Homeowners’ association at a glance

A condominium owners’ association (WEG) is a community of owners who own one or more apartments in a common building. So when you buy an apartment unit in a property, you automatically become a co-owner and a part of the community of owners. Explore Real Estate Germany.

The community of owners can be described like this:

Community of all owners of a property.

The community of owners is responsible for the management, maintenance and modernization of the common property. Decisions are made at the owners’ meeting, where each owner has one vote. An administrator is appointed to represent the interests of the owners and is responsible for the management and maintenance of the common property. The condominium owners’ association is a legal entity and can, for example, conclude contracts or appear in court.

Homeowners’ association at a glance:

• A WEG is the community of all owners of a property
• Each owner can represent his right to vote at the meeting of owners
• Each owner has a certain co-ownership share in the common property
• Each member of a WEG must bear costs for the common property
• Each owner is responsible for his or her own special property
• Each owner has to fulfill certain rights and obligations
• Each COA must have certain documents that set out rules and boundaries

Ownership shares and common property

The distribution of property in a condominium owners’ association is defined in the declaration of division. There, it is described in detail which parts of the building are assigned to separate property and which are considered common property.

Each owner has a co-ownership share in the common property of the building, such as the land, the facade, the staircase or the roof. The size of the share depends on the size of the respective apartment in relation to the total living space of the building.

For this purpose, each owner occupies special ownership of his or her apartment. This means that he has sole ownership of his apartment and can use and manage it freely.

This is the right of each owner:

• Co-owner of the common property
• Special ownership of own apartment

Rights and duties of the WEG

Each owner of a condominium association has certain rights and obligations arising from the Condominium Act and the declaration of division. In this section, we will look at these aspects in more detail and explain what rights and obligations an owner has.

The rights and obligations in a WEG include:

• Management
• Maintenance
• Owners’ meeting
• Resolutions

Management and maintenance

The owners are jointly responsible for the management and maintenance of the common property. This includes, for example, the maintenance of the garden, the cleaning of the staircase or the repair of the roof. The costs are apportioned to the owners in proportion to their ownership shares.

This duty has every owner:

• Responsible for common property
• Responsible for internal or external management

Participation in the owners’ meeting

The owners’ meeting is the central body of the condominium owners’ association and is used to make important decisions for the common property. It is therefore important that the owners attend the meeting and express their opinions. However, there is no obligation to attend.

Minutes of the owners’ meeting must be kept and signed by an owner and the administrator. The minutes must contain all resolutions passed and voting results.

Are you interested in the topic of owners’ meetings? Learn more here!

• Owners’ meeting

Voting procedure and resolution

In the owners’ meeting, decisions are made by voting. There are different voting procedures, e.g. simple majority, qualified majority or unanimous decision. A resolution is only valid if it has been properly passed and does not violate any laws or the declaration of division.

House Rules, Declaration of Partition & Co.

In order to regulate the ownership shares in a house with several parties and to guarantee a harmonious living together, a written order is needed. Therefore, every multi-party house has a declaration of division, community rules and house rules.

The house rules are the most important document and, from the legal point of view, the first place to regulate the operation in a multi-apartment building. They are drawn up by the homeowners’ association or the appointed manager and are an obligation for them.

The community rules regulate all regulations and laws for living together in the residential complex and are legally behind the house rules. Since the community rules can be determined by the owners themselves, changes may be decided unanimously at the owners’ meeting.

The declaration of division of a property exists whenever the overall property is split into individual parts, such as individual residential units. It therefore describes the formal division of the property and thereby defines the rights and obligations of the owners.

Order of the WEG at a glance:

• House rules: regulates operation in multi-apartment building
• Community rules: regulates all the rules and laws for living together in the residential complex.
• Declaration of division: thus describes the formal division of the property

Additional costs when selling an apartment: Checklist

The sale of an apartment is associated with various costs that can vary depending on the country and region.

