# Real Estate Lawyer in Germany (English-Speaking) | voss.legal | voss.legal # Real Estate Lawyer in Germany for international buyers Bought a property in Germany and discovered hidden defects, fraud, or a contract problem? We help buyers recover their money or repair costs — in English, nationwide. Free initial assessment. [Get a free assessment](/kontakt?ref=en-rel-hero) English-speaking Nationwide & online Reply within 24 h ![Real estate lawyer in Germany](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fhero-portrait.webp&w=2048&q=75&dpl=dpl_9krDVhjS16WQuHRUyVYDm7V2Sx76) How we help ## Problems after buying a property in Germany We act for buyers (and sellers) in disputes about the purchase of a house or apartment. ### Hidden defects after purchase Damp, mould, dry rot, a leaking roof or other serious problems that were not visible when you bought. * Defect not recognisable at viewing * Damage worsening since handover * Surveyor confirms a pre-existing issue ### The seller concealed a defect The seller knew about a serious defect and stayed silent — fraudulent concealment under § 123 / § 444 BGB. * Defect painted/plastered over * False statements in the exposé * “sold as seen” does not protect fraud ### Rescission / undoing the purchase You want to reverse the notarised contract and get your money back, including notary, financing and tax costs. * Reverse the purchase contract * Recover the full purchase price * Possible even after the notary appointment ### Damages or price reduction Where rescission is not the goal, you may claim the cost of repair (damages) or a reduction of the purchase price. * Cost of remediation * Reduction of the purchase price * Claims against seller and/or agent [Have your case assessed for free ](/kontakt?ref=en-rel-situation) Your rights as a buyer ## What German law gives you German law protects buyers more strongly than many expect — especially where the seller knew about a defect. ### “Sold as seen” has limits A standard exclusion of liability does not apply where the seller fraudulently concealed a defect or guaranteed a particular condition (§ 444 BGB). ### Time limits matter Defect claims for buildings generally expire 5 years after handover. For fraudulent concealment a 3-year period runs from the end of the year you learned of the defect — act early. ### Burden of proof To prove fraud you must show the defect existed and the seller knew of it. Secure all evidence early: exposé, contract, photos, surveyor reports, correspondence. ##### Secure your evidence early Defect claims can expire and proof gets harder over time. Keep the exposé, purchase contract, photos, any surveyor report and all correspondence, and have your case reviewed promptly. FAQ ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I claim against the seller for hidden defects in Germany? Often yes. If a serious defect existed at handover and was not recognisable at the viewing, you may have claims for rescission, price reduction or damages. The outcome depends on the contract, the type of defect, the time limits and the evidence. We assess this for you free of charge. ### Does a “sold as seen” clause protect the seller? In many cases it excludes the statutory liability for material defects. However, it does not apply if the seller fraudulently concealed the defect (§ 444 BGB) or guaranteed a specific condition. We check whether, and how far, the exclusion holds in your case. ### How long do I have to make a claim? Material defect claims for buildings generally expire 5 years after handover. Where the seller fraudulently concealed the defect, a 3-year period applies, running from the end of the calendar year in which you became aware of the defect and the liable party. Because the exact start date is decisive, a prompt review protects your rights. ### Do I need a lawyer, or is the notary enough? A German notary is neutral and cannot represent your interests against the seller. For a dispute about defects, fraud, or reversing a purchase you need your own lawyer. We act for buyers (and sellers) nationwide in Germany. ### Do you work with international and English-speaking clients? Yes. We advise property buyers in Germany in English, nationwide and online — no office visit required. You send us your documents digitally and we usually respond within 24 hours. ### What does the first assessment cost? The initial assessment of your case is free. You describe your situation through our contact form; we review it and tell you honestly whether and how to proceed before any costs arise. Prefer German? [Zur deutschen Seite →](/immobilienrecht) ## Property problem in Germany? We’ll review your case. Tell us briefly what happened with your purchase. We reply with an honest first assessment — free of charge and usually within 24 hours. [Get a free assessment ](/kontakt?ref=en-rel-bottom)[ Call: +49 421 6103 2770](tel:+4942161032770) [Get a free assessment](/kontakt?ref=en-rel-sticky) --- [Source / HTML version](https://www.voss.legal/en/real-estate-lawyer-germany)