Katasterauszug (Cadastral Extract)
What is a Katasterauszug?
The term Katasterauszug is the umbrella term for extracts from the German land register (Liegenschaftskataster). These extracts include the cadastral map (Liegenschaftskarte), the property record (Bestandsnachweis) and the parcel and owner record (Flurstücks- und Eigentümernachweis).
In everyday usage, the term Katasterauszug is often used to mean the cadastral map. This is not entirely accurate, as an extract from the land register may also comprise a parcel and owner record, a land record or a property record. Extracts from the Liegenschaftskataster are, in effect, the official extension of the land registry extract (Grundbuchauszug). Properties are shown to scale in map form, while information on location, area, actual use, classification and soil assessment is recorded in the land register book (Liegenschaftsbuch).
How and where can I apply for a cadastral extract?
Online via DocEstate
Directly from the surveying office
Request your cadastral extract online now
What does a cadastral extract cost?
Fee overview
The cadastral map
For easier orientation, street names and house numbers are also listed on the cadastral map. The cadastral district (Gemarkung) is the largest organisational unit of all cadastral records and usually comprises several sub-districts (Fluren). The scale of a cadastral map can vary; scales between 1:500 and 1:5000 are common. As the cadastral map contains no owner data, it can be requested without demonstrating a legitimate interest.
Parcel and owner record
The actual use of the land is also listed in the parcel and owner record according to its area position. It is divided into four main categories — settlement, transport, vegetation and water — which in turn break down into almost 140 subcategories. Optionally, a parcel record including a soil assessment can be requested. Finally, details of registration and ownership are provided.
Property record (Bestandsnachweis)
If the record from the land register book is required for a larger property consisting of several parcels, the property record is usually the more economical option.
Continuation record and boundary certificate
Continuation record (Fortführungsnachweis)
If you own a plot of land, you may wish to enlarge or reduce it. Reasons for this might include a structural extension requiring additional land, or the sale of part of a plot. If a plot is subdivided, a publicly appointed surveyor or the land management authority must be commissioned. Using a subdivision plan, the site is then surveyed on location and the new boundary is marked. The new boundary is subsequently recorded in the land register (Liegenschaftskataster).
Because the data held in the land register and the land registry (Grundbuch) must match, you receive a continuation record (Fortführungsnachweis, formerly known as Veränderungsnachweis). The continuation record documents the state of a parcel before and after its modification and thereby updates both the land register and the land registry. For this change to become legally valid, the changes in ownership are notarised in the presence of the property owners and forwarded to the land registry office for entry.
Boundary certificate (Grenzbescheinigung)
A boundary certificate is frequently required for submission to banks, building societies and other lenders in order to protect against financial risks before further construction loans are paid out. The boundary certificate (also known as Grenzattest) is issued by the cadastral office and confirms that a building has been erected within the defined boundaries of a particular plot, or that an encroachment exists.
The cadastral office issues a boundary certificate only on the basis of a building survey. It is therefore advisable to always apply for the boundary certificate together with the building survey. Applying for a boundary certificate is subject to a fee, charged in accordance with the surveying fees and costs regulations.
FAQs
Who may apply for a cadastral extract?
Parcel maps and parcel records are accessible to every citizen without the need to demonstrate a legitimate interest. Information and extracts containing personal data — such as parcel records with owner details and property records — require proof of a legitimate interest for data protection reasons.
What is the difference between the cadastral office and the land registry office?
The cadastral office (Katasteramt) records all plots of land together with their areas and boundary lines. The official cadastral plan serves as the basis for the land registry (Grundbuch), where ownership is documented.
Why do I need a cadastral map?
Should legal questions or disputes arise regarding ownership, the land registry together with the supplementary cadastral map can be relied upon. Property owners also need the official cadastral map as proof of plot boundaries and of the location of the plot or the buildings erected on it. This is particularly important if you wish to sell your house, for example. A narrow access road, a nearby lake, shops within reach or the distance to neighbouring houses can increase or decrease the value of the plot — and all of these are visible on the cadastral map.
How long is a cadastral map valid?
In theory, a cadastral map is only valid for the date on which it was issued, as the responsible authority can make changes at any time. Banks usually require a cadastral map that is no more than 6 weeks old. The same applies to other official records needed as part of financing, such as the land registry extract, the cadastral map or cadastral information on contaminated sites and building encumbrances.
What distinguishes the property record from the parcel and owner record?
The property record does not merely provide information on a single parcel; it documents all parcels and their details that belong to one property.
How long does it take to receive a cadastral map?
You can easily apply for the cadastral map online via DocEstate. Provision depends on the responsible authority and usually takes just a few days.