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.

Buying a villa in Cologne: The luxury real estate market

As villas are luxury properties in a class of their own, discretion plays a crucial role here. This is why most sellers choose to sell their properties away from the usual sales channels. The focus is not only to offer clients unique properties, but also to ensure a discreet and protected environment for the entire transaction process.

Tip! Find exclusive villas via Off Market Deals

An insider tip in Cologne’s luxury real estate market lies in the “off market” area – an exclusive niche where properties are traded confidentially. Here, villas are offered before they are publicly listed, providing a unique opportunity for discerning buyers. The discretion and exclusivity of this approach makes it possible to discover first-class properties that cannot be found on conventional platforms.

Prices for these exclusive properties have risen noticeably in recent years due to increased demand and the ongoing phase of low interest rates. Nevertheless, the market for luxury villas in Cologne remains extremely attractive for connoisseurs of the exclusive real estate market.

You can find out more about our off-market properties here:

• Off Market Real Estate

Generate cash flow with a villa as an investment

By purchasing a villa, buyers are banking on long-term added value and versatile usage options. These exclusive properties not only offer prestigious living space, but also serve as a promising capital investment. More and more buyers are choosing to use their villa not only as a luxurious home, but also as a rental property in order to build up long-term assets while benefiting from a sophisticated lifestyle.

Location, location, location: Cologne’s most exclusive neighborhoods

Cologne’s most exclusive districts are true jewels of urban luxury living. The most sought-after residential areas include Marienburg, where historic villas and spacious estates dominate the scene, Lindenthal with its green surroundings and stylish avenues, and Rodenkirchen, which impresses with its exclusive atmosphere and prime location on the banks of the Rhine. Bayenthal with its urban flair and Hahnwald with its quiet, upmarket residential area are also among the top adresses for discerning real estate buyers.

The most sought-after neighborhoods for villas:

• Marienburg Castle
• Lindenthal
• Rodenkirchen
• Hahnwald
• Bayenthal

Procedure: explained step by step

Buying a villa is a structured process that involves various steps. From the initial budget planning to the active property search and the handover of the keys – every step is crucial for a successful conclusion.

Buying a villa – The process explained step by step:

Checklist: Location, size and equipment

Basically, several components play a role when buying a villa. These include, among other things and very roughly simplified:

• Location
• Size of the property
• Room layout
• Equipment
• Safety of the environment
• Accessibility of the villa

The purchase of a villa is accompanied by various cost factors that need to be taken into account. In addition to the purchase price, there are also incidental purchase costs, including estate agent’s commission, notary fees and land transfer tax. Detailed financial planning is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Let’s take a closer look at the individual cost items in the next step.

Purchase price & ancillary costs at a glance

When purchasing a villa, both the purchase price and the ancillary purchase costs play a decisive role. The purchase price comprises the sum for the actual property, while the ancillary purchase costs represent additional expenses. But be careful: Some of the ancillary purchase costs are the same in all federal states. The other part differs depending on the federal state in which you buy your villa. There may also be the estate agent’s commission, which is split equally between the buyer and seller in the case of a private purchase.

But how high are the incidental purchase costs in Cologne? Here is an overview:

• Real estate transfer tax: 6.0%
• Notary fees: 1.5%
• Land register entry: 0.5%
• Broker commission: 7.14%

Conclusion: Buying a villa in Cologne

Buying a villa in Cologne means immersing yourself in a world of luxury and exclusive living comfort. The city’s special charm is reflected in sought-after districts such as Marienburg, Lindenthal and Rodenkirchen. An insider tip for discerning buyers: buy off market, as villas here are traded discreetly before being listed publicly, increasing the chance of unique discoveries.

Living in Marienburg: Green quarter near the Rhine

Marienburg is an affluent neighbourhood in Cologne and is located in the south of the megacity. The district is particularly home to large detached houses and villas and is therefore ideal for families and senior citizens. In Marienburg there are numerous green spaces, parks as well as a city-owned golf course. It is an ideal place to live and is also close to the Rhine. Marienburg is considered one of the most exclusive districts in Cologne and is attracting more and more people. The location, close to Cologne city centre, is ideal and especially great for children and commuters.

Welcome to Cologne

Cologne is a city in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia and can be found in the west of the country. The megacity borders directly on the Rhine and is about 1.5 hours away from the Dutch border. Cologne has a lot to offer besides a famous and impressive skyline and is very popular with students, families or seniors. The city has an area of 405 km² and is divided into several districts. Due to the mix of different new and old buildings, this city on the water is so popular.

Here is a map with Cologne:

Marienburg: map and location

Marienburg is a district of Cologne and is located in the south of the city, behind Südstadt. Marienburg borders the Rhine on the eastern city border and the Cologne district of Raderthal to the west. In the south of Marienburg there is a large green area including the Marienburg Golf Club.

Marienburg on the map:

Places of interest: Rhine Promenade, Südpark & Co.

Marienburg is primarily quieter, which is why this area is so popular with families in particular. The neighborhood offers numerous green spaces including its own golf course. There are many ways to spend your day, walking along the Rhine, visiting the fortress museum or the Südpark. In the south of Marienburg is also a rose garden, with a large variety of different plants and roses.

• Marienburg Golf Club
• Rhine Promenade
• Cologne Fortress Museum
• South Park
• KGV-Rosengarten

Sightseeing: A tour of Marienburg

Marienburg is a little quieter than the rest of Cologne, and the properties are all the larger for it. You can find townhouses and villas in Marienburg, and close to the city centre. In addition, the streets and green spaces here invite you to stroll. Wide paths provide space for cars, give children a place to play and add to the flair of the neighborhood. The many well-kept green spaces and gardens also make Marienburg one of the most family-friendly areas of Cologne.

