What's the total cost of a German home purchase on top of the price?

Calculate transfer tax per federal state plus notary, land register and broker fees in one step.

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{{ __t('notary') }} ({{ notary }}%) {{ fmt(result.notaryFee) }} €
{{ __t('land_register') }} ({{ register }}%) {{ fmt(result.registerFee) }} €
{{ __t('broker_fee') }} ({{ broker }}%) {{ fmt(result.brokerFee) }} €
{{ __t('total_extras') }} {{ fmt(result.totalExtras) }} €
{{ __t('percent_of_price') }}: {{ result.extrasPct.toFixed(2) }}%
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{{ __t('purchase_price') }}{{ fmt(price) }} €
+ {{ __t('extras_short') }}{{ fmt(result.totalExtras) }} €
{{ __t('financing_hint_title') }}: {{ __t('financing_hint_text') }}

How high is the transfer tax in each German state?

The transfer tax is set per state. Bavaria (3.5%) and Saxony (5.5%) are at the low end, while North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, Saarland and Schleswig-Holstein top the list at 6.5%. On a €400,000 purchase that's €12,000 difference between cheapest and most expensive states.

What other closing costs come on top?

Beyond the transfer tax, you pay notary fees (~1.5% of price), land register (~0.5%) and — if a broker was involved — the broker fee. Since the 2020 reform this is typically split equally between buyer and seller, around 3.57% incl. VAT each. Total closing costs usually 9–15% depending on state and broker.

Key notes

  • Tax rates change politically — check current rates for large purchases.
  • List inventory (kitchen, furniture) separately in the contract — it's not subject to transfer tax.
  • Notary fees in Germany are regulated by law (GNotKG) — comparing rarely pays off.
  • Banks typically finance only the purchase price — budget closing costs from your own equity.