Property details

Property data refers to all factual information that uniquely describes a property and is required for its marketing or legal documentation. This includes lot size, living area, year of construction, energy performance indicators, features, and legal status. Complete and accurate property data forms the basis of every reputable property listing and the legally required information in real estate advertisements.

What property data must be disclosed?

The GEG and supplementary marketing regulations require real estate providers to include at least the following energy data in commercial advertisements:

• Type of energy performance certificate (demand-based or consumption-based)
• Energy consumption rating or final energy demand in kWh/(m²a)
• Primary energy source of the heating system
• Year of construction of the building
• Energy efficiency class (A+ to H)

In addition, living area and number of rooms are generally mandatory details on popular portals such as ImmobilienScout24, Immowelt, or immonet. Missing energy data can result in fines of up to 15,000 euros.

For condominiums, additional WEG-specific mandatory information applies:

• Monthly maintenance fee
• Amount of the maintenance reserve (total reserve of the WEG)
• Information on the current property management company

Overview of property data categories

Physical data:

• Property area (m²), floor plan, number of rooms
• Living area (according to WoFlV or DIN 277, specify standard!)
• Year of construction, building type, number of floors
• Condition (year of construction of windows, heating system, piping)

Energy data:

• Energy performance certificate: type, value, efficiency class, energy source
• Year of construction of the heating system

Legal data:

• Land registry status (Sections I-III): owner, encumbrances, land charges
• List of building encumbrances (in Bavaria, available from the Building Regulations Office)
• Contaminated sites register (information available from the relevant district office or city administration)
• Historic preservation classification
• Lease agreements and rental terms for rented properties

Financial data:

• Net base rent and advance payment for operating costs
• Maintenance history and renovation backlog
• Annual statement and budget (for condominiums)
• Special assessments (approved or expected)

Property Data in Digital Marketing

In modern real estate marketing, property data is stored in a structured manner in databases and portals. Standard formats such as OpenImmo (XML-based) enable automated data exchange between brokerage software and portals. Careful data maintenance prevents errors in presentation and ensures the listing can be found via search engine filters.

We use professional CRM systems to keep all property data complete and up-to-date. Errors in data maintenance-e.g., incorrect square footage or an expired energy performance certificate-not only lead to legal risks but also significantly undermine the trust of potential buyers.

Property Data and Due Diligence

As part of a real estate purchase, the buyer reviews all essential property data in a due diligence review. In addition to physical data, this includes legal data (land registry extract, list of encumbrances, contaminated sites register) and financial data (current lease agreements, operating cost statements, maintenance history). Inconsistent or missing property data significantly delays the sales process and can damage buyer confidence.

We recommend that sellers gather all relevant documents before marketing begins-this avoids delays once a serious prospective buyer emerges. Missing documents (e.g., construction plans, building permits) can be requested from the building records archive at the municipal building authority.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

Before the sale begins, we recommend that property owners in Nuremberg compile and verify all property data:

• Obtain floor plans from the architect or building authority (available for a fee from the City of Nuremberg’s building records archive)
• Request a current land registry extract (Nuremberg Land Registry Office or online via the Bavaria Service Portal)
• Have the energy performance certificate renewed if it is more than 10 years old
• Compile contractor invoices from the past few years (as proof of maintenance)
• Prepare WEG minutes from the past three to five years (for condominiums)

Well-prepared property data shortens the marketing time and strengthens the seller’s negotiating position-nothing deters prospective buyers faster than missing or contradictory documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I obtain the current land registry extract for my property?

In Bavaria, owners can request a certified extract via the Electronic Land Register (www.bay.justiz.de) or directly from the competent local court. The Nuremberg Local Court is responsible for properties in Nuremberg. The fee for a standard land register extract is currently approximately 10 euros, and for a certified extract approximately 20 euros.

Does the living space in the property details have to be calculated using a specific method?

There is no legal requirement for a specific calculation method in property listings, but the Living Space Ordinance (WoFlV) is the recognized standard for rental properties and condominiums. It is important to specify the standard used in the property description. Discrepancies of more than 10% between the advertised and actual area can have legal consequences-including a challenge to the purchase price.

What happens if the property details in the listing are incorrect?

Incorrect property details can lead to claims for damages, reductions in the purchase price, or even the contesting of the purchase contract. We carefully review all data before publication and notify owners of any discrepancies. In case of doubt, we recommend obtaining an updated floor area calculation or consulting an expert.

Do WEG documents have to be disclosed during a sale?

Prospective buyers of condominiums have a legitimate interest in the latest WEG minutes, the current annual financial statements, and the budget plan. While there is no legal obligation to provide these documents, failure to do so often leads to mistrust and a prolonged sales process. We provide these documents as standard as part of our marketing services.

How do I obtain missing construction plans for my property in Nuremberg?

If building plans or building permit documents are no longer available, they can be requested from the Nuremberg City Building Records Archive (contact: City Planning Office, Lochnerstraße). The archive generally retains building records for Nuremberg properties dating from 1870 onward, provided the originals have been preserved. The costs for archive research and copies range from 30 to 150 euros, depending on the scope; the processing time is typically two to four weeks. For surrounding municipalities-such as Fürth, Erlangen, or Schwabach-the respective municipal building authorities are responsible. In the Nürnberger Land district, responsibility lies with the District Office in Lauf an der Pegnitz. Anyone who needs the building plans for a recalculation of living space should also consider whether a measurement survey by an architect or expert is the more reliable alternative-especially for buildings that have undergone structural changes after the building permit was issued.

Back to the Real Estate Glossary.