Südpark: Living in the green

Golf course Marienburg: Leisure facilities in Marienburg

Rhine Promenade: Strolling along the waterfront

Real estate and prices per square metre in Marienburg

in Cologne Marienburg real estate is very sought after and popular, which is why the demand for homes is very high. Old apartments, villas and detached houses in particular are usually only on the market for a very short time and some are only sold off market. If you want to buy a house in a new building, you should expect a price per square metre of €3,164, for an existing apartment a price per square metre of €5,308 and for a new apartment €3,762.

• Buy a house (new construction): 3.164€ /sqm
• Buy apartment (existing): 5.308€ /sqm
• Buy an apartment (new building): 3.762€/ sqm

Conclusion: Living in Marienburg

Living and residing in Cologne – that is what many wish for. Marienburg in particular is a residential area where people who want to settle permanently in Cologne are particularly keen to buy a property. The reason for this is that despite its location close to the city, the district offers quiet streets and access to green spaces. Perfect for a relaxing walk after a stressful day at work! Schools, supermarkets and smaller restaurants form other advantages of this luxurious district. In just a few minutes, you can be in the city centre from Marienburg and thus in the middle of the action. Living space in Cologne is in high demand. This is also reflected in the current real estate prices in Cologne. Our tip: Contact the real estate agent you trust! An experienced real estate agent will not only support you during the purchase process, but will also advise you on the topics of taxes and financing.

Cologne: Real estate in the media city on the Rhine

With over 1 million inhabitants, the media metropolis on the Rhine is one of the hubs in NRW, but also in Germany. Located in western Germany, the city borders other metropolitan areas such as Düsseldorf and Bonn. The media city is located directly on the Rhine and can be divided into different parts and districts. Neighbouring cities include Düsseldorf, Bonn and Leverkusen. Cologne stands for media, TV and press like no other city in Germany. That is why the metropolis on the Rhine is constantly growing. Südstadt, Altstadt, Ringe, Ehrenfeld or Sülz, where is the best place to live?

Real estate in Cologne

Hardly any other large city in Germany offers so much “room for improvement”. From the purchase price to the architecture of the existing property. Whether condominium, apartment building or luxurious loft with a view of the Rhine. Cologne has enjoyed steadily growing popularity for years. The most beautiful city on the Rhine really does have something to offer everyone. The stately old buildings in Südstadt and the famous area around Rheinauhafen are particularly impressive.

• Real Estate Cologne

Living in Cologne: Popular districts & residential areas

The media city on the Rhine offers a diverse cityscape, guaranteeing the perfect living solution for everyone. From luxury apartment to villa, there really is everything. With the help of the right real estate agent, you can undoubtedly find your dream property – whether Südstadt, Marienburg or Hahnwald – a property as an investment in Cologne always pays off! One of the largest universities in Germany ensures a young cityscape and gives the ‘Veedeln’ their inimitable freshness. Would you like to invest in a property as a capital investment in charming Cologne? Find out everything you need to know about the city’s most sought-after residential districts, including tips on location, prices per square metre & co! To the overview: Living in Cologne.

• South Town
• Marienburg
• Rooster Forest

House, apartment and land for sale in Cologne

Selling an apartment, an apartment building or your own property. The colourful media metropolis of Cologne has a lot to offer: While Marienburg and Rodenkirchen inspire with their proximity to the Rhine, Neustadt is bustling with big city life. Lindenthal, located to the west, convinces with its quiet atmosphere and those who prefer it exclusive and prominent settle in Hahnwald. You want to sell your property in Cologne? Everything about the selling process, the most important documents and whether you should sell privately or with an estate agent. To the overview: Selling real estate in Cologne.

• Old Town
• Marienburg
• Rodenkirchen
• Lindenthal
• New Town
• Rooster Forest

Limited partnership: formation, advantages and disadvantages

In the following, you will find out everything you need to know about setting up a KG. How do you become a partner in a KG? When is the limited partner liable? How is the general partner liable? What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? How do I set up a company? What is a company? You will get an answer to all these questions and more – explained simply and quickly. Plus everything you need to know about taxes in Germany and real estate trading.

If you’re considering forming a limited partnership, the first thing you need to know about is the formation process: Who can form what exactly, when, and to how many… what are the differences and similarities between the various business legal forms? It is equally important to know the advantages and disadvantages of a KG: From profit distribution to saving taxes – an overview of the seven most important founding criteria for you.

What are the founding criteria?

1. Number of shareholders
2. Management
3. Foundation
4. Company name
5. Funding
6. Liability
7. Profit distribution

Learn everything important about it here! In addition, you will find all German types of companies and legal forms, as well as tips on how to start a company, including the special case of real estate GmbH, family foundation & Co.

Partnership KG: Management according to HGB

In the entrepreneurial world, there are many different forms of business you can choose from. They are roughly divided into two categories, namely sole proprietorship and companies, which in turn are divided into incomplete companies – these include dormant companies and BGB companies – and complete companies – partnerships, corporations and some more.

The limited partnership – in short: Kommandite or KG – is one of the so-called complete companies and, in contrast to the incomplete companies, is not subject to the German Civil Code (BGB) but to the German Commercial Code (HGB). As a partnership, the KG is an uncomplicated form of corporate law, as it can be founded informally and a minimum of only two founding members is required.

