Buying a house without a mortgage loan

The house was built sometime before World War I; most of the documents for it simply no longer exist. The seller had to go to several offices until she at least got the land register excerpt and the parcel. I said I would show up with the appraiser so that there are no (big) nasty surprises.

Just to be sure, I would ask the building authority myself. Unless there was damage in the archive (mold, water, destroyed, …), the file should be there.

I had written that no documents other than the land register and the cadastral map are available. The house was built long before the war.

Our documents were supposedly not there either. For some reason, they were in the municipal basement, not at the district office. So maybe also inquire there, it doesn't cost anything. I would have it checked, just in case something happens that requires you to build something that needs approval. The building authority can surely also tell you what they would do if the file is not there. How is it then decided what may be built? There must be guidelines for that. Or it is a case-by-case decision. Knowing that won't hurt either. The more you know about the house, the better off you are.

Otherwise, I can only say, you obviously have already decided and basically just want to know how to structure the financing. There have been many recommendations not to split it up and not to be too naive when estimating what needs to be done. I would find it interesting if you want to report on how it goes: Does the purchase work out, does the financing work out, in what condition is the house actually according to the expert report?

We actually haven't decided yet. We are currently working on financing a house, although we expect that this bank will also reject the financing. Besides, I see significantly more costs ahead for this other property (heating, roof, insulation, possibly electrical) than for the house, which is why I inquired here. I am worried that we might financially overextend ourselves with the other house.

But yes, I can gladly keep you updated. First, I am waiting for the surveyor's callback, and then I have to find an appointment with the seller so that he can enter the house with me. My husband is buying a laser measuring device tomorrow (conveniently, he works at the hardware store) and then at least I will have that in case the seller has me create the floor plans.

I can only advise you to urgently have a binding conversation/documentation with the building authority without [Bauakte]. Otherwise, there is a risk that the issue will catch up with you or your children someday.

I will read through your answers again tomorrow at my leisure and write down what I should request where. But since I am not the homeowner, will I even receive any information?