Building encumbrance certificate (Baulastenauskunft)

We ask the register of building encumbrances whether your property has an entry.

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A building encumbrance certificate (Baulastenauskunft) states whether a building encumbrance is registered on a property. It is issued by the office that keeps the register, usually at the district or city. We apply with your power of attorney.

Our fixed price
42.90 €
Official fee
15–30 € (included in our price)
Processing time
1–14 days

Who is this for?

  • You are buying, selling or mortgaging a property, and the bank or notary asks about building encumbrances.

How your order works

  1. 1You choose the service and pay the fixed price.
  2. 2You upload your documents and sign the power of attorney online.
  3. 3We file the application with the authority in your name.
  4. 4We follow the application and update you at every step.

Before payment

Only name, email and city.

Required documents

After payment we need

  • Address or land register sheet of the property
  • Cadastral district, section and parcel (if known)
  • Your connection to the property (e.g. owner or buyer)
  • Reason for the legitimate interest
  • Proof of legitimate interest (e.g. proof of ownership, purchase contract or owner's authorisation)
  • Address
  • Copy of ID card or passport
  • Power of attorney (signed online)

Good to know

  • A negative certificate confirms that no encumbrance is registered. Our fixed price covers this certificate.
  • If an encumbrance is registered, the office issues a positive certificate; in Cologne it costs €50 to €150. The higher fee is added at cost.
  • Information is only given with a legitimate interest, for example as owner or with the owner's power of attorney. Bavaria has no such register.

Responsible office

Stelle, die das Baulastenverzeichnis führt (meist Bauaufsicht oder Katasteramt des Kreises oder der Stadt)

Channel to the authority

Online form · Email · Letter · Fax

The result is sent directly to your address.

Legal basis

Bauordnungen der Länder (z. B. § 85 BauO NRW)

Frequently asked questions

Is a building encumbrance shown in the land register?

No. Building encumbrances are kept in their own register, not in the land register.

What is the difference between a negative and a positive certificate?

The negative certificate confirms that nothing is registered. The positive certificate contains the registered encumbrances with text and site plan.

I am the buyer, not the owner – is that possible?

Yes, if you show a legitimate interest, for example with the owner's power of attorney. The office decides.

Do I have to go to the authority myself for "Building encumbrance certificate (Baulastenauskunft)"?

No. With your power of attorney we file the application with the responsible office (Stelle, die das Baulastenverzeichnis führt (meist Bauaufsicht oder Katasteramt des Kreises oder der Stadt)).

How long does it take?

Usually 1 to 14 days, depending on the authority.

Is the official fee included in the price?

Yes. You pay one fixed price and the official fee is already included.

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What we do and what we don't

  • We fill in applications based on your details, file them and follow them up.
  • We give no legal or tax advice and do not assess chances of success.
  • We are a private service, not a public authority.
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