Buying an Equestrian Property in Germany: A Guide for International Buyers

Germany is one of the strongest equestrian markets in the world — home to leading warmblood breeds, a dense network of clubs and competitions, and professional facilities in every price range. For international buyers, the purchase process is reliable and transparent, but it has rules of its own. This guide covers what matters before you commit.

Who may buy

Germany places no restrictions on foreign buyers: private individuals and companies from any country can acquire German real estate, including agricultural land. Financing through German banks is possible for non-residents but conservative for special-purpose properties — plan more equity than you would for a residential purchase.

The notary process

Every German property transaction is closed before a Notar, a state-appointed neutral lawyer who drafts the deed, verifies title in the land register (Grundbuch) and handles the transfer of funds. Expect two to three months between signing and registration. The notary is neutral — he does not represent either side, so your own advisers still matter.

Transaction costs

On top of the purchase price, budget for real estate transfer tax (3.5–6.5 % depending on the federal state), notary and land register fees (roughly 1.5–2 %), and the broker fee. Together, ancillary costs typically reach 8–12 % of the purchase price.

The one German particularity: § 35 BauGB

Most equestrian facilities lie in the Außenbereich — land outside designated building zones. Structures there are only permitted if they serve a privileged agricultural operation (§ 35 BauGB). Whether a livery business counts as agriculture depends, among other things, on whether feed is predominantly produced on the property’s own land. If the privilege lapses, a change of use may be required — and buyers‘ banks check this. Clarifying the permit situation is the single most important step of due diligence on a German equestrian property.

What else to verify

• Energy certificate: residential buildings on the property need one; listings must state the key figures (§ 87 GEG).
• Livery contracts: they do not transfer to the buyer automatically — they must be reviewed and re-arranged as part of the deal.
• Owned versus leased land: many facilities depend on leased pasture. Check terms and renewal risk.
• The valuation: asset value, income value and comparison value lead to different numbers. Ask which method the asking price is based on.

How we help

Immobilien4you is a licensed German broker (§ 34c GewO) with a DEKRA-certified valuer, also admitted in France — useful if your search spans both sides of the border. We work in English, prepare documentation for international buyers, and treat every enquiry confidentially. Back to the English overview · Owner? Value your property · Contact: info@immobilien-4-you.de, +49 6372 80 34 700.

This page is market information, not legal or tax advice.