Glossary
Kaufnebenkosten
Purchase Costs. The ancillary costs of buying: transfer tax (3.5–6.5%), notary and land registry (~2%), and agent commission (buyer's share typically 2.98–3.57%). Total 8–12% on top of the price — not financeable by German banks.
Foreign buyers routinely underestimate Nebenkosten. On a €400,000 purchase in NRW (6.5% tax), they exceed €40,000 in cash before any equity toward the price itself.
For rented property, transfer tax, notary and buyer's agent fees join the AfA depreciation basis; running Nebenkosten (the tenant-side utility concept shares the name — don't confuse them) are recoverable from tenants.