Other typical partnerships:

• General partnership (OHG)
• Limited Liability Company and Company Limited Partnership(GmbH & Co KG)
• Limited Liability Company and Compagnie General Partnership(GmbH & Co OHG)

The limited partnership also appears to some extent as a share trading business, namely in the form of a partnership limited by shares (KGaA). This is no longer a partnership in the legal sense, but a corporation based on a stock corporation (AG), which has been given partnership characteristics…. Nevertheless, the special character of a traditional limited partnership shines through in a KGaA, which could make it an attractive legal form for start-ups who appreciate the combination of general partner and limited partner.

Read more about partnership limited by shares:

• Partnership limited by shares (KGaA)

Formation process of the KG: From the number of shareholders to the distribution of profits

You would like to found a KG? No problem! The formation process of a limited partnership is quite simple: On the one hand, you need at least one other person to be able to form a limited partnership. Secondly, an informal partnership agreement is sufficient, insofar as no real estate is contributed to the partnership. Due to the extensive similarity of the formation process and formalities, the KG is often referred to as a variation of a general partnership.

KG formation from 2 persons: Tax ID, commercial register, company name

The formation of a limited partnership requires at least two natural – or legal – persons. A maximum number of permissible partners is not specified by law. The internal relationship determines the beginning of the partnership as the date contractually agreed between the partners. In the external relationship however the emergence of the KG is dated on the first activity in the name of the enterprise, at the latest thus with the obligatory entry into the trade register. The registration costs you on average about 200 to 300 euros and is usually carried out by a notary. You will receive a tax identification number – tax ID for short – from your local tax office in advance. The registration of the limited partnership is carried out by the trade office for a processing fee of approximately 10 to 65 euros. Only in the case of contributed real estate are further costs incurred for the notarial certification of the partnership agreement.

Since you are entered in the commercial register as a KG shareholder, you can officially trade under your name – just like a OHG shareholder. This means that your company has a company name, i.e. an official name, which you can freely design together with the other partners. It doesn’t matter whether it is a personal company, a real company, a fancy company or a mixed company… As long as the name is in the sense of the prohibition of misleading and has the suffix “KG”, almost anything is allowed.

Limited partner & general partner: A question of liability

What is a limited partner and general partner? This is a question many people ask themselves when they first hear about the special characteristics of a limited partnership. This is because, unlike all other partnerships, the partners in a limited partnership are clearly divided into general partners and limited partners. Therefore, a single individual or legal entity can never be a general partner and a general partner at the same time.

The general partners of a KG are called general partners. They bear the same liability risk as the partners of a general partnership: They are liable with their business and private assets without limitation, directly and jointly and severally. Also their rights and obligations as partners correspond to a large extent to those of OHG partners – only the profit and loss distribution takes place differentiated.

The partial partners of a KG are called limited partners. From the time of registration of the company in the commercial register, their liability is limited to the contribution entered there, the so-called liability sum. Between entry into the partnership and registration, however, the same liability risk exists for limited partners as for general partners: For this period, from a legal point of view, there are only fully liable partners. So if something goes wrong and the limited partnership falls into arrears and financial difficulties, you as a future limited partner – even in the event of wrong decisions by your co-partner(s) – must assume unlimited liability for the partnership’s debts with your private assets.

Management with full liability, collusion & control

Management is a matter for the general partner. As a rule, limited partners cannot participate in decision-making with regard to ordinary business activities unless such joint management has been expressly stipulated in the partnership agreement. In the case of sole management by a limited partner, on the other hand, it is disputed whether and how the sole management authority once granted to the limited partner can be withdrawn again by means of a shareholders’ resolution. In order to avoid ambiguities and disputes, limited partners are therefore usually excluded from management activities.

Legal transactions are also subject to the sole power of representation of the general partners. This means that each fully liable partner may perform legal acts on behalf of the limited partnership in full and without restriction. Deviations – such as joint representation – are contractually possible, provided that all partners agree to this. Only in the case of actions that go beyond the ordinary operation of the commercial business do you, even as a general partner, have to consult with your co-partners. Here, the limited partners may also have a say and make use of their right to object.

Since the management authority and the power of representation give the individual general partners a great deal of freedom to make decisions, each partner – whether a general partner or a limited partner – may at any time personally obtain information about the affairs of the company, inspect the commercial books or draw up a balance sheet from the company papers. This ensures that none of the partners acts behind the backs of the others and that disagreements are adressed personally.

Financing, profit & loss distribution

The financing of your business is entirely up to you, so you can theoretically do without any start-up capital at all. However, it is advisable to have some reserves and to draw up a financing plan in order to be financially prepared in case of unpleasant surprises.

In contrast to the OHG, the distribution of profits in the case of a KG is not generally carried out at 4 percent of the capital share plus additional profit according to heads; instead, the additional profit is distributed “in reasonable proportion” in accordance with the statutory regulations. This also applies to the distribution of losses. In order to prevent disputes, clear regulations should be stipulated in advance in the partnership agreement.

In addition, profit shares are generally credited to the capital account until they correspond to the contribution entered in the commercial register. All profits in excess of this are regarded as liabilities of the KG to its limited partners and are either credited outside the capital account or paid out directly.

Rights of the limited partners: objection, control, profit & Co.

The rights of the partially liable partners secure your position in the KG despite the distribution of the liability risk among the general partners: The right to object comes into play in the case of actions that are extraordinary for the company… the right to control has the effect of keeping you informed about all matters…. Profits are distributed appropriately and you have the same rights of termination as a general partner.

