How to realize object transfer over a distance of more than 600 km?

We did it like this. Sold in April ´20 and received the full sale price on 1.7.20. Until 1.2.21 we then had a right of residence which we could shorten with two months' notice (which we then did as of 1.12.20). The transfer of risk was stipulated in the purchase contract to be upon the actual handover (in our case therefore 1.12.20). The problem is not painted wallpapers, but if something really happens (see Ahr Valley, in the worst case uninsured). A notary should be able to handle that without any problems. However, the money was available immediately in any case, because even if something happens to you or you flee to South America – the property is still there and then goes to the buyer.

Oh, I forgot to mention: also over 500km distance. So that works too ;)

We built with a local timber frame builder (aka prefab house) as the general contractor. So the actual construction time was relatively short, and beforehand only small installment payments for planning services etc. had to be made. And the larger installments then came from the sales proceeds. Depending on how the installments are staggered in amount and timing, this usually works out quite well. Our original plan to build with an architect didn’t work because the gentleman really brought absolutely zero added value. So then the general contractor, which basically worked really well. The options were probably similar for us as for you. Although I have lived the vast majority of my life in Berlin, my family comes from the area we have now moved to. Very, very rural and therefore also very, very traditional, decent and reliable. We had absolutely zero clue, but I’m quite fearless in these matters and simply asked everyone who didn’t run away quickly enough. Once we had a plot and an idea of what we wanted, I went to the managing directors of the local companies and laid our cards openly on the table, asking if they were interested in the project. When it got more concrete, I always asked them to explain to me understandably how they planned and executed something... and if I half understood it, I then asked why this way and not another? The rest was then intuition... How expensive are the plots where you are moving to? Can you just buy them like that? Then I would start with that and look at local construction companies in parallel. You definitely won’t get any dumber :)

My cousin (allegedly) did not have to pay a prepayment penalty because she stayed with the same bank. Sold apartment, built house. But I don’t know if that was a special condition since her husband works at the bank.

Are there people here or does anyone know someone who has done something like this before? I could imagine that you might find buyers who would agree to something like this. The market for houses is relatively empty, especially the market for nearly new houses, and ours offers some nice features. But I always wonder what you do in such a case if something breaks in the meantime. Most structural things are still under warranty, of course, but what if the child draws on the wallpaper or scratches the stairs or something like that.

That’s true, and a few more months lead time to plan a move are also not bad for the buyers. Maybe that really would be an option. But then we would have to find a construction company that works reliably and if something goes wrong, we’d have to store our things and rent somewhere temporarily after all. :O

How did you manage the transition there? With a notarized contract, shouldn’t you be able to bring the amount as equity for a new financing, even if no money has yet been transferred?