1. Falling in love with the first object. View at least 5–7 apartments before deciding. Otherwise you lack comparables — and pay emotionally instead of rationally.
2. Underestimating side costs. Land-transfer tax (3.5%), registration (1.1%), notary (1–2%), agent commission (3% + VAT) — 10% on top of the price.
3. No professional surveyor. For houses and Altbau apartments, bring a surveyor. €400–800 often saves €50k+ in later renovation costs.
4. Viewing without financing confirmation. Sellers and agents don't take you seriously. Get a written bank confirmation before serious searches.
5. Not reading building accounts. Disputes, deferred maintenance, special levies of €30k — all in the last 3 years of minutes.
6. Revealing your max price too early. Never tell the listing agent your maximum. That becomes the negotiation floor — keep your powder dry. That's my job.