Whether when purchasing real estate, arranging financing or in the event of inheritance – you need a current land register extract in many situations. Contrary to what is often assumed, however, not everyone can obtain one without further ado: the responsible authority is the land registry office, the fees are legally established nationwide, and anyone who is not registered as the owner must demonstrate a legitimate interest. We show you step by step where and how to request the extract, what it costs and which documents you should have ready.
What is a land register extract – and which variants are available?
A land register extract is a copy of the land register folio relating to a specific property. Among other things, it documents ownership, third-party rights and registered land charges or mortgages. For the method of obtaining it, the most important factor is the form in which you need the extract:
- Unauthenticated (ordinary) extract: a simple copy or printout of the current land register status. This version is generally sufficient for your own information or an initial overview.
- Official (certified) printout: bears a certification notice and is legally binding. Banks, notaries and courts usually require this form – and often a printout that is as current as possible and no more than three to six months old.
The exact contents of the land register are a topic in their own right. Here, we are concerned solely with how to obtain the extract.
Who may apply for a land register extract?
The land register is not a public register that anyone may consult at will. Under Section 12 GBO, inspection is permitted only to anyone who demonstrates a legitimate interest. This exists if you have an objective, comprehensible reason – mere curiosity or a neighbour’s interest are expressly insufficient.
The following may obtain access without special proof:
- Owners: you only need to identify yourself with your identity card.
- Notaries, courts and authorities: they are privileged by virtue of their office.
By contrast, the following, for example, must demonstrate their legitimate interest separately:
- Prospective buyers: usually by means of written authorisation or the owner’s consent, often also through a specific draft purchase agreement.
- Creditors: for example, with an enforcement title or proof of the outstandingClaim.
- Heirs: via a certificate of inheritance or a will with a probate opening record.
- Estate agents: via a power of attorney from the owner.
Incidentally, a mere tenancy does not in itself establish a right of inspection.
Applying for a Land Register Extract: Step by Step
Step 1: Identify the competent land registry office
The land registers are maintained by the local courts (§ 1 GBO). The competent authority is the land registry office at the local court in whose district the property is located—not at your place of residence. Baden-Württemberg is an exception, with responsibility organized centrally by the state; there, the application is submitted via the state justice portal.
Step 2: Clearly identify the property
To enable the office to find the correct land register folio, provide details as precise as possible: the name of the registered owner, the full address and—if known—the land register folio number, cadastral district, and parcel and lot number.
Step 3: Demonstrate a legitimate interest
Include the appropriate supporting documents with your application (see above) or briefly and objectively explain why you require access. A copy of an identity document is sufficient for owners.
Step 4: Submit the application and choose the format
Submit the application in person, in writing or—where possible—online. Specify whether you want an uncertified or an official (certified) copy.
Step 5: Pay the fee and receive the extract
You will receive the extract after paying the fee. For data-protection reasons, the offices generally send it by post.
Where can I obtain the land register extract? An overview of the options
- In person at the land registry office: Inspection on site is free of charge; a printout to take away costs extra.
- In writing by post or fax: An informal application with the property details and proof of legitimate interest is sufficient.
- Online: In several federal states, the application can be submitted via an online form or a justice portal.
- Through a notary: Practical if you already have a notary appointment scheduled—the notary can retrieve the extract directly.
- Through commercial online services: Private providers obtain the extract for a significant surcharge.
Be cautious with private portals: They advertise prominently but charge many times the official fee. For the official copy, You can almost always get it cheaper yourself from the land registry office.
How much does a land register extract cost?
The fees are set nationwide in the cost schedule of the Court and Notary Costs Act (Annex 1 GNotKG):
- Uncertified printout: 10 euros (No. 17000 GNotKG).
- Official (certified) printout: 20 euros (No. 17001 GNotKG).
- Personal inspection on site: free of charge.
No additional document fee is charged. Commercial online services, on the other hand, often charge 25 to 30 euros or more on top – for the same official document.
Advantages and disadvantages: directly through the office or via a service provider?
- Advantage of the office – costs: You pay only the statutory fee of 10 or 20 euros.
- Advantage of the office – legal certainty: The official printout comes directly from the responsible authority.
- Disadvantage of the office – effort: You must identify the responsible court yourself and prove your legitimate interest.
- Advantage of the service provider – convenience: Application in just a few minutes, without researching the court.
- Disadvantage of the service provider – costs: significantly more expensive than applying directly.
- Disadvantage of the service provider – limitations: A service provider can obtain the extract for you only if a legitimate interest exists.
FAQ about applying for a land register extract
Can I apply for a land register extract online?
Partly, yes. Several federal states offer online forms or justice portals; Baden-Württemberg, for example, offers a central digital access point. Otherwise, fully automated online retrieval is primarily available to notaries, authorities and courts. Private portals do allow online orders, but they are significantly more expensive.
How long does it take to receive the extract?
For a written application, you usually need to allow a few working days to around two weeks, depending on the workload of the land registry office. In person, it is often immediate.
Can I obtain a land register extract for someone else’s property?
Only if you can prove a legitimate interest – for example, as a prospective buyer with the owner’s power of attorney or as a creditor with an enforceable title. Without such a reason, you will not be granted access.
How current does the extract need to be for the bank?
For financing, banks generally require a current, official extract. It is customary that it should not be more than three to six months old. If in doubt, ask According to your bank.
How do inspection of the land register and an extract from the land register differ?
Inspection means viewing the land register on site and is free of charge. The extract is a written copy to take with you – either an uncertified or an official printout – and costs a fee.
Conclusion: The fastest way to obtain an extract from the land register
You can obtain the most affordable and secure extract from the land register directly from the land registry office of the local court in whose district the property is located. As the owner, your ID is sufficient; everyone else must demonstrate a legitimate interest. Expect to pay 10 euros for the standard printout and 20 euros for the official printout. Commercial services handle the research for you, but cost noticeably more – they cannot replace a legitimate interest either.