Glossary
Grundbuch
Land Registry. Germany's official property register. Ownership only transfers upon registration, and the register enjoys public faith — what's recorded is legally reliable, which is why title insurance doesn't exist in Germany.
Three sections matter: Abteilung I (ownership), Abteilung II (encumbrances — rights of way, usufructs, pre-emption rights, Erbbaurecht), Abteilung III (mortgages/Grundschulden). Always review a current extract before signing.
Between notarisation and final registration (typically 2–4 months), the buyer is protected by the Auflassungsvormerkung — a priority notice blocking any conflicting disposal by the seller.