Every inheritance is different. However, the process of taking ownership of inherited property in Germany often involves a number of common steps.

Establishing Your Status as an Heir

Before any decisions can be made regarding the property, it is usually necessary to establish who has inherited the estate and in what shares. Where several individuals inherit together, each heir's share of the estate must be determined.

Depending on the circumstances, proof of inheritance may be provided through:

• A German Certificate of Inheritance (Erbschein)
• A notarised will together with the official court record of its opening
• A European Certificate of Succession
• Other documentation accepted by the relevant authorities

Assessing the Estate and the Property

Before deciding what to do with the property, it is often advisable to obtain a clear picture of the estate as a whole. 

This may include:

• Determining ownership structures
• Reviewing mortgages or other encumbrances
• Assessing the condition of the property
• Establishing the property's approximate market value
• Reviewing ongoing costs and obligations

Coordinating with Co-Heirs

Where multiple heirs inherit together, important decisions generally require coordination among the members of the community of heirs.

Questions frequently arise regarding:

• Continued ownership
• Property management
• Renovation or maintenance
• Rental of the property
• Distribution of expenses
• Sale of the property

Registration in the German Land Registry

Although ownership generally passes automatically upon death under German law, the change in ownership must usually be reflected in the German land registry (Grundbuch).

Depending on the circumstances, this may require the submission of inheritance documents and other supporting records. Registration is often an important step before a future sale or transfer can take place.

Deciding Whether to Keep, Transfer, or Sell the Property

Once ownership has been clarified and the legal requirements have been addressed, heirs must decide how the property should be dealt with. The most appropriate solution depends on the family's objectives, the nature of the property, and the circumstances of the heirs involved.

Common options include:

• Retaining the property as an investment
• Using the property personally
• Transferring ownership within the family
• Selling the property
• Dividing the proceeds among several heirs

Administration and Practical Matters

In addition to legal issues, practical matters often require attention.

These may include:

• Insurance
• Utility contracts
• Property taxes
• Maintenance and repairs
• Security of vacant properties
• Estate clearance and disposal of contents