Overview of the rights of limited partners:

• Right of objection
  • In the event of unusual operations
• Right of control
  • For corporate matters
• Profit share
  • 4 % of its capital share
  • Additional profit in reasonable proportion
• Right of termination
  • 6 months’ notice to the end of a financial year

Duties of the limited partners: mandatory contribution, liability & loss

As a limited partner, in many cases you cannot make your own decisions and are dependent on the guidance of the managing general partner in day-to-day business. However, especially with regard to liability issues and the capital contribution, it is important that you are familiar not only with your rights but also with your obligations as a limited partner.

Duties of limited partners at a glance:

• Capital contribution
  • Mandatory contribution may differ from liability amount
• Liability before registration
  • Unrestricted
  • Directly
  • Solidarity
• Liability after registration
  • Up to registered contribution (liability amount)
• Loss share
  • In proportion

Advantages: Flexibility of action, capital growth, liability risk at choice.

After presenting the typical characteristics of a limited partnership, you have certainly already recognized the advantages that this legal form offers you: The formation is relatively uncomplicated and you do not need any start-up capital. You can become active in the team and maintain your independence as a general partner or, as a limited partner, let others manage the day-to-day business without any restrictions on turnover. This offers you in both cases an attractive flexibility of action at relatively low costs.

In addition, as a limited partner you have the support of your fully liable co-founder(s): you make all extraordinary decisions together, while the general partners bear the decisive liability risk jointly and severally. By taking on additional limited partners, the capital base can also be increased quickly and easily, which is why banks are usually very positive about granting loans to limited partnerships.

• Fast and uncomplicated foundation
• Flexible share capital
• Attractive flexibility of action in the team
• No turnover limit
• Team decisions for exceptional transactions
• Joint and several liability of the general partners
• Low liability risk for limited partners
• Fast and easy capital growth
• High credit rating

Disadvantages: Full risk for general partners, registration requirement and HGB.

The disadvantages that the formation of a KG can bring with it are also quickly identified: On the one hand, you do not have one hundred percent decision-making power and must agree with your partner staff in special cases. Nevertheless, in case of doubt you must be fully and completely liable – even privately! even if you were not responsible for the losses. In addition, the limited partners participate as partial partners also only up to the height of the respective liability sum in the partnership debts. Thirdly, as a KG you are obliged to be entered in the commercial register and are no longer subject only to the BGB. Not least: Since the success of a limited partnership is largely tied to the teamwork and cooperation of the individual partners, internal disputes or serious breaches of trust can result in the dissolution of the partnership, and succession arrangements must be expressly set out in the partnership agreement.

• Consent requirement in special cases
• Full liability (incl. private assets) for general partners
• Loss participation of the limited partners only up to the amount of liability
• Obligation to register in the commercial register
• Validity of the HGB
• Endangering the continued existence of the company due to disagreements within the team
• Fixing the succession regulations in the shareholder agreement

Evaluation: Active & passive with team spirit to the goal

After comparing the advantages and disadvantages, the following emerges: A limited partnership offers a wide range of opportunities to participate directly or indirectly in a company. It is therefore suitable both for characters who like to make their own decisions and are prepared to accept a certain amount of risk for their goals…. as well as for those who shy away from the entrepreneurial risk and strive for capital growth without great personal effort. Common requirement: To join a KG you should be a team player and be able to respect and accept the opinions and advice of others.

Immobilien KG: asset management, family pool & Co

You don’t think the idea of a limited partnership is a bad idea at all, and now you’re wondering how to combine your partnership with the real estate industry? From real estate agents to asset management companies and family pools. All essential information on real estate partnerships, real estate GbR and real estate KG for you in a nutshell.

Small tip: When acquiring and/or managing real estate, make sure that all details are clearly stated in the partnership agreement. Due to the principle of joint, unlimited and direct liability, you should also make sure that your managing partners are persons with comparable creditworthiness – otherwise there could be difficulties with financing and creditworthiness.

Variant 1: Real estate agent with business licence

If you want to become a self-employed real estate agent, it’s not that easy. The profession of real estate agent is subject to the trade obligation and is not one of the liberal professions. This means that in order to be able to pursue this activity, you must first apply to the trade licensing office for permission and hope for a positive light. The official permit is required by law, for example to be able to assess your reliability in advance.

Real estate agent OHG, GbR & KG

Partnerships can also operate as real estate agents. However, without their own legal personality, OHGs, GbRs and KGs must obtain an official permit for each individual managing partner. In addition to the application form for permission, further documents must also be submitted. These include:

• A police clearance certificate – available on request from the Residents’ Registration Office;
• An extract from the Trade Central Register – available on request from the Ordnungsamt;
• A tax clearance certificate – available on request from the tax office;
• A certificate of no current insolvency proceedings – available on request from the local court;
• A certificate of missing entries in the debtors’ register – available on request from the local court.

A certificate of competence can also be provided on a voluntary basis.

Variant 2: Asset-managing partnership

If you want to be active in the area of surplus income – i.e.: income from non-self-employed work, capital assets, renting and leasing or other income – an asset-managing partnership could be just right for you. Here you can typically either use the legal form of a GbR or fall back on trading companies regulated in the HGB such as the OHG or KG. Mixed forms such as the GmbH & Co KG are also conceivable in principle, but mean further regulations and requirements.

Participation, say & tax advantages

An asset-managing partnership makes sense if several real estate investors want to manage their real estate holdings jointly. The aspect of ensuring succession in the event of inheritance is also interesting here. The partnership agreement determines how much say the individual partners have – decisions are often made on the basis of shares, but even partners with a small shareholding can gain a dominant voting right – for example, if they have enormous expertise, professionalism or experience.

