Once a property has been selected and all costs are presented, a preliminary contract is usually concluded so that the buyer secures the property and the seller also has security should the buyer change his mind. In this case, the buyer usually pays a deposit of 10% of the purchase price (this can be negotiated differently), which is then taken into account in the notarised purchase agreement.

If the buyer withdraws from the contract, he loses this down payment, if the seller does not perform, the buyer will be refunded the amount paid plus damages in the same amount. A deadline for the signing of the notarised purchase contract is agreed upon in the contract.

Once the notary contract is signed, the purchase taxes must be paid on time (deadline 4 weeks) and the change of ownership is applied for in the land register and cadastre. In contrast to lots of other countries, the buyer is already the owner with the signing of the purchase contract. Registration in the land register is not necessary for this but is always strongly recommended.