble materials, even the entertainment corner, exclusive marble. What I particularly liked about the property, in addition to the large, open spaces, the ground level windows, for extremely much light.

Upper floor: bedrooms and bathrooms

On the first floor you will also find three rooms each, each with a separate bathroom. The highlight, each one is individually designed and furnished. On the first floor are also, for each individual room, an equally separate outdoor area (terrace), of course in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you want to see even more interior design highlights, check out the gallery above!

Basement: Wellness, Fitness and Personal

Basement – In the basement is also a private spa or wellness area with sauna, mini-pool and you also have plenty of space for their own little gym. Furthermore, you will find here in the basement still an extra room, which can be inhabited / used for example by staff (nanny or similar).

Interior summarized:

• Ground floor: Large living area plus kitchen
• First floor: living, bedrooms and bathrooms
• UG: Spa, fitness and staff room

Perfect for families who can spend their time separately, but also perfect for renting. Renting is a big issue in Marbella, because many people only spend a few months of the year here, for example the autumn and winter time. Then in the spring and summer it’s back home. Rental, maintenance, take care of everything service is on site.

Further equipment

Here are a few more highlights of the villa:

• Garage
• Alert
• High level
• Air conditioning
• Fireplace
• Basement
• Floor Air Conditioner
• Equipped kitchen
• South exposure
• Swimming pool
• Centralized heating
• 24-hour monitoring
• Private urbanization
• Sea view

Property: Terrace, Garden, Pool and Parking

Let’s just get to the terrace, garden, pool and parking shortly.

Sea side: terrace, garden and pool

Plot – From the outside there is no view of the plot. At the same time you have an excellent view from the property, down to the beach and over the whole Mediterranean Sea. The villa itself is located a little further up, in the exclusive shops, here nothing blocks the beautiful view, day and night. In particular, the starry sky is beautiful always at yes, the few lights from the city there and no lights on the Mediterranean.

In the spacious garden you will also find the swimming pool, which not only provides cooling, but is actually suitable for swimming. Of course, it’s south-facing, so the water temperature is always pleasant.

The garden is currently still relatively minimalist, but here, depending on your wishes, a real, colorful flower oasis could arise. After all, palm trees, banana trees, but also oranges grow in Marbella. By the way, the harvest time of the oranges starts in December, would you have expected that? That means, in the actually deepest winter, you can pick oranges in Marbella!

• Front: Unobstructed view to sea, city centre
• Back side: View of the mountains (Muschelberg)
• Clear starry skies almost every day of the year

Mountain side: BBQ and 400 year old olive tree

Behind the villa is further space, for example for BBQ. Depending on the position of the sun and the season, this space is used especially in the hot summer months. Another highlight: a specially planted, 400 year old, impressive olive tree. Did you know? Olive trees can live for thousands of years.

Another highlight, a small waterfall, right next to the BBQ area.

At the side: 2 parking spaces (covered), private way

You reach your private parking space via a small, private road. Here you have space for 2 cars.

For golfers an equally attractive location, Marbella is the “Miami of Europe”, there are over 100 golf courses nearby! By car you can reach several, very good golf courses in a few minutes (Tip: Golf courses in Marbella). E.g. also the golf club Los Naranjos. Translated, this means the orange trees.

• Swimming pool and covered sunbathing area
• Large terrace
• Parking lot; access via private road
• 400 year old olive tree
• Waterfall

First class climate, great restaurants, a lively city center, the location in one of the most exclusive areas, this 1,530 m² / 767 m² villa is a real highlight. Especially also due to the personal commitment of the builder, in the conception.

• Villa in Sierra Blanca

New in Marbella: Designer Villa

Designer villa in Marbella for 2,950,000m euros – I may present you today this exclusive villa! This villa is something very special, it is not just “only” built, it is planned, thought out! A house for the day, a house for the night, an inviting, large swimming pool and its own 10 meter waterfall. What more could you want? Today I take you to one of the most exclusive villas in Marbella City, with 1,320 m² at a price of almost 3 million euros. Welcome to Marbella!

• Designer Villa in Marbella

Selling land: Agricultural land, meadow, acre & Co.