Tax advantage of such an arrangement? The capital-forming partnership is not the same as the tax object: each partner is taxed individually and all income taxes as well as taxes from inheritance, sale or gratuitous transfer of partnership shares must be reported by each partner individually for tax purposes.

Asset-managing family company / family pool

The limited partnership in particular is ideally suited for the management of family assets. The internal family management of the joint real estate portfolio – the so-called family pool – is therefore advantageous, as the income generated in this way is not regarded as trade income, but as private income from letting and leasing. Thus the trade tax is omitted completely and also the fee-requiring registration with the trade office is settled. In the case of corporations, however, real estate is part of the business assets and as such is subject to trade tax.

In addition, compulsory membership of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) with no trade tax liability is avoided and you can put your money to work without it flowing to the IHK as a contribution payment. Further taxes can be saved if the property is held in company ownership for at least ten years, because then the sale is no longer taxed with income tax.

Small tip: Due to the limited liability of the limited partners, minor family members can also participate in the family partnership, while the parents as general partners bear the full risk and therefore also make all ordinary business decisions.

Taxes for KG shareholders: ESt, USt & KSt

As a KG shareholder, you do not have to seriously think about a few types of tax, because without the income from a trade, trade tax does not apply to you. However, there is a uniform and separate determination of the profits, which forms the basis for the income tax assessment of the KG partners. Profit shares are evaluated accordingly as incomes from trade. The tax law provides that in addition to the income tax of each partner – or the corporate income tax of each legal entity – further duties for turnover tax must be paid, insofar as the limited partnership does not only carry out tax-exempt sales.

• Income tax (ESt)
• Value added tax (VAT)
• If applicable, corporate income tax (KSt)

You can find out what taxes you can expect with a real estate corporation here:

• Save taxes on real estate

Limited partnership – For whom is it worthwhile?

If you like to work in a familiar team and don’t want to overcome any major bureaucratic hurdles, you can get started quickly and easily as a limited partner. You can decide for yourself in advance whether you want to act as general partner and thus also bear the full risk, or whether you prefer to sit back as a limited partner while you let your money work for you. Great freedom of choice versus capital growth with limited liability – a KG makes sense above all for start-ups who are prepared to take on a great deal of entrepreneurial responsibility or are looking for a nice additional income without having to contribute significantly to the company.

From a real estate point of view, a KG is particularly worthwhile for beginners who would prefer to invest their capital directly in property management or deal in real estate instead of laying down the share capital for a corporation. For families, the limited partnership offers an attractive corporate legal form to manage the joint real estate portfolio in a cost-effective and uncomplicated manner. Another plus: even underage children can be integrated into the family pool as limited partners.

Limitation of liability, yes or no? KG & GmbH & Co KG in comparison

Many prospective business founders are faced with the question of whether they would like to set up a limited partnership (KG) or whether they would prefer to set up a limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung & Compagnie Kommanditgesellschaft, GmbH & Co KG). The two forms of company law are very similar in many respects – however, one significant difference lies in the question of liability. In the case of a limited partnership, the general partner assumes the full risk and is liable for both business and private matters. With a GmbH and Co KG it looks different: Here, the general partner is not a natural person, but a GmbH, i.e. a limited liability company. As a result, his private assets remain unaffected and the general partner is only liable in business terms.

You can find out more about the GmbH & Co KG here:

• Limited Liability Company & Compagnie Limited Partnership(GmbH & Co KG)

Learn for free: Start a company & legal forms

Besides the limited partnership (KG), there are a few other alternative types of companies that might be interesting for you as a founder! Want to learn more about starting a business? Learn more about share capital, taxes and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of companies.

Here you will find all the legal forms that can be chosen as a founder in Germany and a guide with a checklist:

1. Legal forms: List
2. Founding a company: Procedure, costs and overview

Legal forms: List

Legal forms – What types of company are there? If you want to start your first company, then choosing the ideal legal form is one of the first steps in the process of setting up a company. Whether it’s a special real estate company or a start-up, I’ve summarized all the types of companies in Germany for you here.

• Legal forms: List

Company types in detail:

• Sole proprietorship
• Registered businessman / registered businesswoman (e. K.)
• Civil law partnership (GbR)
• General partnership (OHG)
• Limited partnership (KG)
• Entrepreneurial company (UG)
• GmbH: Limited liability company
• Real estate GmbH / Asset management GmbH
• Stock corporation (AG)
• Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)
• Societas Europaea (SE)
• Foundation / Family Foundation

Starting a company: Procedure, costs and checklist

Founding a company (real estate) – You want to found your first company? Requirements for you as a founder, share capital, shareholder agreements, costs for the foundation, legal forms and checklists. This sounds complicated for beginners, but it is actually quite simple. The process of founding a company is usually relatively the same. I have summarized the foundation here once in simple steps, for you. Learn how to start your own business. After the great guide to all legal forms or types of companies, today a detailed look at the establishment of a (real estate) company for beginners.

• Form a company

General partnership: formation, advantages and disadvantages

In the following, you will find out everything you need to know about setting up a general partnership. How do you become a partner in a general partnership? What are the differences between incomplete and complete companies? What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages? How do I set up a company? What is a company? What taxes are there in Germany for an OHG? You will get an answer to all these questions and more – explained simply and quickly. Plus everything you need to know about taxes and real estate trading.

