Guide · Property Developers
Choosing a property developer
References, financial standing, contract – how to check a developer before buying.
Key points
- Define the required outcome before approaching providers
- Verify qualifications and relevant experience
- Compare written scope, responsibilities and extra costs
- Keep decisions and key evidence documented
Look at references
Visit completed projects and, if possible, talk to earlier buyers about deadlines and how defects were handled.
Check the company
A commercial register extract and the licence under § 34c GewO tell you about the company. Ask how long it has been active.
Get the contract early
The notary generally has to give consumers the draft contract two weeks before notarisation. Use this time for an independent review.
Checklist
- Objective and constraints written down
- Comparable proposals reviewed
- Qualifications and references checked
- Scope, timing and fees agreed
- Change process and contact person identified
Common mistakes
- Choosing on price alone
- Accepting an unclear scope
- Using unrelated references as proof of suitability
Frequently asked questions
How many proposals should I compare?
Two or three genuinely comparable proposals are often more useful than many offers with different assumptions.
Are references proof of quality?
They show experience but do not replace checks of qualifications, contract and suitability for your project.
General editorial information, not individual legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and programmes can change; verify the current position for your case.