Engel & VölkersEngel & Völkers

Seller

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Broker commission: Reform 2020

In May 2020, the Federal Cabinet finally discussed the reform of estate agent commission - since then, sellers and buyers have shared the costs of the estate agent when buying a property. This law rejects the so-called ordering principle. In particular, the law makes the division of the estate agent's commission between the buyer and seller of a property, which has not been uniformly regulated in Germany to date, fairer. In the following, we explain exactly what changes the reform to commission entails and why it now pays off more than ever to commission a real estate agent.

  • 6 min read
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Notary contract - 4 things you should know when selling a house

A house sale is nearing its end: The buyer for the property has been found together with the estate agent, the price negotiations are over. Now all that is missing is the notarial contract of sale or notarial deed to make the transaction legally binding and to notarise the purchase at the notary's office. But what does such a contract actually contain and what legal force does it have? Can you withdraw from a notarial contract after signing it? In this article we explain

  • 8 min read
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House sale checklist: 30-point list for an overview

Keeping a house sale checklist often saves not only time but also nerves - because selling your own house is a time-consuming and extensive undertaking. Especially for owners with little experience, marketing the property can quickly become confusing. In order to make the process of selling your house efficient and seamless, we provide you with the following 30-point list, which outlines the most important issues. With our house sale checklist, you are well prepared for every marketing phase.

  • 4 min read
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Transferring property as a gift: what you need to know

Many people decide to gift their property—such as a residence or a plot of land—to their relatives during their lifetime, rather than bequeathing it. But how does the gifting of a property work? What tax-free allowances apply to gift tax? And what costs are involved? We aim to answer these questions for you in detail here.

  • 3 min read
  • 30.01.2026
Visit Transferring property as a gift: what you need to know
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Property valuation: These factors determine the price of your property

Determining the price of a property is one of the most important steps in selling or part-selling a house - and one of the most complex. Objective criteria such as location, condition or type of property are often at odds with the subjective assessment of the property owner, for whom emotional value also plays a decisive role. To help you understand the market value of your property, we explain below important factors that can influence the value of your home.

  • 3 min read
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Acting correctly as real estate buyers and sellers in times of the interest rate turnaround

After years of low interest rate policy, virtually nationwide rising property prices and excess demand, the property market in Germany is experiencing a number of clear counter-trends for the first time. The European Central Bank has raised the key interest rate to 0.5% in July 2022 - in the practice of real estate financing, interest rate increases of around 180% have been recorded compared to the previous year. The associated effects are already being felt in the industry and are affecting the behaviour of owners and prospective buyers in various ways. In this article, real estate agent Engel & Völkers would like to provide you with an overview of the current situation and clarify which maxims you can use to make the right decisions even after the interest rate turnaround on the real estate market.

  • 6 min read
Visit Acting correctly as real estate buyers and sellers in times of the interest rate turnaround
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Selling a property tax-free

Would you like to sell your property tax-free? Find out here whether and how this is possible.

  • 10 min read
  • 30.01.2026
Visit Selling a property tax-free
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Open House: 8 tips for a complete success

In the age of online marketing, open house viewings seem almost antiquated, but before you completely abandon the concept, you should know that real estate consultants have good reason to stick to these group events. This classic approach is perfect for attracting new customers and - to the seller's delight - for starting a bidding competition.

  • 4 min read
  • 14.03.2019
Visit Open House: 8 tips for a complete success
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How to add value to your home with outdoor landscaping

When examining adding value to property, typical advice often focuses on kitchen renovations and loft conversions. While these interior-led techniques can certainly be effective, don’t neglect the importance of a home’s outdoor spaces. In sunny regions, a spacious terrace is an essential selling point. Here’s a closer look at how to add value to your home with outdoor spaces.

  • 4 min read
  • 01.02.2019
Visit How to add value to your home with outdoor landscaping
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How to make extra income from your attic, basement or garage

If you’re fortunate enough to have space in your home that you don’t require for your own personal use, there’s no need to let it sit there unused. Instead, you can capitalise on your extra space by putting it to work in several different ways, all of which can earn you some additional money.

  • 3 min read
  • 09.05.2019
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Engel & Völkers Germany

Vancouverstraße 2a

20457 Hamburg, Germany

Tel: +49 40 361310