Buying guides
Buying at a German court auction
German local courts (Amtsgerichte) auction homes for lenders in a compulsory auction (Zwangsversteigerung). The rules are strict and clear, and the court's award makes you the owner on the spot.
Checked 30 September 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with a local professional.
Your team
- A Rechtsanwalt (lawyer) to read the valuation report and the land register (Grundbuch), including any rights that survive the auction.
- Your bank, to confirm finance and arrange the security.
- No notary is needed: the court's award (Zuschlag) transfers the home.
Read the valuation report (Gutachten)
The court's expert values the home, usually from the outside, because the owner doesn't have to let anyone in. Read it at the court or from the official notice on the ZVG portal.
Security on the day
You must provide security of 10% of the court valuation (Verkehrswert), by bank transfer in good time or a bank-guaranteed cheque. Cash isn't accepted.
Minimum bids
At the first auction, bids under half the valuation are refused, and the lender can block bids under 70%. At later auctions these limits no longer apply.
Paying
The balance is due by the distribution date (Verteilungstermin), usually a few weeks later, with interest from the day of the award.
Taxes and costs
Property transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer) of 3.5–6.5% depending on the state, plus court and land registry fees. No agent's fee.
General information only, not financial advice. Rules and lender criteria change; confirm with a regulated adviser.