If necessary, I may repeat one or the other thing, but the essential points from my perspective in brief:
- Obtain a current excerpt from the land registry office regarding any encumbrances in sections II and III. If there are entries: Bad, see what it is and have it removed. There can be major problems with financing.
- Inquire at the municipality about entries in the register of restrictions. Entries here can also have serious consequences. On this occasion, ask about suspected contaminated sites (if you buy contaminated soil, you are responsible. Disposal can cost XXX,XXX €).
- Visit the local archive, if possible. Don’t be dismissed immediately. Ask there for old maps or pictures and check again if, for example, a factory or something similarly problematic once stood there.
- In this case: Have a soil survey done before the purchase, including a contaminated sites investigation. The condition of the soil can also have costly consequences. In principle, every soil is somehow buildable, but there can be significant price differences, especially if you want a cellar. If you encounter rock or swampy ground, it will cost around XX,XXX € more.
- Review the development plan at the municipality. Ask if there happen to be any construction projects nearby that could have bad consequences, such as the construction of a highway passing your property.
- If all that is okay, don’t be rushed. Choose the notary yourself; this is your right and simply reasonable! The notary has the legal obligation to advise both parties neutrally, but if it is the seller’s regular notary...
- Have a lawyer specializing in construction law review the contract. Insist on changes if necessary.