You may have already read our great guide on selling land, or perhaps you have read more specific guides, for example on selling woodland land.

For those who are dealing with the matter of land sale for the first time, the question surely arises:

• How do I sell my agricultural land?
• Which step do I start with?
• Who advises me, prepares expert opinions & Co.

Here are a few pointers for selling farmland, agricultural land and other, more specific land. You can also read more about the process, mistakes and risks, as well as taxes when selling land.

Sell privately or with a professional?

The question is answered relatively quickly. There are various parameters that influence the selling price. These include, for example, the property valuation, as well as a solid and capital-strong buyer network, but also negotiating skills. After all, it is not “only” about a condominium, but about more complex, agricultural usable areas, with all the addition around soil expertise, forecasts and development possibilities.

Minimize effort, maximize profit

Selling agricultural land privately, for example through real estate portals, not the best idea.

1. What do you do with all the requests?
2. What documents, papers and expert opinions do you need?
3. Who sends info and makes phone calls for questions?
4. Who really has the credit rating and willingness to buy?
5. How many surveys do you want / need to do?
6. Who prepares and conducts the negotiations?
7. …

From credit rating (creditworthiness) to viewing appointments and negotiations: Time is money. Therefore, in this country 70% + sell with the help of professionals, such as an estate agent.

Sell privately?! Risk private sale

Time is of the essence. If you are not under pressure to sell, excellent. Then you may be able to make a mistake or two. But who wants to do that? Here is a recent example of a client who wanted to sell his property in Berlin. Private.

Example of agricultural land in the Berlin hinterland

Here is an example of a client who approached us, a typical case. It was an area in the Berlin area that was to be sold. The mistake in brief: private sale without sufficient credit check or financing confirmation from a bank. The result: months of delay and abandonment.

The seller has advertised privately on a known portal. Promptly came many messages, but almost all conversations ran into the void. Weeks passed.

Error: Insufficient creditworthiness and verification

After months, finally found a person who had the will and the credit rating – supposedly. So after the site visit talk about checking the financing, by the buyer’s bank and wait. Again, a few weeks pass.

Then you get after further weeks a feedback from the buyer and/or prospective customer that the financing was rejected with the first bank, therefore now with a second house bank one inquires. You wait.

After another few weeks passed, he still had no confirmation of financing from a bank, no preliminary purchase agreement, and no notary appointment.

Conclusion – pressure and frustration:

Suddenly there is more and more pressure to sell, and at the same time frustration rises.

You wouldn’t believe how many private sellers have this exact story happen to them.

That’s why over 2/3 of the properties are sold with professionals on the side (brokers and the like).

Professional land trading for agricultural land

Preparation is the key so that you do not lose months in the sale of A and B locations, and even years in C locations.

Preparation is the key: even with agricultural land

However, the work starts much earlier, which is another reason why working with a broker is advantageous.

Tip on the broker’s commission! Privately, the law currently provides that 50/50 is shared (buyer, seller). In commercial trade you can also put 100% on the buyer.

So, in principle, in the commercial trade it does not even cost you money. For this you get the network when it comes to a reputable real estate dealer.

• What documents and papers do you need?
• Which groups of buyers are you addressing with this particular property?
• Do you want everyone to know you want to sell your farmland?
• Should everyone know the value (your asset growth)?

Discretion: neighbours, envy and competition

In addition to the time factor (= money), for many sellers of agricultural land is also important that your property is made discreet, anonymous. From competition in the region to family, the neighbors or even receiving large sums of money. There are several reasons why a majority of sellers want to sell anonymously and discreetly.

Personal network: buyers and investors

Professional property trading looks quite different, of course. Here it is not about marketing in real estate portals, personal buyers are adressed, investors, funds but also foreign investors groups.

Investors from abroad: Profitable business

Foreign investors for a farmland? Yes! Many are looking for good returns and capital investment in this country. Due to the attractive returns in this country, but also the good soil quality and water quality (groundwater and water sources) in general, there are also very many investors from near and far abroad looking for land.

The big advantage for you as a seller, here the money sits a little looser than in the country – simply said.

Central for this is of course again a renowned real estate agency.

