Exemption permit: basement not as living area

Hello,

we are new here, looking forward to many useful tips and assistance with the project "Construction of a single-family home."

We bought a plot of land, it was not divided. We commissioned a surveyor together with the other party. He also inspected the property and gained an overview of the plot. There is a house on the front property that is being renovated by our neighbors. The surveyor contacted us afterwards and said that unfortunately the basement of the house is classified as living space as it is now. It protrudes about 5 cm too far above the ground. According to the current status, it is not counted as a basement but as living space, therefore not usable area.

According to the real estate agent, we now have to apply for an exemption so that this is not counted that way. However, we have no certainty that this will be approved by the building authority.

Who can perhaps share experiences with us? What can we do, is this common? We are building in Berlin.

Thanks in advance.

I don’t understand anything at all. Who bought what? Who is renovating? On whose property? What do other people’s basements have to do with your construction? Who wants which permit? The house (whoever owns it) has already been standing for a long time, hasn’t it? Who needs a permit for what?