Synopsis

Property Brochure - A property brochure is a detailed sales document for a property that systematically compiles all relevant information-such as a property description, photos, floor plans, location details, energy performance ratings, and pricing-and serves as the primary basis for decision-making for prospective buyers.

What exactly is a property brochure?

The real estate exposé is the most important marketing tool when selling or renting a property. It compiles all decision-relevant information about a property into a professionally designed document and serves as the property’s “business card.” The term originates from French (exposer = to present, to display) and is also spelled “Exposee” in the German real estate industry.

A complete property brochure typically contains the following components: a concise property description with details on the year of construction, living area, lot size, and number of rooms; high-quality interior and exterior photos; true-to-scale floor plans; a location description with information on local amenities; the energy performance certificate and its key metrics; the asking price; and supplementary documents such as the declaration of division or an overview of maintenance fees for condominiums.

Legally, since the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), continued by the Building Energy Act (GEG), the seller is required to include key energy performance indicators in the real estate listing and thus also in the property description. These include the type of energy performance certificate, the energy performance rating, the building’s year of construction, the type of heating system, and the energy efficiency class. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 15,000 euros.

The property brochure can be created as a digital PDF, an interactive online presentation, or a printed document. In current practice, the digital version dominates, distributed via real estate portals, email, or the agent’s website. High-quality printed brochures are used as a supplement for exclusive properties or during in-person viewings.

Quality Features of a Professional Property Brochure

A compelling property brochure is characterized by several quality features. The photos should be taken by a professional real estate photographer under optimal lighting conditions. Wide-angle shots convey a realistic sense of space, while drone photos effectively showcase the location and the property. Floor plans should be furnished and include dimensions so that prospective buyers can visualize the layout.

The property description should be factual yet appealing and highlight both the facts and the unique features of the property. Exaggerations or euphemistic language are counterproductive, as they erode trust and, in the worst case, can lead to legal liability. Every statement in the property brochure must be truthful, as inaccurate information can be considered fraudulent misrepresentation.

Component	Quality Feature
Photos	Professional, natural light, wide-angle, drone
Floor Plan	Furnished, scaled, north arrow
Description	Factual, complete, legally compliant
Energy data	Mandatory GEG information included
Location information	Public transportation, schools, infrastructure

Property Listings and Liability Law: What Sellers Need to Know

Legally, a property listing is not merely a non-binding advertising tool but can have contractual implications. According to the case law of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH), information in the property listing may be considered warranted characteristics if it is essential to the purchase decision. If, for example, the listing specifies a living area that deviates significantly from the actual area, the buyer may demand a price reduction or compensation-even if the purchase contract does not contain an explicit guarantee.

The specification of living space is particularly sensitive. It should be calculated in accordance with the Living Space Ordinance (WoFlV). Rooms with sloped ceilings are included only proportionally, and balconies and terraces are included at a maximum of 50%. Errors frequently arise when older construction drawings are adopted without verification or when basements, storage rooms, or basement-equivalent spaces are incorrectly reported as living space.

We recommend including a note in the property listing regarding living space figures stating that these are approximate and that the actual area should be determined by an expert prior to signing the contract-especially for older properties without current surveying documents.

Digital Property Listing vs. Print Property Listing: When Each Makes Sense

In the digital age, online property listings on portals such as ImmobilienScout24 or Immowelt are the first point of contact with potential buyers. They make it possible to quickly reach a broad target audience and qualify interested parties with a single click. Virtual 360° tours and interactive floor plans complement the digital listing and allow for an initial viewing from the comfort of one’s sofa.

Print listings still have their place, however-especially for upscale properties aimed at an exclusive buyer demographic. A high-quality glossy print on 170-gsm paper conveys value and leaves a lasting impression. We use print brochures specifically for initial viewings so that prospective buyers have all relevant information at their fingertips after the appointment and can discuss it with their family at their leisure.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In the Nuremberg metropolitan region, a professional brochure is a clear advantage given the highly competitive market. Those selling in neighborhoods like Johannis, Gostenhof, or the Südstadt encounter discerning buyers who compare numerous listings. Here, the quality of the property brochure often determines whether a viewing even takes place.

We recommend that owners invest in professional photos and a clear floor plan before the brochure is created. Our network in Nuremberg and Franconia supports this process with experienced real estate photographers and floor plan service providers. Especially for older existing properties in areas like Ziegelstein, Buchenbühl, or Altenfurt, a high-quality property listing can make the decisive difference in how potential buyers perceive the property.

For sellers in Nuremberg’s Old Town or with historically protected properties, we also recommend including historical background information and renovation chronicles in the property brochure-this builds trust and appeals to buyers who appreciate the cultural value of such properties. For condominiums, current maintenance fee statements and the amount of the maintenance reserve should also be attached to the property brochure: Banks and informed buyers now expect this information as standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information must be included in the property brochure?

Mandatory information is primarily required by the Building Energy Act (GEG): The type of energy certificate, energy rating, year of construction, heating type, and energy efficiency class must be included in every commercial real estate listing and thus in the property brochure. In addition, the purchase price, living area, lot size, number of rooms, and location should be specified. For condominiums, the monthly maintenance fees and any special assessments are also relevant information.

Who prepares the property brochure?

In most cases, the commissioned real estate agent prepares the property brochure as part of their marketing services. Private sellers can create the brochure themselves, but should ensure it includes professional photos and complete details. There are also specialized service providers who prepare property brochures for private sellers for a fee, including photography, floor plan creation, and copywriting.

How much does a professional property brochure cost?

If the property brochure is created by the agent as part of the brokerage agreement, there are generally no separate costs. Private sellers who commission individual services should expect the following approximate costs: professional real estate photos starting at approximately 200 to 500 euros, floor plan creation starting at approximately 50 to 150 euros per floor, and text creation starting at approximately 150 to 300 euros. A complete package typically costs between 500 and 1,200 euros.

Can an inaccurate property listing have legal consequences?

Yes. Inaccurate or misleading information in the property listing can be considered fraudulent misrepresentation under Section 123 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and give the buyer the right to rescind the purchase agreement. Particularly critical are incorrect living space measurements, concealed defects, and inaccurate information regarding the usability of rooms (e.g., a basement declared as living space). We therefore carefully review all information before publication and, in case of doubt, point out ambiguities rather than including an uncertain statement in the property listing.

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