Building Records (Bauakte): Why They Matter and How to Get Them
DocEstate works to obtain building files from the responsible authority and provides them digitally — saving you time, paperwork and administrative effort.
See servicesWhat is a building record?
A building record ("Bauakte") contains the official documentation of a property's construction history. Before construction can begin, a building permit must be submitted to the responsible authority. The building application — along with floor plans, structural analyses, and construction drawings — is filed and updated with every change, creating a comprehensive overview of the property's history. These documents help you understand how a property was planned, approved, and modified over time.
A building record may include:
Building permits
Floor plans
Construction applications
Amendments & approvals
Structural drawings
Site plans
Inspection reports
Tip for homeowners:
Not only the building authority maintains a building file — it is also advisable to keep all documents related to your construction project compiled in a personal file. This is often considerably more comprehensive than the official building file.
When do you need building records?
Buying a property
- Extensions were legally approved
- Floor plans match reality
- No unauthorized construction exists
Inheritance or property management
- Understand building history
- Access existing documentation
- Verify legal construction status
Planning renovations
- Locate existing plans
- Access structural information
- Review previous permits
Neighbors & real estate agents
- Check nearby construction plans
- Obtain demolition cost details
- Verify compliance for clients
Who is allowed to view the building file?
To inspect a building file, you must demonstrate a legitimate interest (berechtigtes Interesse). Without it, the building authority can refuse access — even to prospective buyers.
Land registry extract
Written proof of ownership interest — the most common form of legitimate interest.
Notarized purchase agreement
A signed, notarized contract demonstrating intent to acquire the property.
Certificate of inheritance
Used when the applicant is an heir who needs access to the building history.
Power of attorney
If you're not the owner, a declaration of consent from the owner is required. DocEstate handles this on your behalf.
How DocEstate helps
Instead of contacting authorities yourself, navigating legitimacy requirements, and waiting weeks for a response — DocEstate handles everything.
1
Submit your request online
Provide the property address through your personal DocEstate dashboard. No paperwork, no phone queues.
2
We identify the responsible authority
DocEstate determines which building authority (Bauamt) holds the records for your specific property and jurisdiction.
3
We obtain available records
We formally request and collect all available building files on your behalf — including handling power of attorney where needed.
4
You receive digital copies
Documents arrive directly in your dashboard, ready to download. Simple, fast, and transparent.
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Learn moreReady to request your Bauakte?
Get your building records delivered digitally — no authority visits, no paperwork, no waiting rooms.
See servicesFAQs
What do I need to get started?
The property address (or parcel number), your company details, and a Power of Attorney — which you sign digitally right in the ordering flow. Your part takes about 5 minutes.
Is this only for B2B?
Yes — ordering is available to business customers (brokers, property managers, law firms, banks, developers). The property owner, however, can be a private individual: they simply grant the Power of Attorney as part of the process.
How long does it typically take to get my documents?
That depends on the responding authorities and varies by federal state and document type. What we control, we optimize: your requests go out to the relevant authorities immediately after your order, we actively track and follow up on every request, and each document appears in your dashboard the moment it arrives — you never wait for the slowest one to see the others. Your own effort stays at about 5 minutes, compared to roughly 6 hours when procuring everything yourself.
Why do I need to provide a power of attorney?
German authorities release property documents only to the owner or a party the owner has authorized. The Power of Attorney is what allows DocEstate to request the documents on your behalf — without it, the authorities would reject the application. You sign it digitally, directly in the ordering flow; nothing needs to be prepared in advance.