German Property Closing Cost Calculator

Plan property transfer tax and purchase closing costs in Germany.

Purchase price

€

Agreed property price before purchase closing costs.

Federal state of the property

The state determines the statutory property transfer tax rate.

Available equity

€

Cash you plan to contribute toward the price and closing costs.

Purchase involves a brokerIncludes a 3.57% buyer share as a planning assumption.

How to use the calculator

Enter the purchase price, select the German federal state where the property is located, and add your available equity. Include a broker only if a buyer-side commission applies. The result separates statutory property transfer tax from estimated costs.

Mandatory and agreed costs

Property transfer tax depends on the federal state. Notary and land-registry work is generally required to transfer ownership, but the actual fees depend on the transaction value and services. A broker commission applies only where brokerage and a corresponding agreement exist.

Property transfer tax by federal state

The calculator uses the rate for the selected state checked on 28 July 2026. Rates range from 3.5% in Bavaria to 6.5% in Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Saarland, and Schleswig-Holstein. Saxony is calculated at 5.5% and Thuringia at 5.0%.

Example: price, equity, and financing

For a €400,000 purchase in Bavaria without a broker, this plan estimates €14,000 tax, €6,000 notary costs, and €2,000 land-registry costs. Total cash required is therefore €422,000. With €100,000 equity, the calculated financing need is €322,000.

Limits of the estimate

Notary, land-registry, and broker amounts are planning assumptions, not fee quotations. Contract inventory, land charges, multiple notarizations, subsidies, financing costs, and individual commission agreements can change the actual amount.

Reference date and sources

The tax rates were checked on 28 July 2026 against the German Federal Ministry of Finance overview. Actual notary fees follow the GNotKG; the calculator percentages are only for early budgeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which purchase closing costs arise in Germany?

Property transfer tax plus notary and land-registry costs generally apply. A broker commission is added only where a broker is involved and a buyer payment has been agreed.

Why does property transfer tax vary by federal state?

Each state sets its own rate. The calculator therefore uses the location of the property, not the buyer’s place of residence.

How are notary and land-registry costs estimated?

For early planning, the tool uses 1.5% for the notary and 0.5% for the land registry. Actual fees follow the GNotKG and the specific services.

When is a broker commission payable?

It applies when a broker arranges the purchase and a commission has been validly agreed. The optional 3.57% buyer share is a planning assumption.

Can German closing costs be financed?

The lender decides based on collateral value, income, equity, and creditworthiness. The calculator shows a total financing need but does not indicate loan approval.

What is the reference date for the tax rates?

The federal-state rates were checked on 28 July 2026 against the German Federal Ministry of Finance overview.