TLDR Berlin Signpost

What does "Makler" mean in English?

Last updated on 10 April 2024

Makler, literally translated as “broker” or “agent” in English, is a term commonly encountered in the German real estate market.

What is “Makler”?

A Makler in Germany is a real estate agent who facilitates the buying, selling, or renting of properties. They act as intermediaries between property owners and potential buyers or tenants, offering services such as property listings, viewings, and assistance with the legal aspects of real estate transactions. In Germany, the role of a Makler is particularly significant due to the complex nature of the property market, especially in cities like Berlin where the demand for housing often exceeds supply.

More information about “Makler”

Maklers can specialize in residential or commercial properties and are compensated through a commission, known as “Maklergebühr” or “Provision”, which is a percentage of the property sale price or rental agreement. Recent changes in German law have aimed to regulate the distribution of these fees between buyers and sellers to ensure fairness. Additionally, there are two main types of Maklers: those who assist with property sales and those who help with rentals. The services and fees of a Makler can vary significantly, making it important for clients to clarify these aspects before engaging their services.

Here are some additional terms that are related to Makler:

  • Maklergebühr: The commission or fee paid to a Makler for their services, typically a percentage of the sale price or rental agreement.
  • Provision: Another term for Maklergebühr, emphasizing the payment aspect of the Makler’s service.
  • Immobilienmakler: Specifically refers to a real estate agent, highlighting their role in property transactions.
  • Bestellerprinzip: A legal principle regulating who pays the Makler’s commission in rental agreements, typically requiring the landlord to bear the cost.

Understanding the role and services of a Makler is crucial for anyone looking to navigate the German real estate market, whether buying, selling, or renting properties.

Sources

[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/berlin/comments/ts8qtx/my_incomplete_berlin_makler_experiences/?rdt=42953 [2] https://hypofriend.de/en/Maklergebuehr.fhd [3] https://frankfurt-expat.com/2017/07/25/real-estate-agents-the-makler/ [4] https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095744328 [5] https://www.vergleich.de/immobilienmakler.html [6] https://www.juraforum.de/lexikon/makler [7] https://allaboutberlin.com/glossary/Provision [8] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/17m5d82/role_of_hausverwaltung_and_makler_in_flat_search/ [9] https://www.evernest.com/de/ratgeber/immobilienmakler/maklervertrag/ [10] https://www.evernest.com/de/unsere-makler/ [11] https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/sjgbdf/legality_of_asking_for_commission_provision_for/ [12] https://www.iamexpat.de/housing/real-estate-news/new-german-law-partially-relieves-house-buyers-real-estate-agent-fees [13] https://www.rosepartner.de/en/lawfirm-germany-lawyer-brokerage-law-commission.html [14] https://www.service.bremen.de/dienstleistungen/permission-according-to-34c-of-the-trade-regulations-gewo-172892?reg=verfahren [15] https://se-legal.de/real-estate-lawyer-in-germany/real-estate-license-germany/?lang=en [16] https://hypofriend.de/en/real-estate-commission-law-berlin.afb [17] https://hypofriend.de/en/step-by-step-guide-how-to-sell-your-property-in-germany.add [18] https://www.iamexpat.de/housing/german-housing-market/real-estate-agents-germany [19] https://www.von-poll.com/en [20] https://www.bergen-realestate.com/services/