Housing · Jurisdiction DE

Purchase closing costs

Closing costs are added to the purchase price of a property. They include real estate transfer tax, notary, land register and often a broker's fee.

In more detail

As of 2026: Finmon names no tax rate. The states set real estate transfer tax, on the basis of the Real Estate Transfer Tax Act. The rate is not the same in every state and can change. Notary and land register follow their own cost rules and depend on the value of the transaction. A broker's fee arises only if it was agreed. It is not a tax.

Background

These items sit on top of the price you pay the seller. Comparing only the purchase price leaves the bill incomplete. That is a question of completeness, not a statement on whether buying or renting fits. Finmon names no state and no euro amount for a specific purchase.

An example

Two offers have the same purchase price. In one state the tax rate differs from the neighbouring state, and only one offer includes an agreed broker's fee. The sum beside the price is therefore not the same. Finmon does not calculate it.

A common misconception

The purchase price is the whole bill.

Tax, the notarial deed, the land register and often brokerage are added. How high the tax is depends on the state.

Source: GrEStG. Last reviewed: 2026-10-27. Editorially reviewed on 2026-10-27. Next review 2027-10-27. Version 0.2.0. Finmon explains. It does not advise. Not investment, tax or legal advice.