Exclusive is fast: supply and demand

Another strong advantage for you on the seller side:

Deals are being closed much faster.

Why? The properties are traded exclusively and the offers are made only to individuals. This exclusivity ensures the scarcity of supply and thus increases the demand on the customer side.

Time is money! Especially wealthy customers do not want to waste time

Wasting time, in which, for example, several interested parties are at one property. Business should be done quickly.

Find a real estate agent: Renowned office or from the region?

Therefore, consider working with a regional real estate agent who does what everyone does: Posting your farmland widely on all real estate portals. After that, hundreds of people will write, there will be many conversations, emails, plus phone calls. Very much time passes, few really have the creditworthiness, the will, as described before.

The process of finding a farmland takes months, sometimes even years.

Time is money! Addressing investors

Here is another psychological aspect that gives you advantages in off market trading:

When professional investors or their employees see that properties are listed on real estate portals, the question immediately arises: Why? Why has the property not found a buyer? No one would even continue to deal with this object. After all, there are thousands of advertisements. Who is supposed to see through all of them?

Family offices, real estate funds, etc.

Family offices, real estate funds and others therefore speak directly with renowned real estate offices and have only exclusive properties presented to them. Then everything goes very quickly.

In the off-market area, you will find the big family names, i.e. family offices, real estate funds, other institutions, which are approached individually and specifically, depending on the purchase profile.

This is all called off market trading.

Selling farmland: Procedure, taxes and tips

Would you like to learn more about selling agricultural land? Then take a look at our detailed guide on the subject of selling land. Here we talk about the concrete procedure, in all the individual phases of the sales process. You will learn more about the typical mistakes that are made when selling and of course everything about taxes when selling land.

• Sell land

Agricultural land / field with spring?

Selling a water well – appraisals, brokers, negotiations, process and taxes, there are also many questions when selling a water well. Is now the right time for you to sell? And if so, what is the most effective way to sell? Water is a scarce resource. Even though over 71% of our planet’s surface is water, there are fewer and fewer productive, clean water sources. Low supply, high demand: don’t just think regional buyers, think mutual funds and yes, food companies too. For that, you need a broker with an exclusive network. Whether a sole proprietor or a water cooperative, learn about the matter of selling here.

• Sell field with spring

Sell land: drain

In all areas, the location is what counts most, not only when selling your developed or undeveloped property. With sale of an apartment, sale of a house but also when you sell your multi-family house, the location is a central valuation factor for the selling price of your property. Selling privately or “free of charge” and without an agent carries risks and makes the sale as well as the entire transaction (valuation until notary and contract of sale) prone to errors. Selling real estate needs a good network of buyers, often real estate is not presented publicly, but only internally as off market property.

When selling a property, similar questions arise as with a house sale. However, there are also some other points worth mentioning here. With a property it is to be paid attention to whether it concerns building land or building valuation land. In the latter case, the land must first be developed by the respective municipality. Only when there are connections for water, gas, electricity and sewerage, may construction work be done on the property. Building plots are usually more valuable than building land.

A professional exposé and meaningful pictures are the basis for selling a property. By listing the data and photos you establish the first contact to prospective buyers and lay the foundation for requests for viewings. If your description does not contain enough information or if the pictures leave questions unanswered, the interest will be lost or you will have to expect a large amount of individual questions.

Procedure in short form: Pictures until credit check

Another important point is the sales-related documents. Procuring them costs a lot of time, money and nerves. But without the important documents you cannot offer your property, so you cannot leave this part of the organizational tasks out. To simplify the sale and to offer your house with all relevant documents, it is worthwhile to engage an estate agent.

If your property attracts interest, potential clients will be waiting for a quick response and assume that you can be reached by phone and online.

With your assignment to real estate agents, you transfer all tasks from preparation to the sales phase to the conclusion of the contract to an expert who will take care of the brokerage of your property and who will find a suitable buyer for your property.

Foreword – Free tip? Yes!

