Buying property in Munich – a guide for expats

Q: How do I find properties before they are online?

Register a search request with us – registered buyers often hear about new properties before they are published.

How does buying work in Germany, what extra costs should you plan for, and what happens at the notary? A clear overview for international buyers.

Buying at a glance

Foreigners can buy property in Germany without special permission
Purchase costs in Bavaria: 3.5 % real estate transfer tax, about 1.5–2 % notary and land registry, plus the buyer’s share of the agent commission
Consumers receive the draft purchase contract from the notary usually two weeks before signing
Ownership passes with the entry in the land register; a priority notice (Vormerkung) protects you after signing
Average asking price for apartments in Munich: about 8,300 €/m² (November 2026)

Purchase costs

What you pay on top of the price

Real estate transfer tax (Bavaria): 3.5 % of the purchase price
Notary and land registry: about 1.5–2 %
Agent commission: for apartments and houses usually split equally between buyer and seller

Example: for a 700,000 € apartment, plan roughly 35,000–40,000 € in additional costs plus the commission share.

The process

From viewing to keys

Budget & financing

Get a financing confirmation from a bank – sellers expect it before reserving.

Viewing & offer

View the property, check documents (energy certificate, owners’ meeting minutes) and make an offer.

Notary contract

The notary sends the draft; you sign at the notary – in person or with a power of attorney.

Payment & handover

After the priority notice is registered you pay the price; then you receive the keys.

FAQ

Buying – FAQ

Do I need to speak German to buy?

The notary contract is in German, but you can bring a sworn interpreter to the appointment. We explain every step in English beforehand.

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Germany?

Yes, but banks usually expect more equity from non-residents and proof of income. We can introduce you to independent mortgage brokers.

How do I find properties before they are online?

Written and reviewed by the team of Grand Royal Immobilien Experten
Licensed real estate agents (§ 34c GewO) · Office: Truderinger Str. 287, 81825 Munich, Germany · About our team

Last updated: November 2026

Sources & notes

Prices: immoportal.com, average asking prices, November 2026
Agent commission: § 656c BGB (German Civil Code)
Real estate transfer tax Bavaria: 3.5 % (Grunderwerbsteuer)
Notary draft period for consumers: § 17 Abs. 2a BeurkG

All information without guarantee. This text is not legal or tax advice.