Land register (Grundbuch)

The Grundbuch (land register) is the official register of all plots of land and their legal status in Germany – kept at the local court.

The 3 sections:

Section I: ownership

• Who is the owner?
• How was ownership acquired? (purchase, inheritance, gift)

Section II: encumbrances and restrictions

• Usufruct, right of way, right of residence
• Building encumbrances, rights of first refusal
• Priority notice of conveyance (protection when buying)

Section III: charges on land

• Land charges (security for bank loans)
• Mortgages (hardly used any more)
• Rank decides: who gets money first in a foreclosure auction

Inspection:

• The land register is not publicly accessible
• Only with a "legitimate interest" (owner, prospective buyer with proof, notary, creditor)
• Inspection at the land registry: free of charge up to approx. €20

Costs for entries:

• Change of ownership: approx. 0.5% of the purchase price
• Land charge entry: approx. 0.5% of the land charge amount