All my tips in this guide are free of charge for you. As real estate agents we mediate properties starting from 1 million euro Verkerhswert, under the category luxury real estates. We are happy to give you tips and tricks for your sale, free of charge, explained in detail and step by step. Also pay attention to our links, here you will find more detailed information on the individual topics. Should you wish to sell your property with us: Do you know what our unbeatable advantage is? We independently reach more than 250,000 readers per month, which means 3 million people per year. We are independent from common real estate portals and reach a solvent, special target group. In addition, we offer internal buyer groups and investors in our Off Market area, to whom you have no access via usual offers. Read more here: Real estate agents.

Sell land: Built-up & undeveloped

Just like the sale of a house, the value of the land is also determined. As a rule, the municipalities determine the so-called standard land values every two years, which have resulted from the sales of other plots of land. However, these standard land values are not binding for the sale. The location and transport connections of the land also play an important role in pricing. Building plots in sought-after residential areas achieve higher prices. Also those plots of land that are oriented to the south have a higher sales value. Then you have to find a buyer. Nowadays, this usually happens online.

Basic questions when selling

Before going deeper into the subject matter, laws and the like, we first deal with more general questions: How much tax is payable on the sale of real estate? What do you need to sell land? Is it possible to sell land without a notary? Is the sale of land taxable?

Let’s start with potential buyers or interested parties. In the end, they finally decide whether to refuse, accept or even outbid a purchase price.

Checklist: What do buyers want?

When searching for a suitable prospective customer, the following aspects can be taken into account:

• Type of land
• Use possibilities
• Plot size
• Inclination of the property >/li>
• Urban or rural location
• Transport connections

Use options: Building land, field or forest land

The nature of the property also determines its possible uses. Is it building land, agricultural land or forest land. The size of the land is usually given in square meters. In the case of large agricultural areas, hectare specifications are common. The slope of the land is meant by the gradient of the land. This is especially the case with slopes.

Plots of land located in cities offer different possibilities of use than plots of land in rural areas. This is especially true for the type of development. In addition, transport connections also play an important role. It is of primary importance mainly for building sites or commercial properties.

Arable land or built-up area in the city center:

Visualization: new construction project after sale.

Checklist: Prepare land sale

Selling a property in the hectic of everyday life is quite demanding: planning and thoughts as well as discussions, as you will see in the next two checklists for preparation in house selling.

Owner questions before the sale

Time expenditure, appointments, creditworthiness and inspection. As a real estate agent, you know how much work is involved in selling a property.

Here it is particularly about experience in real estate trade, in order to avoid risks and errors in the house sale in the apron.

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The company is also actively involved in marketing the land. The right platform must be found or not, keyword off market real estate. In addition there is the time planning for the sales, from preparation over advertisements, photos, portals, answering prospective customer inquiries, date arrangement for inspection, examination of the soil quality of the potenziellen buyers or investors, purchase price negotiations, sales contract, taxes and much more besides.

9 simple steps for selling a house:

1. How well do you personally know about the sale of houses?
2. Have you sold a house before?
3. Can you create a meaningful advertisement (online and print)?
4. How do you rate your negotiating skills in local pairings?
5. Would you like to let any unknown person into your property?
6. Do you want everyone to know about your sales intentions? Tip: Our Off Market Real Estate
7. Are you ready to deal with the legal requirements necessary for the sale of the house?
8. Are you willing to take over the time and work involved in marketing your house yourself?

Tip! Buyer network and investors

One reason why many decide to use a real estate agent is, besides risk minimization, the buyer network. Particularly with properties, we recommend that you market your property not only regionally!

Real estate investors are looking for interesting objects, including in particular plots in sought-after locations, but also in locations with development potential.

Negotiations will be more intensive, but the profit from the sale of your property can increase accordingly, worthwhile.

What is my property worth?

This question is at the very beginning. To publish an offer, you need a price for the land. But determining the offer price is not that easy. In addition to the basic material value of the property (if your property is developed), other factors are also included in the selling price.

The market value determination as the foundation of the sale

In this respect, a valuation is the focus and lays the foundation for a price that corresponds to the object, the storage-relevant information and the infrastructural embedding.

Based on the determined market value, you can rule out the possibility of overvaluing the property or advertising it at a price that is below the real value.

Due to the rising real estate prices, you should have the valuation carried out directly before the sale and refer to information on the market value that is not known to you and that dates back several years.