If you’re considering forming a general partnership, the first thing you need to know about is the formation process: Who can form what exactly, when, and to how many… what are the differences and similarities between the various forms of business law? It is equally important to know the advantages and disadvantages of a general partnership: From profit distribution to saving taxes – an overview of the seven most important founding criteria for you.

What are the founding criteria?

1. Number of shareholders
2. Management
3. Foundation
4. Company name
5. Funding
6. Liability
7. Profit distribution

Learn everything important about it here! In addition, you will find all German types of companies and legal forms, as well as tips on how to start a company, including the special case of real estate GmbH, family foundation & Co.

Partnership OHG: Management according to HGB

In the entrepreneurial world, there are many different forms of business you can choose from. They are roughly divided into two categories, namely sole proprietorship and companies, which in turn are divided into incomplete companies – these include dormant companies and BGB companies – and complete companies – partnerships, corporations and some more.

The general partnership – OHG for short – is one of the so-called complete companies and, in contrast to the incomplete companies, is not subject to the German Civil Code (BGB) but to the German Commercial Code (HGB). As a partnership, the general partnership is an uncomplicated form of corporate law, as it can be founded informally and a minimum of only two founding members is required.

Other typical partnerships:

• Limited partnership (KG)
• Limited Liability Company and Company Limited Partnership(GmbH & Co KG)
• Limited Liability Company and Compagnie General Partnership(GmbH & Co OHG)

Formation process of the OHG: From the number of shareholders to the distribution of profits

You would like to found a general partnership? No problem! The formation process of a general partnership is quite simple: Firstly, you need at least one other person to be able to form a general partnership. Alternatively, you are already a co-founder of a partnership under civil law (GbR) and you have decided to convert the incomplete partnership into a general partnership. Secondly, an informal partnership agreement is sufficient insofar as no real estate is contributed to the partnership.

OHG formation from 2 persons: Tax ID, commercial register, company name

The formation of a general partnership requires at least two natural – or legal – persons. A maximum number of permissible partners is not specified by law. The internal relationship determines the beginning of the company as the date contractually agreed between the partners. In the external relationship, however, the formation of the general partnership is dated on the first activity on behalf of the company, i.e. at the latest with the binding entry in the commercial register. The registration costs you on average about 200 to 300 Euros and is usually carried out by a notary. You will receive a tax identification number – tax ID for short – from your local tax office in advance. The registration of the OHG is carried out by the trade office for a processing fee of approximately 10 to 65 Euros. Only in the case of contributed real estate are further costs incurred for the notarial certification of the partnership agreement.

As you are registered in the commercial register as a partner in a general partnership (OHG), you can officially operate your business, unlike a partner in a civil law partnership (GbR) or a sole trader. This means that your business has a company, i.e. an official name, which you can freely design together with the other partners. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a personal company, a real company, a fancy company or a mixed company… As long as the name is in the sense of the prohibition of misleading and has the suffix “OHG”, almost anything is allowed.

Individual management, agreements & procuration

Although it is possible to manage a general partnership jointly with some or all of the partners by agreement, all partners usually have sole management authority and generally make their decisions alone. This power of sole management applies to all normal business activities such as purchasing and selling, hiring personnel, accepting bills of exchange, and more.

The sole power of representation also applies to legal transactions. This means that each shareholder may perform legal acts on behalf of the general partnership in full and without restriction. Deviations – such as joint representation – are contractually possible, provided that all partners agree to this. Only in the case of extraordinary legal transactions do you have to consult with your co-partners. This is the case, for example, when taking on a silent partner, but the purchase or sale of real estate also requires the prior consent of all partners. Furthermore, the managing partners may only jointly appoint a proxy – each of them is individually entitled to revoke the proxy.

Since the sole power of management and the sole power of representation give the individual partners a great deal of freedom to make decisions, each partner may at any time personally obtain information about the affairs of the company, inspect the commercial books or draw up a balance sheet from the company papers. This ensures that none of the partners acts behind the backs of the others and that disagreements are adressed personally.

Financing, Liability & Profit Distribution

The financing is entirely at your discretion, so you can theoretically do without any start-up capital. However, it is advisable to have certain reserves and to draw up a financing plan in order to be financially prepared in case of unpleasant surprises. The company risk is borne jointly by all partners and they are liable for both business and private matters. If something goes wrong and the general partnership defaults on payments and gets into financial difficulties, you must – even in the case of wrong decisions by your co-partner(s) – take full responsibility with your private assets.

In contrast to the GbR, the distribution of profits in the case of a general partnership does not take place in equal parts, but in dependence on the value of the contribution made. According to the legal regulations, each partner receives 4 percent of his capital share – contributions and withdrawals taken into account – and only the remaining surplus profit is actually distributed according to heads. Deviating regulations can be laid down in the shareholders’ agreement.

Shareholders’ rights: withdrawal of capital, control, termination & Co

The rights of the partners secure your position in the general partnership despite the joint liability risk: The individual business authority only applies within a certain, customary framework… the right of control means that you are informed about all matters… Contributions and withdrawals are fairly offset and even in case of losses you can secure a part of your capital contribution.

