Seller

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When do you need the consent of the community of owners for a change of use?

If a property is divided into condominiums according to the provisions of the Condominium Act (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz, WEG), the following applies: In most cases, the consent of the community of owners must be obtained for the change of use. When this is the case, i.e. whether the change of use requires (internal) consent, can be assessed on the basis of the so-called declaration of division.

4 min read

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Adapting your residential property for commercial use

Adapting residential property for commercial use is a tempting prospect. Alongside traditional demand for workspace, 50% of people work out-of-office at least 2.5 days per week: and they often need their own desk. Whether you're joining them or taking advantage of the growing market they provide, deciding to convert your residential property to commercial is a smart choice.

4 min read
15.03.2019

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Bequeathing a property as part of a company's assets

When a property is part of a company's assets

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Buying dream holiday homes

The real estate consultants at Engel & Völkers are the right advisors when it comes to buying holiday properties. As an internationally active real estate agent with more than 830 locations in 34 countries worldwide, we have extensive knowledge of the regional market for residential or holiday properties in almost every holiday region in the world thanks to our local agents.

7 min read

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When is drinking water testing obligatory for owners?

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Applying for a change of use: How do you obtain the necessary planning permission?

The change of use of a building or part of a building is an undertaking under building law. Whether you have to apply for a change of use and need planning permission does not primarily depend on whether you are planning structural measures. Changes of use are subject to planning permission if the new use is subject to different or more extensive requirements under public law than the previous use.

6 min read

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Selling a house on an annuity basis

The annuity-based house sale is an alternative to the traditional house sale, which usually ends with the buyer paying the seller the negotiated sum for the property and being registered as the new owner in the land register. With an annuity-based sale, on the other hand, the sale price is not paid in one go, but in instalments. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of property sale are explained below.

5 min read

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What do legal heirs receive?

What the legal succession looks like

3 min read

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Determine yourself who inherits what

What wills and inheritance contracts regulate

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Real estate commission – Everything you need to know about brokerage fees 2026

The real estate commission—also known as the brokerage fee or agent’s fee—is the compensation for the intermediary or proof-of-opportunity services provided by a real estate agent. Anyone looking to buy or sell property will quickly face these core questions: Who pays the agent when selling a house? How high are the fees when buying? And when is the payment due—after the notary appointment or earlier?

4 min read
27.01.2026

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What does a real estate agent do?

The broker’s fee is one of the biggest cost factors arising from property sales for owners and buyers. But what does a real estate agent do for the brokers fee you pay and why does it pay off?