Smooth processing of the property sale

Your advertisement is published and generates interest. Now the sale of the property enters a phase in which perfect organization and scheduling become important. Viewings must be planned, timed with you and the prospective buyers, carried out and evaluated.

If an applicant expresses serious interest, the real estate agent checks his creditworthiness and obtains the self-disclosure including a confirmation of financing. By checking the financial background of potential buyers at an early stage, it can be ruled out that problems will arise shortly before the contract is signed.

Tip! Sell Off Market (not public)

Off Market means that your property sale will never be publicly visible. Your property will only be recommended to an internal, solvent group of buyers with an ideal constellation. Off market sales are especially claimed by prominent persons who want to keep the sale as well as address, photos and much more secret. Also private persons fall back on the service, for example if the family should not know anything about the upcoming sale or the neighbourhood. For such a discreet, off market sale you need a renowned real estate agent with a good network. Your advantage: Nobody will know about the sale.

• Sell Off Market

Valuation: Realistic prices increase the revenue

There are many questions to answer, the best answer is to have an expert at your side for the real estate valuation.

Which price is appropriate and realistic for your property, with or without real estate? If the purchase is not too long ago, the purchase price at that time can be a first indication. Comparable properties from the online offers of the regions can also provide a vague estimate.
If the value is too high, the property can “burn”, because it remains too long on the market and something seems to be wrong with the property.

Often the price is lowered, which means that the actual revenue potential of the land is lost – you are missing out on good money. This is also confirmed by a study conducted by the savings banks in cooperation with FlowFact AG and the IIB Dr. Hettenbach Institute. The study found a connection between marketing duration, sales price and marketing price. The study confirmed that the proceeds are greater and the marketing duration shorter if one relies on a realistic estimate when evaluating the property.

Thus, the professional assessment by experts of the market value of the property is highly recommended for a smooth sales process.

• Valuation by appraisers or experts (real estate agents)
• Revenue potential loses through price reduction, with too long insertion

Market value, mortgage lending value and real value

Different property values are used as the basis for valuation. The most important are the market value, the mortgage lending value and the real value. In principle, the market value, also known as the market value, is determined in a property valuation or real estate valuation.

Frequently used methods for determining the value are taken into account:

• Objective value
• Loan value
• Unit value
• Ground standard value
• Soil value

What valuation method for my object? Property + real estate

Three standardized methods are permitted for determining the value of the property by experts and appraisers: comparative value method, real value method and capitalized earnings value method. Which method makes sense when depends on the property. If it is a property, different valuation methods are used than for a building. Different valuation methods are also used for owner-occupied and rented properties. In the case of objects in compulsory auction, the value appraisals of the real estate can be viewed at the responsible local courts – often online. In this case, the owner’s consent is not required and any interested party can view such an appraisal free of charge.

Property Value Ordinance (ImmoWertV)

Until 1988, real estate valuation was based on the German Valuation Ordinance (WertV). In 2010, this was replaced by the German Real Estate Value Ordinance (ImmoWertV). The new law is intended to standardize valuation once again. With the adoption of the new regulation, the legislator also had foreign investors in mind. The ImmoWertV regulates binding terms and procedures for privately commissioned and publicly appointed experts. It is also binding for expert committees for real estate valuation.

The ImmoWertV distinguishes between the:

• Valuation of real estate and the
• Value determination of buildings

Good reasons for an evaluation by experts

If the property value is of interest, the market value must be determined. If the property is to be sold, if a divorce is pending or if inheritance matters are involved, the market value of the land is taken as a basis. The market value is also the basis for the value to be negotiated when granting loans and other forms of asset distribution. In case of a division of real estate assets (divorce, community of heirs) a price range is unsuitable. For this reason, a concrete sum must be stated when valuing real estate within the framework of market value assessments. This market value refers to the date determined in the expert opinion.

In the case of a sale of land, the precise value is less decisive and often the determined value of the land is quantified with a price range. When selling land and buildings, the regional market and supply and demand play an important role. Depending on the sales strategy, the comparative or market value determined is used differently. A basic distinction is made between sales at a fixed price and sales of land by means of a bidding process. The “perceived value” of the property should never be included in the marketing basis. If the selling price is higher than the market value, the buyer has to provide much higher equity than necessary.

