In 2026, Saxony is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in eastern Germany. Especially in Leipzig and Dresden, a growing population, limited supply and renewed demand are coming together – a favorable moment for owners who want to sell. We show you how to benefit from the boom in Saxony’s metropolitan areas, what you need to consider regarding price, taxes and documents, and how to sell without paying a commission, without giving up half the broker’s fee.
The Real Estate Market in Saxony in 2026: Leipzig and Dresden as Driving Forces
Saxony is a market of contrasts. While parts of the rural area are struggling with emigration and stagnating prices, the two major cities attract people year after year – and with them, demand for housing.
Leipzig, with around 620,000 inhabitants, is Saxony’s largest city and continues to grow by approximately 5,000 people per year. This dynamic keeps the market moving: In 2026, condominiums are offered at an average of around 3,260 euros per square meter, and houses at approximately 3,860 euros. Renovated old-building apartments in sought-after districts such as Waldstraßenviertel or Südvorstadt achieve top prices of over 6,300 euros per square meter.
Dresden follows with a good 570,000 inhabitants and a stable growth forecast: By 2040, the city expects a further increase to around 588,000 inhabitants, mainly due to the influx of skilled workers around semiconductor, science and research locations. In terms of prices, the state capital is slightly ahead of Leipzig: In 2026, condominiums cost an average of approximately 3,370 euros per square meter, and houses around 3,630 euros. As early as the first quarter of 2025, asking prices for existing apartments in Dresden had risen by 3.1 percent – significantly more than the nationwide average.
There are also bright spots beyond the metropolitan areas: In 2025, Chemnitz was European Capital of Culture and brought noticeable attention and investment to the region. Anyone selling in Chemnitz, the Ore Mountains or the Zwickau district benefits from this tailwind – albeit at a lower price level than in Leipzig or Dresden.
Why Selling in 2026 Is Particularly Worthwhile
After two cautious years, the Saxon market is showing clear signs of recovery in 2026. The land market report of the state capital Dresden records around 5,080 transactions for 2025 – an increase in the second year in Next. The transaction volume was approximately 1.92 billion euros. Particularly noteworthy: For newly built condominiums, the number of sales increased by around 75 percent; in total, approximately 3,910 condominiums changed hands – 18 percent more than in the previous year.
For sellers, this means: Demand has returned, and well-maintained properties in good locations are once again finding buyers quickly. Market observers consider moderate price growth of two to four percent per year realistic for Leipzig and Dresden in 2026 – driven by stable demand, limited supply, and normalizing financing conditions. Anyone wishing to sell therefore does not have to wait for the upswing but can actively take advantage of it.
Sell without commission: How to save half the agent’s fee
A booming market attracts many estate agents – but hiring one is not necessary. You may sell your property in Saxony privately and therefore without commission at any time. The only legally mandatory step is notarization of the purchase contract (Section 311b of the German Civil Code).
Why this saves sellers real money is shown by the legal situation regarding agents’ commissions: Since December 23, 2020, the principle of shared costs has applied to apartments and single-family homes sold to consumers. If the seller commissions an estate agent, they may pass on no more than half of the commission to the buyer – in any event, they must bear their own share themselves (Section 656c of the German Civil Code). Around 3 percent plus VAT is customary, i.e. approximately 3.57 percent per party.
Without an estate agent, this share is eliminated. An example calculation: If you sell an apartment in Dresden for 350,000 euros, you as a private seller can quickly save more than 12,000 euros in commission. This is exactly where we at TraumImmo come in: Through our meta-search engine, you can reach purchase-ready prospective buyers throughout Saxony without paying a single cent in commission.
Process: Six steps to selling in Saxony
Step 1: Determine a realistic price
Use the standard land values published by Saxony’s expert committees, current comparable listings in your district, and – if necessary – a brief valuation report as a guide. Particularly in Leipzig and Dresden, location and renovation condition have a major impact on the price per square meter.
