Legal · Glossary

NotarNotary

The neutral state official every German property transfer must go through

3 min read·Updated December 2024

The Notar is a neutral, state-appointed official that every German property transfer must go through. Crucially, the Notar is not your lawyer — they are obligated to stay neutral between buyer and seller.

What the Notar Does

  • Drafts or reviews the Kaufvertrag and reads it aloud in full at signing
  • Registers the Auflassungsvormerkung to protect the buyer’s claim
  • Requests tax clearance, clears old encumbrances, prepares the new Grundschuld
  • Issues the Fälligkeitsmitteilung and arranges the final Grundbuch entry

What the Notar Does Not Do

The Notar is not your advocate

They do not negotiate price, suggest terms in your favour, advise whether the deal makes sense, or inspect the property. For substantive contract review, many international buyers engage a separate Rechtsanwalt experienced in German property law.

Walk through the notary process step by step

Continue in the masterclass

Lesson 2.4 · How property investment works in Germany

The notary process

The Notar, Kaufvertrag, Grundbuch and Auflassung, step by step.

Lesson 2.1 · How property investment works in Germany

The property lifecycle

Buying to owning to selling, the whole journey at a glance.

Related Terms

Notary Fees(Notarkosten)

Notarkosten are mandatory fees paid to a notary (Notar) for authenticating property purchases in Germany. Typically 1.5-2% of purchase price, covering contract preparation and land registry updates.

Grundbuch(Land register)

The Grundbuch is the official German land register. It records ownership, mortgages (Grundschuld), and encumbrances. The Grundbuch entry, not the contract or the listing, is the legal source of truth for who owns a property.

Closing Costs(Nebenkosten / Kaufnebenkosten)

Closing costs (Kaufnebenkosten) include property transfer tax, notary fees, and land registry fees. In Germany, expect 10-15% of purchase price in total closing costs.

Planning a purchase?

Buying in Germany adds roughly 7% to 12% on top of the purchase price.

Transfer tax

3.5% to 6.5% of the price, set by the state.

Notary & registry

About 1.5% to 2%, fixed by law (GNotKG).

Agent commission

Usually around 3.57% as the buyer's share.

Run your full numbers How buying works here

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Notar (Notary) | Financemate Glossary