Valuation of developed and undeveloped land

With the comparative value of the IPV, an offer price can be determined more precisely. In contrast to the comparative value, which is compiled by the real estate agent, the market value is the exact price that a property can probably achieve on a certain key date. What is included in the market value is regulated in the Building Code (BauGB). In order to determine the market value of a property, the location, condition, equipment (in the developed state), but also legal circumstances are taken into account. The term market value is used synonymously.

In a property valuation, the land value is determined. The determination of land value is based on the comparative value method and the use of suitable standard land values. In accordance with the German Federal Building Code (BauGB), expert committees must be formed to calculate the land values. These expert committees are composed of independent experts as well as an employee of the tax authorities.

• Tips & details: valuate property

The value of the building site

For the evaluation of building plots, the standard soil values provide a point of reference. The standard values indicate how much a square meter of space in a certain location costs on average. Concrete characteristics of the property are not included in the standard land values. Since only an average of the regional location is used for evaluation, the standard land values can deviate greatly from the actual value of the property.

In order to determine the value of the building site, it is necessary to inspect the extract from the land register. This excerpt, which is available from the land registry, contains all entries in the land register for the property and corresponds to a history of the property. However, only the seller is entitled to request the extract from the land register. The extract from the land register ensures that the seller has corresponding rights to the property and is actually allowed to sell it. If several entitled persons are registered, they can only sell their respective shares. Existing restrictions regarding the use of the land are also entered in the land register extract (e.g. land can only be built on for residential purposes). For buyers and sellers, the land register excerpt is indispensable for the valuation, division or sale of the land or property.

Another important point in the valuation is the location of the land or property. Criteria for the valuation are:

• The macro location, i.e. the region or the city district
• The microlocation, the immediate neighborhood of the property

The evaluation takes into account, for example, the neighborhood’s social milieu and its infrastructure. Even if good transport connections to shopping, school and industrial areas are not planned until the future, this can already have an impact on the property valuation.

Property valuation in the focus of investors

In addition to the standard valuation, the profitability of a plot of land or a property is of particular interest to investors. The profitability of a property refers to its development in future years. Since the boundary parameters of a property and the valuation made on a reporting date can change at short notice, only an estimate of the expected profitability is possible. The “location” factor also receives special weighting in this estimate. In a study, “Die Welt” (German newspaper) has taken into account the development of the macro locations of all German districts until 2030. A further focus of future performance is the “renovation backlog”, provided that above-average maintenance measures are expected. If the marketing of your property is to be aimed particularly at investors, further criteria are required to assess the investment offer. In addition, the form and framework of the financing are also important for investors in a property valuation. In addition, the reputation of the project developer is also important.

Taxes on land sale: Overview

Taxes are payable on every sale. Of course this also applies to real estate.

Acquisition tax, speculation period, sales tax, trade tax

Since 2012, taxes of 25 % are due on the sale of land. This applies to the profit made from the sale of a property. In principle, a speculation period of ten years also applies here. The profit is calculated as the difference between the acquisition costs and the sales proceeds.

There is no sales tax on the sale of land. Trade tax is only payable by businesses if the purchased property is counted as business assets.

In the case of large plots of land on which no construction projects are possible, a division is also advisable. In some German federal states, however, special official approval is required for the division of a property. The public building authorities or a civil engineer can provide information on this.

Building right: Later development of a property

The building law is the basis for a later development of a property. For this the building authority needs some documents like:

• Marking
• Floor
• Flat piece
• Outline
• Legal charges
• Registered building loads
• Information about adjacent properties

Marking: Real estate cadastre

A markung is a unit of area that can be found in the real estate cadastre of a municipality. The demarcation describes the ownership of a plot of land and is registered in the land register. The term cadastral plot designates an open area, usually an agricultural area.

A parcel of land is an officially surveyed part of an area. An outline sketches the respective plot of land in terms of area.