Overview of shareholders’ rights:

• Individual management authority
  • In the case of normal operations
  • On revocation of procuration
• Consent requirement
  • In the case of exceptional legal acts
  • In the event of the appointment of an authorised signatory
• Sole power of representation
  • For all legal transactions
• Right of control
  • For corporate matters
• Reimbursement of expenses
  • In the case of expenditure from private funds
• Capital withdrawal
  • 4 % of your capital share (independent of losses)
• Profit share
  • 4% of your capital share
  • Additional profit according to heads
• Right of termination
  • 6 months’ notice to the end of a financial year
• Liquidation share
  • According to your capital share

Duties of shareholders: non-competition clause, loss & liability

As a general partner, you can make your own decisions in many cases, similar to a sole proprietor, and are not dependent on the approval of your fellow partners in day-to-day business. However, there are some cases in which you cannot avoid the approval of the others. It is therefore important that you are familiar not only with your rights but also with your obligations as a partner: the obligations of the partners primarily safeguard the general partnership itself.

Duties of shareholders at a glance:

• Capital contribution
  • Cash contribution
  • Real assets
  • Right values
• Non-compete
  • Business in the same line of trade
  • Personal liability in similar companies
• Loss share
  • By heads
• Liability
  • Unrestricted
  • Directly
  • Solidarity

Advantages: No share capital, high credit rating, joint and several liability.

After presenting the typical characteristics of a general partnership, you have certainly already recognized the advantages that this legal form offers you: The formation is relatively uncomplicated and you do not need any start-up capital. You can be active in a team without losing your independence or having to operate with limited turnover and still have the support of your co-founder(s): You make all extraordinary decisions together, bear the liability risk jointly and thus obtain a good credit rating vis-à-vis banks and other financial institutions. The distribution of profits is a percentage of your capital share and only the excess profit is distributed according to heads. In this way, the larger depositors are fairly rewarded for their financing and the associated risk.

• Fast and uncomplicated foundation
• Flexible share capital
• No turnover limit
• High credit rating
• Profit distribution according to capital share and additional profit according to heads
• Liability risk in the team

Disadvantages: Full liability, registration requirement & HGB

The disadvantages that the formation of a general partnership can bring with it are also quickly identified: On the one hand, you do not have one hundred percent decision-making power and must agree with your partner staff in special cases. Nevertheless, in case of doubt, you must be fully and completely liable – even privately! – even if you were not responsible for the losses. Thirdly, as a general partnership you are obliged to register in the commercial register and are no longer subject only to the BGB. Last but not least: Since the success of a general partnership is largely tied to the teamwork and cooperation of the individual partners, internal disputes or serious breaches of trust can result in the dissolution of the company.

• Consent requirement in special cases
• Full liability (incl. private assets)
• Obligation to register in the commercial register
• Validity of the HGB
• Endangering the continued existence of the company due to disagreements within the team

Evaluation: Acting & sticking in solidarity as a team

After comparing the advantages and disadvantages, it becomes clear: If you like to act in a small and familiar team in order to trade jointly and do not want to overcome any major bureaucratic hurdles, you can get started quickly and easily as a general partnership. Profits are shared fairly and losses are borne jointly, so that business with manageable risk is particularly suitable as an objective. In addition, an OHG makes sense for start-ups that do not have the necessary share capital for a corporation and/or would like to lift the turnover restriction of a GbR.

Real estate OHG: change of legal form, asset management & Co

You don’t think the idea of a general partnership is a bad idea at all, and now you’re wondering how to combine your partnership with real estate? From form change tricks and private contributions to corporations to real estate brokers and asset management companies. All essential information on real estate partnerships, real estate GbR and real estate KG for you in a nutshell.

Small tip: When acquiring and/or managing real estate, make sure that all details are clearly stated in the partnership agreement. Due to the principle of joint, unlimited and direct liability, you should also make sure that your managing partners are persons with comparable creditworthiness – otherwise there could be difficulties with financing and creditworthiness.

Variant 1: Save taxes through change of legal form trick

As an individual, you would like to contribute your property to a limited liability company (LLC) or other corporation, but the tax levies are too high for you? Then you should consider transferring your property to a partnership. The advantage: registered partnerships can be easily converted into corporations by means of a change of form and you can save the real estate transfer tax!

Change of legal form to a registered partnership

Of course, you can also first form a partnership under civil law (GbR) and convert your property into 100 percent GbR shares as a one hundred percent share. The next step would then be the change of legal form to a general partnership (OHG) with entry in the commercial register – this turns the GbR into a full company and, above all, into a registered partnership, which is the basic prerequisite for the conversion into a GmbH. Either way: You need another person for the foundation, who temporarily joins the company without any deductible.

Change of legal form to a corporation after 5 years

The change of legal form to a GmbH is again tax-free in terms of the identity of the legal entity, so that you remain exempt from real estate transfer tax and can still transfer your private property to a corporation. You only have to wait until the five-year lock-up period has expired, because otherwise taxes will still be due retroactively in accordance with the Real Estate Transfer Tax Act (GrEStG). If everything goes smoothly, you are still 100 percent owner and your co-founder can leave the GmbH without any problems.

Variant 2: Real estate agent with business licence

If you want to become a self-employed real estate agent, it’s not that easy. The profession of real estate agent is subject to the trade obligation and is not one of the liberal professions. This means that in order to be able to pursue this activity, you must first apply to the trade licensing office for permission and hope for a positive light. The official permit is required by law, for example to be able to assess your reliability in advance.

Real estate agent OHG, GbR & KG

Partnerships can also operate as real estate agents. However, without their own legal personality, OHGs, GbRs and KGs must obtain an official permit for each individual managing partner. In addition to the application form for permission, further documents must also be submitted. These include:

• A police clearance certificate – available on request from the Residents’ Registration Office;
• An extract from the Trade Central Register – available on request from the Ordnungsamt;
• A tax clearance certificate – available on request from the tax office;
• A certificate of no current insolvency proceedings – available on request from the local court;
• A certificate of missing entries in the debtors’ register – available on request from the local court.

