ᐅ Review of Detailed Drawings Before Signing the House Purchase Contract

Hello,

we are considering buying an end-terrace house from Werner Wohnbau. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to see any details before signing the contract. For example, verbally, Werner Wohnbau told us that the design includes a green sloped roof. However, there does not seem to be a planting plan for this, and the documents submitted to the notary only contain a general building description that does not mention the green roof at all. Additionally, the standard fittings are quite basic (the planned home office has only one power outlet), and apparently, the complete list of optional features with prices is only provided after the contract is signed.

So my question is: Is it normal to buy a “pig in a poke” like this? I am really unsure whether all developers are this non-transparent.

Thank you very much for your advice!

Best regards
catty2203

Hello,

catty2203 schrieb:

Unfortunately, we are not allowed to see the details before signing the contract. For example, we were verbally told that the design includes a green mono-pitched roof. However, there doesn’t seem to be a planting plan for it.

You don’t actually need a detailed plan for that; the roof area is known, and a company that knows what it’s doing will handle the planting. It’s more important to know whether it will be an intensive or extensive green roof.

catty2203 schrieb:

So my question is whether it’s normal to buy a pig in a poke like this?

No; I would strongly advise against it!

catty2203 schrieb:

Right now, I’m really unsure if all developers are this unclear in their communication.

No.

Best regards, Bauexperte

Thank you, Bauexperte, for your feedback!

I hope that it is extensive greenery. Thanks for the note—I will follow up on that to make sure it’s not going to turn into intensive perennial planting suddenly….

I have a question about the notary as well ops: Do we have to use the notary appointed by the builder, or do we have the freedom to choose our own? I’m just curious because the purchase contract is handled by a notary who is really not nearby.

You don’t *have* to, but the seller doesn’t *have* to sell to you either.

Since these are terraced houses, the seller probably doesn’t want to deal with numerous contracts from different notaries; they likely prefer to handle everything through their own notary as a standard procedure.

I assume you will be paying for the notary, so usually you can decide. Just ask and find out.

There is no such thing as: whoever buys gets to decide, or whoever sells sets the rules. This is a common misconception!

Buyers and sellers must agree on a notary. In reality, this means the seller usually has the upper hand, since the buyer wants something. Ultimately, however, it does not matter which notary verifies the personal details; that is all they do. The notary is also obligated to both parties. This ensures that no one is taken advantage of.

Best regards, Bauexperte
Bauexperte