Grundschuld (former mortgage): Legal encumbrances

The legal encumbrances on real estate include first and foremost the mortgage, the land charge, the annuity charge, the life annuity, the easement, the usufruct and the real charge. The mortgage used to be a common form of loan security. Banks in particular have used these possibilities to secure loans.

In contrast to a mortgage, the land charge is independent of a claim to be secured. The annuity charge is a different type of land charge and secures payments. However, these payments do not repay the debt, but are rather to be considered as interest payments.

Leibrente, usufruct and rights

In the case of the life annuity, a piece of land can be used as collateral. The life annuity as such is a contract under the law of obligations, which can be enforced in given cases. An easement stipulates that a neighbor may use the land or that the land owner may not carry out certain things on his land. This is mainly the case with transit permits or when a building ban is to be registered.

The usufruct regulates the use of the land. The usufruct gives the usufructuary all rights as the land owner. Only a sale is prohibited. Real estate includes all actions to which the owner of the land plot commits himself. A real charge enables a creditor to auction the land.

Building development in settlement:

Large construction site industrial park:

Costs, expiry and land transfer tax

There are also some additional costs that have to be considered when selling land. These include first and foremost the land transfer tax. It is different in the individual federal states. In Hesse the tax rate is currently 6% of the purchase price. In the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate it is currently 5%.

Land transfer tax at purchase price 500,000 Euro

Source: real estate transfer tax table by Alex Fischer (Germany).

Broker commission and upper limits

In addition, there is the broker commission. The amount of the brokerage fee is not regulated by law in Germany. Usually the buyer usually bears this burden. Sometimes, however, the costs are shared between buyer and seller. The amount of the brokerage fee is regulated differently in the federal states. However, there are upper limits.

In the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the usual brokerage fee is 7.14% and is divided equally between the buyer and the seller. In Hesse, the broker’s commission is 5.95% and is borne exclusively by the buyer.

Costs for the notary public

In addition to these costs, there are also the costs for the notary. The amount of the notary’s fees is uniformly regulated in Germany. The basis for this is the so-called Court and Notarial Costs Act. However, these notarial costs can be lower when purchasing building land.

Whoever acquires a property pays the necessary notary fees. If a building is erected on this property, this circumstance does not constitute a further purchase and does not fall under the obligation to pay notary fees.

Procedure of a notarial act

A notarial certification always follows a certain scheme. For the time being a date is chosen for the notarization. At this appointment, not only the notary but also all contracting parties must be present in person. The notary reads out the purchase contract. Change requests can then still be made. The notary decides whether the desired changes are also possible. Afterwards the purchase contract is officially signed by the contracting parties and the notary.

The notary then ensures that the purchase is recorded in the land register. In addition, the tax office is informed about the purchase, which sends the buyer the land transfer tax assessment. Finally, the notary sends the buyer his fee note.

Underground parking at a glance: Increase in living quality through additional space

• Underground parking space for vehicles
• Protects against weather and theft
• Plays an important role in densely populated areas due to the additional space
• For older underground garages, pay attention to the spacing of the parking spaces, as they may be too small for larger cars like SUVs

Back to the wiki: Real Estate

All the facts – alimony in separation and divorce

Separation maintenance is payable for the period between separation and divorce. However, the payment of separation maintenance is subject to certain conditions. Moreover, separation maintenance is not calculated automatically, but must be applied for separately. But when is there a claim to separation maintenance? How much is it? And what about maintenance after the divorce?

The most important at a glance:

• In order to claim separation maintenance, a number of requirements must be met. The spouses must live separately from each other and one of the two must be needy and the other must be able to perform.
• Separation maintenance is calculated according to the adjusted net income of the spouses. This is calculated with reference to many different financial factors
• Separation maintenance is generally payable for the period from separation to divorce and is intended to ensure a similar standard of living for both partners even after separation.
• Even if the separation maintenance ceases after the divorce, the maintenance obligation does not also end automatically. Post-marital maintenance must be applied for again separately after the divorce.

When is there a claim to separation maintenance?

As long as a marriage exists, the spouses are also responsible for each other, even if they live separately. This refers especially to the financial aspect, as this changes significantly for both partners after a separation. Generally speaking, the person who cannot support themselves is entitled to separation maintenance, but this only applies if the other partner earns enough money to be able to pay maintenance at all. However, these rules are subject to certain conditions.