Before we take a closer look at the individual fees, here is an overview of the most important cost items:

1. Real estate agent fees
2. Notary costs
3. Land transfer tax
4. Costs for the valuation report
5. Costs for the most important documents

In most cases, owners decide against selling their Apartment privately and instead commission a real estate agent to sell the apartment. Therefore, the agent’s fees usually make up a large part of the additional costs. When a Real Estate Valuation is useful and what it costs, you can find out in our guide. The agent’s fees usually make up a large part of the additional costs. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Agent Fees for Marketing & Sale

If you hire a Real estate agent to sell your apartment, you usually have to pay a real estate commission. In the Real estate commission calculator, you can see all the costs for buyers and sellers at a glance. This commission varies depending on the agent and can range between 3% and 7% of the sale price. The agent fees typically include the costs of marketing the property, conducting viewings, assisting with the negotiation of the purchase price, and drafting the purchase contract.

Between 3% and 7% of the purchase price

Notary costs during the transaction

When selling a property, the process through a notary is legally required. Therefore, you cannot avoid notary fees here either. Notary fees consist of various charges that are determined according to the purchase price of the property and are legally set. They amount to 1.5 to 2% of the purchase price. This includes, for example, the basic fee, which is based on the value of the property, as well as the fees for the creation of documents and certificates.

Between 1.5 and 2% of the purchase price

In most cases, the buyer covers the notary fees.

Land transfer tax: To be paid by the buyer

When selling an Apartment, the real estate transfer tax also applies. This is also paid by the buyer. The amount of the real estate transfer tax varies by federal state and ranges between 3.5% and 6.5% of the purchase price. It is calculated based on the purchase price and must be paid to the tax office within a few weeks after the purchase.

Between 3.5% and 6.5% of the purchase price

Find out more about taxes here:

• Selling an Apartment Taxes

Costs for property valuation

Whether it’s a duplex apartment or a micro apartment – before you sell your apartment, you first need to know how much the property is worth. For this, the apartment is inspected by a certified appraiser for its condition and possible defects, and a valuation report is created. This forms the basis for the later selling price. The costs for a valuation report can vary depending on the scope and type of appraisal, ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros.

Fees for the most important documents

For the sale of an apartment, you also need several documents that you must not only hand over to the new owner, but also need for the purchase contract and the sales process. These include, for example, the energy certificate, a land register extract, and the zoning plan. You can get the consumption-based energy certificate for less than 100 euros, while the demand-based certificate will cost you several hundred euros. Don’t forget the land register extract either. This costs 10 euros if not notarized and 20 euros if notarized.

An overview of some costs for obtaining the sales documents:

• Consumption-based energy certificate: under 100 euros
• Demand-based energy certificate: over 100 euros
• Unnotarized land register extract: 10 euros
• Notarized land register extract: 20 euros

Optional: Renovation & Modernization Costs

To increase the property value and raise the selling price, some owners decide to renovate and modernize their apartment shortly before selling. The costs involved depend both on the scope of the renovation work and the materials used, as well as the size of the apartment.

Conclusion: Calculate Costs in Advance

In summary, it can be said that selling an apartment is associated with various costs that should be carefully calculated in advance. Detailed planning and preparation can help avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly inform yourself in advance and create a detailed cost overview.

Real Estate Apps: Knowledge & News

With the following apps you will always stay up to date when it comes to real estate. Apps for beginners and for advanced users.

Real Estate Experience App

The Immobilien-Erfahrung.de app offers you all the real estate knowledge you need about capital investments, building management, upgrading, as well as financing and management. With the practical calculators, you can find out about ancillary purchase costs and many other key figures. In the real estate wiki, you will find over 1,000 technical terms simply explained.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Download from Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

IZ – Real Estate Newspaper

With IZ-Immobilienzeitung you always stay up to date with news from the German real estate industry. Find out everything about yield opportunities or investment properties in one app.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free
• Subscription needed

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

House & Ground Magazine

The magazine “Haus & Grund” provides up-to-date information on topics in the real estate sector for tenants, landlords and property owners. For example, it covers political developments, news relating to tax law or tenancy law, and administrative topics. Readers have the option of marking articles with simple bookmarks and categorizing them later.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Real estate apps: online tools and calculators

With these tools, you can calculate practical key figures relating to real estate quickly and easily. From equity and return, to usable space and floor area – learn everything with these apps.

