These costs incur between the purchase and moving in

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Lerato Khumalo

From the completion of the purchase to the move -in

The dream of your own home: what it really costs


01/27/2025 – 6:00 a.m.Reading time: 3 min.

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A own home: In addition to the acquisition costs, the costs for taxes, insurance and craftsmen must be taken into account. (Source: Imago/Rainer Berg/Imago)

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If you buy a house, you have to adjust to high costs – even after the actual purchase. What they have to calculate.

Your own four walls – this is a lifelong dream for many. About a third of the Germans have already fulfilled him. In 2024, around 24 million Germans had a single -family house and 7.7 million a condominium, as can be seen from data from the Statista market research institute.

The purchase of a house or apartment alone can be very expensive depending on the location. On top of that, however, there are still costs that are due between the purchase and the move -in – and which you are better prepared. The online lottery has therefore put together the most important editions for future willing to buy.

The notary plays a crucial role in buying a house. He ensures that the purchase contract is final and enters the new ownership into the land register. These services have their price:

On average, the emergency costs amount to 1.5 to 2 percent of the purchase price, of which 1 to 1.5 percent are pure emergency costs, while 0.5 percent of the purchase price for land registers are added.

When buying real estate, real estate transfer tax always falls in Germany. Depending on the federal state, the amount varies between 3.5 and 6.5 percent of the purchase price. For example, the leader such as North Rhine-Westphalia or Brandenburg demand 6.5 percent of the purchase price, while in Bavaria and Saxony it is cheapest with 3.5 percent.

Interesting fact: The real estate transfer tax was set in 1998 uniformly nationwide to 3.5 percent. But since 2006 the federal states have been able to determine them themselves, which most have done.

  • Read too: Buy and rent real estate – you should know that for 2025

Houses can be beautiful, but still in need of renovation or even modernization. Some people save at the purchase price if they buy an old property, but the renovation work then costs a lot of money.

The costs for a new heating system, for example, amount to 5,000 to 30,000 euros depending on the type of technology or the energy source. If you have to renew the roof or have modern windows installed, you have to expect a further four to five-digit sums. It continues inside: The price for a new kitchen starts at 6,000 euros, and a medium -sized, new bathroom costs 5,000 to 10,000 euros – without craftsman costs.

Cost point: roofer work on the roof of a thatched house.Enlarge the picture
Cost point: roofer work on a thatched house. (Source: Imago/Imagebroker/Ian Murray)

In an analysis of the craftsmen costs for different services in the largest German cities, the dream raffle found that prices vary greatly.

  • With an average price of 139.06 euros for craft services of all kinds and duration, it is the most expensive in Munich.
  • The cheapest are the average prices in Stuttgart (102.06 euros).
  • In Frankfurt am Main (108.64 euros) and Cologne (109.85 euros), the average prices are moderate.

Tip: Walk modernizations in stages. Instead of renewing everything at once, they set priorities: first the heating, then the kitchen – and the new bathroom tiles may still be able to wait a year.

  • Read too: Change of ownership and a blocking period – what applies to your home now

Electricity, water, heating – unlike a rental property, where additional costs are usually included, these are now added to homeowners. In addition, the municipalities collect a property tax that is different depending on the place of residence.

Tip: Check your ongoing contracts regularly. Hundreds of euros can often be saved a year by changing the provider or energy saving measures.

5. Prevention for the future: maintenance reserves

As a homeowner, it is advisable to cover money for possible repairs. A separate reserve bank connection can help park the money safely and not accidentally spend.

Good protection of the home is essential. This typically includes a residential building and household insurance (read here who it really makes sense). The most common damage to German homes are storm and hail damage as well as tap water damage.

Tip: Combine insurance. Many providers offer attractive discounts if they complete several policies (e.g. buildings and household items).

Between color buckets and brushes: a few pauses when renovating (symbol image).Enlarge the picture
Between color buckets and brushes: a few pauses when renovating (symbol image). (Source: Imago/Zoonar.com/Robert Kneschke)

The move into the new home brings additional costs, from moving costs to new furniture. With good planning and clever decisions, many of these costs can be optimized.