How we help
POHL-SITZLER Rechtsanwälte has advised private clients and businesses in Freiburg since 1973. We explain German real estate law in plain English. Advice is also available in French and Mandarin.
Buyers and sellers
Buying a flat or a house? Selling property in Germany?
We review the notary’s draft contract before you sign, check the land register and, for flats, the declaration of division and the owners’ meeting minutes.
Landlords and tenants
Drafting a lease? Rent increase? Notice received?
We advise on residential and commercial leases, rent increases and local rent control, deposits, service charges, notice and eviction.
Heirs and families
Inherited property in Germany? Planning to transfer it to your children?
We help with the certificate of inheritance, dividing property between heirs and lifetime transfers with a right of residence or usufruct.
Our services in detail
Buying or selling property in Germany
In Germany, every property purchase is signed before a notary. The notary drafts the contract but acts neutrally and does not represent either side. We review the draft before your appointment: purchase price and payment, liability for defects, the size of the property, existing land charges and any special arrangements.
Buying a flat
For a flat (Eigentumswohnung) we also go through the declaration of division, the minutes of owners’ meetings, the reserve fund and the monthly service charge (Hausgeld).
Renting and letting
Residential and commercial leases: drafting the lease, rent increases and local rent control, deposits, service charge statements, notice and eviction.
Inheriting property in Germany
Certificate of inheritance or European Certificate of Succession, dividing the property between heirs, and transferring property to your children during your lifetime.
Ground leases (Erbbaurecht)
Many properties in and around Freiburg stand on land held under a ground lease. We review ground lease contracts, adjustments of the ground rent and questions on renewal or expiry.
Construction and property developers
Defects in a new build, disputes with a developer or builder, delayed completion: we enforce your rights.
Good to know
The notary is neutral: he or she drafts and certifies the contract but does not advise you on your own interests.
Two weeks: if you buy from a developer or another business, the notary must generally send you the draft contract at least two weeks before signing. Use this time for a review.
Transfer tax: in Baden-Württemberg the real estate transfer tax is 5 percent of the purchase price.
Ownership: you become the owner only when you are entered in the land register (Grundbuch).
Please contact us before you sign. Changes are much easier before the notary appointment than afterwards.
How we work
You know from the start how we will proceed and what it will cost.
1. Get in touch
Tell us about your matter by phone, e-mail or the contact form. You can send documents digitally, so you do not have to be in Freiburg.
2. Assessment
In a first meeting, in person or by video call, we review your documents, explain your options and tell you how our fees will be calculated.
3. Action
We negotiate, draft and represent you, towards the other party, the notary, the authorities and the courts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer if a notary handles the purchase?
The notary is neutral and explains the contract, but does not look after your interests. A lawyer checks whether the contract is right for you and negotiates changes before you sign.
Can you advise me if I live abroad?
Yes. Most of our work can be done by e-mail and video call. Where needed, we act for you in Germany under a power of attorney.
What does it cost?
That depends on the matter and the value involved. Our fees are based either on the German statutory fee scale or on a fee agreement. We tell you the expected costs before we start.
Which languages do you speak?
German, English, French and Mandarin.
Where is your office?
Kartäuserstraße 23, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30, urgent appointments also outside these hours.
Your property matter in Germany
Tell us briefly about your situation. We will let you know promptly whether and how we can help.
German legal terms explained: Glossary of German real estate law
More information (in German): Miet- und WEG-Recht · Erbrecht · Erbbaurecht · Baurecht · Vermögensübertragung