Lukinski Immo Tools

Lukinski’s Immo Tools app provides you with over 20 online tools related to real estate. In doing so, you can access a variety of practical key figures that can serve as decision-making aids or advanced knowledge. The app allows you to quickly and easily calculate savings plans for reserves, equity and return on real estate.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Rented.com

The real estate app Vermietet.de has been specially developed for landlords and property managers. The app offers a simple, secure and time-effective way to organize all aspects of property management, regardless of the type of portfolio – whether it’s a condominium or an apartment building. The app’s features include legally compliant service charge statements, secure rental agreements, valuation, and officially verified templates for reminders and rent increases.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Immocation.com

The Immocation.de app offers a simple and clear calculator that provides you with quick and precise information about the return on investment before you buy or sell a property. In addition, the app offers further tools that provide you with detailed information on the subject of real estate. Thanks to the user-friendly user interface with simple sliders, operating the app is uncomplicated.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Deka real estate funds

The Deka Immobilienfonds app provides you with comprehensive information on all important details of the Deka Group’s property funds. With this app, you have quick and easy access to information such as the unit price, property information and background information on purchases and sales. The app’s push functions keep you up to date with the latest developments.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Real estate apps: buy, sell, rent & lease

With the help of the following apps, you are sure to find your dream property. Whether it’s your own home, a capital investment or a vacation property – with this selection of apps, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Lukinski Villa

Lukinski’s Villa App provides you with offers and an overview of vacation properties and investments in Germany, the Balearic Islands and the United States. By simply downloading the app, you can easily search for a property that suits your needs.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Immoscout24

The Immoscout24 app offers you the possibility to find or offer properties for sale, rent or lease. With the diverse filter options, you can search specifically for your desired property. The app also offers useful functions such as relocation and financing planning to help you make decisions and implement your plans.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Immowelt

The Immowelt real estate app offers you the possibility to search for properties to rent or to buy in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. You can easily find the right property for your needs by using various filters such as cost, living space or number of rooms. In addition, the app offers practical features such as a map view for the search or the possibility to request a Schufa report directly in the app.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Immonet real estate

The Immonet app helps you find the right property exactly as you want it. With the interactive map functions, you can precisely draw the search radius and use the advanced GPS functions. With simplified search criteria such as “balcony” or “garage”, you can easily filter for suitable properties. In addition, the app offers the integration of the Apple Watch.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Trovit Immo

Trovit Immo is a simple real estate app that allows you to quickly and easily find the right property to buy or rent. The search radius function can be customized and extensive search criteria can be used to efficiently narrow down the search. Thanks to push notifications, you always stay up to date.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Von Poll Real Estate

The Von Poll real estate app offers you an easy way to discover a wide range of properties. With the owner dashboard, you can sell or rent your own property. In addition, the app allows for a quick and easy online property valuation to determine the actual value of your property.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Real estate search engine.com

The Immosuchmaschine.de app is an application specially designed for real estate searches. It combines the most popular German real estate portals and allows you to search and compare on many portals at the same time. With the search agent function, you can specify your search criteria and the search agent will notify you as soon as a suitable property is found.

Is the app free of charge?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• AppStore download
• PlayStore download

Real Estate Apps: Knowledge & News

With the following apps, you will always be up to date when it comes to real estate. Apps for beginners and for advanced users.

Real Estate Experience App

The Immobilien-Erfahrung.de app offers you all the real estate knowledge around investments, property management, value enhancement, as well as financing and management. With the practical calculators you can find out purchase ancillary costs and many other key figures. In the real estate wiki you will find over 1,000 technical terms explained simply.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Download in the Google Play Store & Apple App Store.

