New reporting obligations for real estate purchases: what you need to know now!

New reporting obligations for real estate purchases: what you need to know now!

The real estate landscape in Baden-Württemberg faces major changes that are important not only for buyers and sellers, but also for real estate agents. On July 17, 2025, the money laundering law (GWG) moved back into the spotlight. Under the current conditions, the new reporting requirements for real estate transactions that have been in place since February 17 of this year are a hot topic.

What exactly has changed? The Düsseldorf Chamber of Lawyers gets to the point: The Geldeswäschegesetz-Lecht Regulation for Immobilien (GWGlandtV-Immobilien) was adapted to the amended laws. This applies in particular to the ban on cash payments that came into force in 2023 in the acquisition of real estate. And new reporting acts have also been introduced. Cash, cryptocurrencies as well as precious metals such as gold and platinum may no longer be used as a means of payment when it comes to real estate.

safe transactions thanks to new regulations

According to the changes, all participants in real estate transactions, inclusive notaries and lawyers must submit suspected reports to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). You have to make sure that the due date of the purchase price is no more than a year after the application for registration, provided that there is no understandable reason. These measures are intended to prevent criminals from using the real estate business for money laundering.

But not only the legal requirements have changed, the responsibility for the correct information also remains high. An example of this is a current real estate offer, where the provider is obliged to not only ensure the correctness and completeness of the object information, but also to point out to customers that they are responsible for checking this information themselves - a point that should prevent the risk particularly effectively. According to WohnGlück , the energy consumption ID of the offered object, valid until 2034, is only one of many important documents that need to be provided.

The year of construction of the property, which is dated to 1800, refers to a certain charm that will certainly attract buyers. But here too: Potential buyers should be aware that despite the extensive information obligations of the provider, there is also an obligation to cooperate by the contractual partner. And last but not least, all folders and documents have to be kept for at least five years. These are clear messages that are important not only for the safety of the individual, but for the entire industry.

A look into the future

In summary, it can be said: The new rules increase transparency on the real estate market and minimize the risk of money laundering. This requires everyone involved to know and meet the legal requirements. And so it remains to be seen how these changes will affect purchase and sales activities in the coming years.

It remains exciting how the financing chances and the buyers' view of real estate in Baden-Württemberg develop. Stay informed about the latest developments and trends in the market!