A certificate of competence can also be provided on a voluntary basis.

Variant 3: Asset-managing partnership

If you want to be active in the area of surplus income – i.e.: income from non-self-employed work, capital assets, renting and leasing or other income – an asset-managing partnership could be just right for you. Here you can typically either use the legal form of a GbR or fall back on trading companies regulated in the HGB such as the OHG or KG. Mixed forms such as the GmbH & Co KG are also conceivable in principle, but mean further regulations and requirements.

Participation, say & tax advantages

An asset-managing partnership makes sense if several real estate investors want to manage their real estate holdings jointly. The aspect of ensuring succession in the event of inheritance is also interesting here. The partnership agreement determines how much say the individual partners have – decisions are often made on the basis of shares, but even partners with a small shareholding can gain a dominant voting right – for example, if they have enormous expertise, professionalism or experience.

Tax advantage of such an arrangement? The capital-forming partnership is not the same as the tax object: each partner is taxed individually and all income taxes as well as taxes from inheritance, sale or gratuitous transfer of partnership shares must be reported by each partner individually for tax purposes.

Taxes for OHG shareholders: ESt, USt, GewSt & KSt

As a partner in a general partnership, you need to know about some types of tax, because when you set up your business, you receive income from your trade and must of course also pay tax on this income. Tax law stipulates that in addition to the income tax of each partner – or the corporate income tax of each legal entity – further sales tax contributions must be paid, insofar as the OHG does not only carry out tax-free sales. For commercial enterprises with an annual income of more than 24,500 Euros, trade tax is also due.

• Income tax (ESt)
• Value added tax (VAT)
• If applicable, trade tax (GewSt)
• If applicable, corporate income tax (KSt)

You can find out what taxes you can expect with a real estate corporation here:

• Save taxes on real estate

Conclusion: General partnership – for whom is it worthwhile?

If you are prepared to join forces with other trustworthy people in order to start your own business quickly and easily, you do not need enormous financial reserves and also pay relatively little tax on your profits. An OHG is therefore ideally suited to young entrepreneurs with an eye to the future who want to take their lives into their own hands, not just dream of self-fulfilment and do not want to wait until they have saved up the necessary start-up capital.

In real estate terms, a general partnership is particularly worthwhile for beginners who would prefer to invest their capital directly in property management or deal in real estate instead of setting up the share capital for a corporation. For BGB partners, a general partnership often means the next step towards business success – if only to reduce the liability risk. From a certain turnover size, however, you should consider converting your trading business into a GmbH or contributing it as a contribution in kind to an existing GmbH.

Limitation of liability, yes or no? OHG & GmbH & Co OHG in comparison

Some prospective business founders ask themselves whether the formation of a general partnership (OHG) really suits their future plans or perhaps a limited liability company & Compagnie Offene Handelsgesellschaft (GmbH & Co OHG) would be better. There are many similarities between the two partnerships – but one significant difference lies in the liability issue. In the conventional OHG, all partners share the full risk and are jointly and severally liable, i.e. for business as well as private purposes. With a GmbH and Co OHG it looks differently: Here, the personally liable partner is not a natural person, but a GmbH, i.e. a limited liability company. As a result, his private assets remain unaffected and the partner is only held liable in business terms.

You can find out more about the GmbH & Co OHG here:

• Limited Liability Company & Compagnie General Partnership(GmbH & Co OHG)

Commercial enterprise instead of small business: OHG & GbR in comparison

Many prospective entrepreneurs are faced with the question of whether they want to set up a civil law partnership (GbR) or whether they would prefer a general partnership (OHG). The two legal forms of business are very similar in many respects – the background, i.e. the motivation for founding, is the easiest way to find out which legal form is better suited to your entrepreneurial goals. Do you want to run a small business and expect manageable turnover? Then you are on the safe side with the GbR. Do you explicitly want to run a commercial enterprise and do not want to limit your turnover? Then the OHG is a better fit!

You can find out more about civil law partnerships here:

• Civil law partnership (GbR)

Learn for free: Start a company & legal forms

Besides the general partnership (OHG), there are a few other alternative types of companies that could be interesting for you as a founder! You want to learn more about starting a business? Learn more about share capital, taxes and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of companies.

Here you will find all the legal forms that can be chosen as a founder in Germany and a guide with a checklist:

1. Legal forms: List
2. Founding a company: Procedure, costs and overview

Legal forms: List

Legal forms – What types of company are there? If you want to start your first company, then choosing the ideal legal form is one of the first steps in the process of setting up a company. Whether it’s a special real estate company or a start-up, I’ve summarized all the types of companies in Germany for you here.

• Legal forms: List

Company types in detail:

• Sole proprietorship
• Registered businessman / registered businesswoman (e. K.)
• Civil law partnership (GbR)
• Limited partnership (KG)
• Entrepreneurial company (UG)
• GmbH: Limited liability company
• Real estate GmbH / Asset management GmbH
• Stock corporation (AG)
• Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)
• Societas Europaea (SE)
• Foundation / Family Foundation

Starting a company: Procedure, costs and checklist

Founding a company (real estate) – You want to found your first company? Requirements for you as a founder, share capital, shareholder agreements, costs for the foundation, legal forms and checklists. This sounds complicated for beginners, but it is actually quite simple. The process of founding a company is usually relatively the same. I have summarized the foundation here once in simple steps, for you. Learn how to start your own business. After the great guide to all legal forms or types of companies, today a detailed look at the establishment of a (real estate) company for beginners.

• Form a company