Ten common mistakes when selling a property
Problems in a property sale often arise from details that were never clarified and from decisions taken under time pressure. The following ten points are a working list for your preparation, not a claim that every sale carries the same risks.
1. Setting the price purely on the figure you have in mind
Justify where you set the price with suitable comparable data and with the condition of the specific property.
2. Starting to look for documents only after the first offer
Gather the available documents early and flag any details that are missing or contradictory.
3. Leaving known defects out of the presentation
Describe the property factually and have it clarified what information is required in your particular case.
4. Taking floor areas or rights at face value
Compare the details in the listing against the plans and the legal allocation, particularly for ancillary areas.
5. Promising advantages you cannot substantiate
Terms such as provisionsfrei (commission-free), baubewilligt (building permit granted) or bestandsfrei (free of tenancies) need a sound basis. The absence of an entry is not proof.
6. Letting photos and information drift apart
Use current, verifiable images and avoid any depiction that misrepresents what is actually being sold.
7. Handling enquiries without clear responsibility
Decide who answers, which documents are made available and how appointments are recorded.
8. Comparing offers on the figure alone
Also check the terms, the financing and the further steps envisaged.
9. Underestimating the effect of declarations
Have the legal consequences explained before you give a binding commitment, and have important agreements reviewed.
10. Agreeing handover and costs too late
Plan the contract process, any taxes that may arise, the handover of keys and the documentation in good time.
A specific question about your property?