Selling a property in Berlin can seem a bit scary at first — especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry! Just like a school project, once you know the steps, it gets much easier. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of selling a home or when selling an apartment in Berlin. You’ll learn how to prepare your property, choose help when you need it, and what happens from start to finish.
1. Start with a Good Plan
Before you do anything else, take a step back and think about what you want. Are you selling because you’re moving to a new city? Do you need money for something else? Knowing your goal helps you decide your timeline and price.
One of the first real steps is to find out the value of your Berlin property. This means figuring out how much your home is worth in today’s market. You can use online tools, talk to local experts, or get a professional valuation to help you with this. Knowing the right value will help you decide the best price to ask.
2. Decide if You Need an Agent
Most people selling property in Berlin work with a real estate agent, known here as a Makler. An agent can help you:
- Set the right price based on market knowledge.
- Take great photos and advertise your home.
- Organize viewings and communicate with buyers.
- Handle paperwork and legal steps.
In Berlin, both the seller and buyer usually share the cost of the agent’s commission. This means if the fee is around 7.14%, you and the buyer each pay half.
However, some sellers choose to sell on their own. This is called selling “private” or FSBO (“For Sale By Owner”). Doing it yourself can save money on agent fees but means you must handle everything — and that can take more time and energy.
3. Prepare Your Property for Sale
Before you show your home to anyone, it needs to look its best. Here are some simple things to do:
- Clean and Fix Things – A clean home feels bigger and nicer to buyers. Fix small problems like squeaky doors or broken lights.
- Home Staging – This means arranging furniture so rooms look inviting and spacious. Some people even rent furniture or hire experts to stage their home.
- Take Great Photos – Good pictures are one of the most important parts of selling. Buyers first see photos online, so make them bright and clear.
4. Gather All Paperwork
In Germany, selling property is a legal process. That means there are important documents every buyer will expect to see. These can include:
- Floor plans of the property.
- Energy performance certificates.
- Land registry details and documents about the property.
Having all these ready before people start asking questions will make the whole process smoother.
5. List Your Property Online
Once your property looks great and your paperwork is ready, it’s time to list it online. In Germany, most people use big portals like ImmobilienScout24, Immowelt, or other local platforms where buyers search for homes. You can choose to list it yourself or let your agent do it for you.
Your listing should include:
- A friendly title (for example: “Sunny 2-Room Apartment with Balcony!”)
- Great photos
- Clear details (size, number of rooms, location)
- Price
6. Meet Potential Buyers
After your home is listed, people will start to contact you or your agent to view it. When they come to look around:
- Make sure the place is clean and welcoming.
- Be ready to answer questions about the neighborhood, utilities, and upkeep.
Sometimes buyers will want a second visit — and that’s okay. Selling a home can take a few months, especially in a busy city like Berlin.
7. Agree on a Buyer
Once someone decides they want to buy your property, you enter the final stages. In Germany, the sale isn’t official until you sign a contract with a notary (a special lawyer who handles property deals here). The notary writes the contract and makes sure both sides understand it.
After both of you sign the contract, the buyer pays and the property ownership changes. The notary will also update the land registry so the buyer becomes the official owner.
8. Final Costs and Taxes
Remember that selling has some costs, too. Even if the buyer usually pays most fees (like notary and agents), you might also have taxes or small administrative charges. If you sell your property within 10 years of buying it and you didn’t live there the whole time, you may need to pay capital gains tax.
Final Thoughts
Selling a property in Berlin doesn’t have to be confusing. By knowing the steps, talking to experts when needed, and being organized, you can make the experience smoother and even enjoyable. Whether you choose to sell on your own or with an agent, follow these basic steps and you’ll be ready to find the right buyer — and start your next adventure!