Step 2: Compile the documents
Gather the land register extract, energy performance certificate, Floor plan and area calculation. For condominiums, the declaration of division, the latest minutes of the owners’ meeting and the budget plan are also required.
Step 3: Create an informative sales brochure
Good photos, a floor plan and honest key facts are essential. Do not conceal any defects – the duty to disclose protects you against subsequent claims for damages.
Step 4: Advertise without commission
Place your offer where buyers in Saxony search. The key figures required in the energy performance certificate must already be included in the advertisement.
Step 5: Viewings and buyer screening
Allow sufficient time and ask to see a financing confirmation from the bank before accepting the offer. This prevents the sale from falling through shortly before the notary appointment.
Step 6: Notary appointment and handover
The notary drafts and notarizes the purchase agreement and arranges the land register entry. At the key handover, a record listing all meter readings is helpful.
Costs and taxes when selling in Saxony
A private sale is not entirely free of costs – and you should be aware of some items because they affect the achievable price:
- Real estate transfer tax: In Saxony, the rate has been 5.5 percent since January 1, 2023 (previously 3.5 percent), placing it in the upper range among the federal states (steuern.sachsen.de). Although it is paid by the buyer, it increases their total budget – factor this into your pricing strategy.
- Energy performance certificate: Under the German Building Energy Act (GEG), you must present it no later than at the viewing and hand it over to the buyer.
- Notary and land register costs: These are usually borne by the buyer.
- Early repayment compensation: If a real estate loan is still running, the bank may demand compensation for early repayment.
- Speculation tax: If you sell within the ten-year period and have not occupied the property yourself, the profit may be taxable (Section 23 EStG).
Advantages and disadvantages of selling during Saxony’s boom
- Advantage – high demand: In Leipzig and Dresden, you will encounter many buyers ready to purchase, which favors short marketing periods and stable prices.
- Advantage – commission savings: Selling without commission saves you as the owner your own Several thousand euros as the agent’s share.
- Advantage – Control: You set the price, dates and negotiations yourself and know your property best.
- Disadvantage – Price variation: There are worlds between metropolitan and rural areas. A flat square-metre price is misleading – assess the property in detail according to its location.
- Disadvantage – Time required: Marketing, viewings and negotiations require a noticeable amount of time and organisation.
- Disadvantage – Legal diligence: Mistakes in the property brochure, disclosure of defects or purchase contract can become expensive.
FAQ on selling property in Saxony
How high is the real estate transfer tax in Saxony?
The rate is uniformly 5.5 percent of the purchase price and has applied throughout the Free State since 1 January 2023 – regardless of whether you are selling in Leipzig, Dresden or Pirna. The buyer pays the tax.
Do I have to hire an estate agent when selling?
No. There is no obligation to involve an estate agent. You can sell your property in Saxony privately without paying commission. The only mandatory requirement is notarisation of the purchase contract.
How do I find the right selling price in Leipzig or Dresden?
Combine several sources: the standard land values issued by the responsible expert committee, current comparable listings in your neighbourhood and, if necessary, a short valuation report. Since prices vary greatly depending on location and state of renovation, you should compare properties on as local a basis as possible.
When does speculation tax apply to a sale?
If less than ten years have passed between purchase and sale and you have not lived in the property yourself, the capital gain may be taxable under Section 23 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG). In the case of continuous owner-occupation, the tax generally does not apply.
How long does a property sale take in Saxony?
In the sought-after areas of Leipzig and Dresden, a realistic price often leads to a quick sale. Nevertheless, you should allow around three to six months from preparation to handover of the keys – good preparation noticeably shortens this period.
Conclusion: Take advantage of Saxony’s upswing yourself
Saxony offers good conditions for a successful sale in 2026 – provided you assess your property on a local level and set the price according to its specific location. In Leipzig and Dresden, growing populations and renewed increases in demand are ensuring stable to rising prices, while rural areas require greater sensitivity. Those who prepare the documents early puts everything together, thoroughly vets the buyer, and sells commission-free via TraumImmo, retaining control of the process – and saving half the estate agent’s commission.