Municipality's right of first refusal (Vorkaufsrecht) - Apply for a negative certificate (Negativzeugnis)

A Negativzeugnis (certificate of non-exercise) confirms that a municipality does not hold a right of first refusal (Vorkaufsrecht) to purchase a property or does not wish to exercise the right of first refusal. Submitting the Negativzeugnis allows the entry in the land register (Grundbuch) to be completed. Procedure • The contracting parties (seller or buyer) inform the municipality of the content of their purchase contract. • The municipality checks whether a right of first refusal exists and whether it is to be exercised. The right of first refusal can only be exercised within 3 months. • If no right of first refusal exists, or if it is not to be exercised, the municipality issues a Negativzeugnis on this without delay. The right of first refusal is excluded in several cases, e.g. in the case of a sale to spouses, relatives, relatives by marriage, or if the property is built on and used in accordance with the development plan (Bebauungsplan).