Property Payments to Germany: EUR Transfers, Notary Basics, FX & Timing

The essentials buyers actually care about

Currency: closings are typically settled in EUR. Paying in euro keeps pricing transparent and avoids mid-route conversion. Rail:SEPA to a German IBAN is the natural choice for deposits and the purchase price; SWIFT is used mainly when your sending bank can’t originate SEPA or when funds start in a non-EUR currency and you do a one-step conversion before dispatch.

Where the money sits and why timing matters

German property deals are coordinated by a notary (Notar). Depending on the arrangement, funds may be sent directly to the seller’s account or to a notary-controlled account for safe release. Either way, value date and posting window matter: send early on the day and keep a short, exact payment reference that mirrors the statement’s wording so booking is immediate.

Explore our full range of global services

FX without headaches

If your base currency isn’t EUR, you have two simple options: (1) pre-convert to EUR at a transparent rate and send SEPA; or (2) convert at your bank right before dispatch and send SWIFT/EUR. The winning approach is the one that makes the net amount on the closing statement clear and leaves no room for “shortfall after fees”.

Payment mechanics that keep closings on schedule

SEPA speed: euro credits often post T+0/T+1 subject to cut-offs. References: keep the remittance line short (e.g., statement ID and property address/unit). Proofs: share the SEPA end-to-end ID in the same email thread as the statement so the receiving side can confirm posting quickly.

What to budget beyond the price

Buyers usually plan for additional line items such as notary and land-register fees, purchase-tax obligations set at state level, building/association fees where relevant, and banking/FX costs. A concise, consolidated statement that shows currency per line and who bears bank charges prevents last-minute top-ups.

Closing-week flow that feels calm

Reconfirm beneficiary details and cut-offs; keep currency and fee wording consistent across all emails and statements; send in the morning and share proof immediately; if timing is tight, consider scheduling the value date for the business day before handover to avoid stress.

Common blockers — and easy fixes

Mixed currency signals. Decide on EUR early and keep it consistent everywhere.

Unclear fee model. If a full on-account amount is required, agree on who covers bank charges; avoid surprises on the day.

Overlong remittance text. Short and exact references reconcile faster than narratives.

Cut-off misses. Early transmission beats Monday edge cases every time.

Simple checklist

1) EUR as settlement currency; 2) SEPA as preferred rail; 3) short reference aligned with the statement; 4) proof shared on send; 5) one consolidated statement listing any extra fees and who bears them.

Looking for a safe money transfer? Click here to connect with our experts

Why clients choose us

VelesClub Int. keeps German property payments clean and on time: currency-matched rails, readable references and timing aligned to handover. Together with UNIBROKER, we support secure international transfers and dependable closing workflows in Germany and beyond.