Contaminated Sites- and Building Encumbrances Register Extract
Both extracts provide important information about legal and factual encumbrances on a property that are not visible in either the land register or the Liegenschaftskarte. They are essential for property transactions, construction projects, and financing applications, as they can significantly affect the value and usability of a property and are routinely requested by banks.
Services currently available only in Germany
ALTLASTENAUSKUNFT
The Altlastenauskunft provides information about potential contaminations of a property due to hazardous substances. If any contaminations (referred to as "Altlasten") are identified, they are listed in a public register known as the Altlastenkataster.
What's included
- Official extract from the Altlastenkataster indicating any known contaminations on the property.
Special terms & delivery time
- Delivery usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, with possible delays in larger cities due to higher demand.
- Extra administration fees may range from 0 to 50 euros, depending on the authority and the specific property. In some cases, such as for negative attestations, the information may be provided free of charge.
BAULASTENAUSKUNFT
The Baulastenauskunft gives details about any special obligations imposed on the property owner by building authorities, often benefiting a third party. These obligations go beyond general public regulations. The report includes the Baulastenblatt (building obligations document), location plan, and the declaration of building obligations assumed by the property owner.
What's included
- Baulastenblatt (building obligations document)
- Location plan
- Declaration of building obligations
Special terms & delivery time
- Delivery usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, with possible delays in larger cities due to higher demand.
- Extra administration fees may range from 0 to 50 euros, depending on the authority and the specific property. In some cases, such as for negative attestations, the information may be provided free of charge.
KAMPFMITTELAUSKUNFT
The Kampfmittelauskunft provides information on the potential presence of unexploded ordnance or other war-related materials on a property. The report is based on an analysis of aerial photos that document wartime airstrikes and battles.
What's included
- Evaluation of aerial images
- Risk assessment regarding potential unexploded ordnance or war debris on the property
Special terms & delivery time
- The analysis is typically completed within 2 weeks.
- Extra administration fees may vary greatly depending on the location, size, historical use, and planned interventions on the property. Costs typically range between 50 and 600 euros, with higher fees (between 1,500 and 3,500 euros) in certain regions like Bavaria, Thuringia, and Rhineland-Palatinate due to the use of private contractors for aerial analysis.
GEBÄUDEDENKMALSCHUTZ
The Gebäudedenkmalschutz report includes information on whether a property is subject to building or cultural heritage protection. This ensures that any planned construction respects the historical significance of the property.
What's included
- Report on the building's protection status (both building and cultural heritage).
Special terms & delivery time
- Delivery usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, with possible delays in larger cities due to higher demand.
- Extra administration fees may range from 0 to 50 euros, depending on the authority and the specific property. In some cases, such as for negative attestations, the information may be provided free of charge.
BODENDENKMALAUSKUNFT
The Bodendenkmalauskunft focuses on archaeological protections related to a property. This report informs whether the land is under archaeological protection and highlights any restrictions or requirements for construction.
What's included
- Archaeological protection status of the property
- Special conditions for building on the land
Special terms & delivery time
- Delivery times range from 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the municipality and the current workload.
- Extra administration fees may range from 0 to 50 euros, depending on the authority and the specific property. In some cases, such as for negative attestations, the information may be provided free of charge.
Frequently ordered together
Published on
01 April 2025
Latest update on
29 April 2026
The Altlastenauskunft provides information on whether any entries exist in the contaminated sites register (Altlastenkataster) for a specific property.
• Liability: It clarifies whether any soil contamination or "Altlasten" (e.g. from former industrial use or petrol stations) are known. This protects buyers from unexpected remediation costs.
• Security: Banks almost always require this document for a financing application.
• Scope: The extract typically includes information on suspected contaminated sites, harmful soil changes, and any remediation measures already carried out.
The Baulastenauskunft clarifies whether any public law obligations are registered in the building encumbrances register (Baulastenverzeichnis) for a property.
• Content: Building encumbrances are obligations towards the building authority to do, tolerate, or refrain from certain actions (e.g. rights of way or the assumption of setback areas for a neighbouring building).
• Restrictions: Such entries can significantly restrict the buildability or use of a property and therefore directly affect its value.
• Purchase/Financing: Banks almost always require this extract to ensure that no hidden encumbrances jeopardise the security of the financing.
Not always, but they are commonly requested. Altlastenauskunft is essential for any property with industrial history nearby or on a site with potential ground contamination. Baulastenauskunft surfaces obligations attached to the property that don't appear in the Grundbuch but legally bind the owner. Both are part of a thorough due diligence pack.