Living apart from each other

A prerequisite for receiving separation maintenance is that both partners live separately from each other. This is possible both in separate dwellings and in the same dwelling. The decisive factor is that both partners run a separate household from each other. Things such as shopping or eating meals together are therefore done separately from each other. When separating, it is also important to record the exact date, both for determining the separation year and for other legal consequences of the separation. A document signed by both partners with the date and content of the separation is therefore helpful for taking further legal steps.

The neediness of a partner

The partner who demands separation maintenance must be needy according to the law. There are no fixed framework conditions for this principle. The decisive factor is the income of both spouses that was achieved during the marriage. The aim is that the person entitled to maintenance should be able to maintain a similar standard of living during the separation as before the separation. This arrangement is particularly important for spouses where one of them has not worked during the marriage and has no income of his or her own.

The performance of the partner

In order for the person entitled to maintenance to be able to claim maintenance at all, the partner must be able to pay. This means that the partner must be able to pay maintenance without jeopardising his or her own reasonable livelihood. The paying partner must have a deductible after deducting the maintenance. If this is less than 1,200 euros per month or if the paying partner only receives unemployment benefit I or II, he or she does not usually have to pay separation maintenance.

If all these conditions are met, one of the spouses is entitled to separation maintenance. However, this must be applied for and is not automatically paid to the spouse in need.

• In order to claim separation maintenance, a number of conditions must be met
• The spouses must live separately and one of the two must be indigent and the other must be able to pay.

How is separation maintenance calculated?

In general, each spouse is entitled to half of the total disposable income, but the working spouse receives a kind of employment bonus amounting to one seventh of the income. The maintenance claim therefore amounts to three sevenths of the adjusted net income of the spouse according to the Düsseldorf table. However, this calculation is only applied if the maintenance recipient does not generate any income of his or her own. However, if the recipient of maintenance is gainfully employed himself, the maintenance amounts to three sevenths of the difference between the two adjusted net incomes. If both partners work, the maintenance claim is lower.

However, the law does not provide a uniform rule for calculating the adjusted net income on which the amount of separation maintenance is based. In determining this income, the family courts are guided by guidelines issued by the competent higher regional court. To determine this, a large number of factors are usually added together and an average monthly income is calculated from this for the time during the marriage. Here, not only the income plays a role, but also factors such as back taxes, income from renting or leasing and Christmas and holiday bonuses.

• The separation maintenance is calculated according to the adjusted net income of the spouses
• Adjusted net income is calculated with reference to many different financial factors

How long is there entitlement to separation maintenance?

Separation maintenance is generally calculated from the time of separation until the divorce. How long the separation lasts is not important. In certain cases, however, the obligation to pay maintenance can also end earlier. For example, if the spouse entitled to maintenance earns enough money himself or herself and is no longer dependent on maintenance, if the spouse entitled to maintenance lives permanently with a new partner or if the spouse entitled to maintenance has committed a serious criminal offence against the other. In these cases, it always depends on the individual situation.

• Separation maintenance is generally payable for the period from separation to divorce
• Separation maintenance is intended to guarantee both partners a similar standard of living even after separation

Maintenance after divorce – spousal maintenance and separation maintenance

The right to separation maintenance expires with the divorce, but this does not mean that the obligation to pay maintenance ends. After the divorce, maintenance can still be claimed, namely post-marital spousal maintenance. This is usually even the same amount, unless the income situation has changed with the divorce. However, it should be noted that post-marital spousal maintenance must also be applied for separately and is not paid automatically, even if separation maintenance was previously paid!

• Even if the separation maintenance ceases after the divorce, the obligation to pay maintenance does not end automatically.
• Post-marital maintenance must be applied for again separately after divorce

Divorce: guide, help and tips

Divorce is complex, it’s true. But you are not alone! Many let themselves separate and in fact, a large part always finds a good solution. Only a small part ends in a quarrel. So that you can prepare well, you will find here our small guides and tips on divorce, family, money and real estate.

• Divorce: Guide