Where these commercial premises come from
Most commercial premises listed on Bidorado come from forced sales ordered by a German local court (Amtsgericht), often at the request of creditors. Added to these are voluntary sales by real estate auction houses, with a starting price (Mindestgebot) and Exposé, as well as public tenders (Bieterverfahren), where the written bid must arrive before a deadline. Properties range from ground-floor units to office floors, sometimes occupied or rented. Each listing states the seller, the procedure and the available documents. The displayed price is not a starting price but the market value (Verkehrswert) set by appraisal.
Checkpoints before bidding
Read the appraisal (Gutachten): area, condition, occupancy, charges, easements and works. The owner is not obliged to allow viewings, so an on-site visit remains essential when possible. In a forced sale, you bid in person at the court, in German. Bids below 50% of the market value are refused, and below 70% may be refused at a creditor's request. A security deposit of 10% of the market value may be required, never in cash. Always allow for transfer taxes (Grunderwerbsteuer, 3.5% to 6.5% depending on the Land) and land registry (Grundbuch). No VAT on the price.
Award, handover of keys and costs
In a forced sale, there is no buyer's commission or notary: the court pronounces the award (Zuschlag), which transfers the property. In a voluntary sale, a notary is present in the room and a degressive commission, including VAT, is added to the price. The handover of keys follows the procedure: after the award or signature, depending on the case, and an occupied premises may require an eviction procedure. A foreign buyer can purchase without special authorisation. Have the title, current leases and debts checked by a local professional before committing.