IZ – Real Estate Newspaper

With the IZ Immobilienzeitung, you will always be up to date with news from the German real estate industry. Find out everything about investment opportunities or investment properties in an app.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free
• Subscription required

App Download: iOS & Android

Find the app here in the App Store (iPhone) and Play Store for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the App Store
• Download in the PlayStore

House & Ground Magazine

The magazine “House & Ground” provides up-to-date information on topics in the real estate industry for tenants, landlords, and property owners. For example, political developments, tax and rental law updates, as well as administrative issues are covered. Readers have the opportunity to mark articles with simple bookmarks and categorize them later.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Real Estate Apps: Online Tools and Calculators

With these tools, you can quickly and easily calculate practical figures related to real estate. From equity and return, to usable and floor area – learn everything with these apps.

Real Estate Guru (my app): Learning App & Calculator

The Real Estate Guru App offers you more than 20 online tools related to real estate. You can access a wide range of practical figures that can serve as decision-making support or advanced knowledge. The app allows you to quickly and easily calculate savings plans for reserves, equity, and return on real estate.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free. For calculations, we recommend: Real Estate Return.

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can download the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Vermietet.de

The Real Estate app Vermietet.de has been specifically developed for landlords and property managers. The app offers a simple, secure and time-efficient way to organize all aspects of property management, regardless of the type of portfolio – whether it is a condominium or an apartment building. Features of the app include legally secure additional costs calculations, secure rental agreements, property valuation as well as officially verified templates for reminders and rent increases.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Immocation.de

The App from Immocation.de offers a simple and clear calculator that quickly and precisely provides information about the return before buying or selling a property. In addition, the App offers further tools that provide detailed information on the topic of Real Estate. Thanks to the user-friendly interface with simple sliders, using the App is uncomplicated.

Is the App free?

• Yes, the App is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Deka Real Estate Funds

The Deka Real Estate Funds app provides you with comprehensive information about all important details of the real estate funds of the Deka Group. With this app, you can quickly and easily access information such as the share price, property details, and background information on purchases and sales. Thanks to the app’s push notifications, you will always be up to date and can inform yourself about current developments.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Real Estate Apps: Buy, Sell, Rent & Let

With the help of the following apps, you are sure to find your dream property. Whether it’s a family home, an investment or a holiday property – with this selection of apps, you will find exactly what you’re looking for.

Lukinski Villa

The Lukinski Villa app provides you with offers and an overview of holiday properties and investments in Germany, the Balearic Islands and the United States. By simply downloading the app, you can easily search for a property that meets your needs.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Immoscout24

The Immoscout24 App offers you the possibility to find or offer real estate for sale, rent, sale, or rental. With the various filter options, you can specifically search for your dream property. The app also offers useful functions such as moving and financing planning to help you with your decision-making and the implementation of your plans.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Immowelt

The Immowelt Real Estate App offers you the possibility to search for properties for rent or purchase in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You can easily find the right property for your needs using various filters such as costs, living area, or number of rooms. In addition, the app offers practical functions such as a map view for searching or the possibility to apply for a Schufa credit report directly within the app.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Immonet Real Estate

The Immonet App helps you find the right real estate exactly according to your preferences. With the interactive map functions, you can precisely define the search radius and use the extended GPS functions. With simplified search criteria such as “balcony” or “garage,” you can easily filter suitable properties. In addition, the app offers integration with the Apple Watch.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Trovit Immo

Trovit Immo is a simple Real Estate app that allows you to quickly and easily find the right property for purchase or rent. The search radius function can be individually adjusted, and with extensive search criteria, the search can be efficiently narrowed down. Thanks to push notifications, you will always be up to date.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

Here you can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and Playstore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

From Poll Immobilien

The Von Poll Real Estate App offers you a simple way to discover a wide range of real estate offers. With the owner dashboard, you can sell or rent out your own property. Additionally, the app allows for a quick and easy online real estate valuation to determine the actual value of your property.

Is the app free?

• Yes, the app is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the app in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore

Immosuchmaschine.de

The Immosuchmaschine.de App is a specialized application for real estate searches. It combines the most well-known German real estate portals and allows you to search and compare across multiple portals at the same time. With the search agent function, you can specify your search criteria, and the search agent will notify you as soon as a suitable property is found.

Is the App free?

• Yes, the App is free

App Download: iOS & Android

You can find the App in the AppStore (iPhone) and PlayStore for all Android smartphones.

• Download in the AppStore
• Download in the PlayStore