Auflassungsvormerkung
Priority Notice of Conveyance. The land-registry entry protecting the buyer between signing and ownership transfer: once registered, the seller cannot validly sell to anyone else or encumber the property against you.
It's the reason German purchases don't need title insurance: after the Vormerkung, even a fraudulent second sale or a seller insolvency cannot displace your claim to ownership.
The notary registers it immediately after signing and confirms it before your money flows: one of several payment preconditions (Fälligkeitsvoraussetzungen) in the standard contract.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Auflassungsvormerkung?
A priority notice entered in the land register that reserves your claim to ownership between notarisation and final transfer. It blocks the seller from selling or encumbering the property to anyone else in the meantime.
How long does registration of the priority notice take?
From a few days to several weeks depending on the land registry office. The purchase price only becomes due once the notary confirms registration, so delays are not at your cost.
What does the priority notice cost?
Half a fee under the GNotKG, based on the purchase price, so a little over €400 on a €400,000 purchase. It is already contained in the usual 2% for notary and land registry.
When is the priority notice removed?
It is discharged once ownership is transferred to you and is deleted as part of the closing process. The notary handles it, there is nothing for the buyer to do.