Extract from the contaminated sites register

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In the property sector, contaminated sites (Altlasten) refer to land polluted by hazardous substances. If contamination has been identified on a plot, it is recorded in the relevant register — the contaminated sites register (Altlastenkataster). Request your official contaminated site information online via DocEstate.

Request contaminated site information

What are contaminated sites?

In the property sector, the term refers to land polluted by harmful substances, which is recorded in the relevant register — the contaminated sites register. The Federal Soil Protection Act distinguishes between two categories. Land covered by the Atomic Energy Act is excluded, as it is subject to special requirements.

Former waste deposits

Decommissioned waste disposal facilities (such as waste incineration plants) as well as land used for treating or storing waste materials, for example disused recycling centres.

Former industrial sites

Decommissioned facilities and land on which environmentally harmful substances were handled.

What is a contaminated sites register?

It is a register for the uniform recording, administration and evaluation of data on land suspected of contamination. The data is held by the environmental authorities of the federal states or municipalities, and each contaminated site is assigned a unique reference number. Pursuant to § 11 of the Federal Soil Protection Act (BBodSchG), the following data is recorded:

Location, size and condition of the sites

Details of deposited waste and registered pollutants

Type of former operation or decommissioned facilities

Planning requirements for land use

How the pollutants may spread

Information on former and current owners

Details of remediation

Where and how can I apply for an extract from the contaminated sites register?

Information from the contaminated sites register requires proof of a legitimate interest.

Online via DocEstate

Your application is created immediately upon receipt of your order and forwarded to the responsible office. At the same time, DocEstate obtains the required cadastral map and land registry extract as proof of legitimate interest. Queries are handled for you, and the official documents are then provided as a PDF.

Via the municipal administration

Many municipalities accept written applications by form only. A current cadastral map, a current land registry extract and a copy of your identity card are required.

Request contaminated site information online now

We handle all communication with the authorities and provide the information to you digitally.

To the application

Why do I need an extract from the contaminated sites register?

Contaminated sites can have a considerable impact on the value, usability and financeability of a property. The majority of banks require up-to-date information when finalising financing, as potential remediation affects the property's lending value.

Buyers should request information from the seller or obtain a power of attorney.

Possible impacts

Area

Possible impact

Property value

Considerable reduction in the value of the land or property

Health

Adverse effects on health caused by hazardous substances

Remediation costs

Special excavation and disposal incur considerable costs

Financing

Banks require up-to-date information to determine the lending value

Who is liable for contaminated sites?

Under § 4 BBodSchG there is an obligation to remediate. In theory, the owner, the party responsible for the contamination (tenant, lessee) and the seller are all liable.

In practice, however, the responsible party often cannot be identified. The seller is only liable if they were aware of the damage and sold the property after 1999 — something that is often difficult to prove in court. The new owner usually bears full responsibility. It is therefore important to request information before purchasing.

What rights does a buyer have when purchasing land with contaminated sites?

Right of rescission

The seller has a comprehensive duty to disclose and explain any contamination or suspected damage. If this duty is not met, they may be accused of fraudulent misrepresentation and the purchase contract may be rescinded. The buyer can then reclaim the purchase price.

Warranty rights

Although purchase contracts usually contain warranty exclusions, a buyer can assert the following rights where fraudulent misrepresentation is proven: reduction of the purchase price, withdrawal from the purchase contract, remediation as part of remedying the defect, and damages.

What does contaminated site information cost?

The average cost is approximately 35 euros for a plot intended for residential development.

Where fees are higher, they are usually capped at between 600 and 800 euros — particularly for commercial properties and large sites. Former industrial land can incur higher fees.

Fee overview

Contaminated site information

Official fee

Negative certificate per parcel (no entry)

€0–50 (average €35)

Positive notice per parcel (contamination present)

€0–50 (average €35)

Sample of contaminated site information

The information reports existing contamination or suspected contamination on the plot. The statement is issued by the responsible authority. A negative certificate confirms the absence of defects.

The information shows the type and extent of the contamination as well as any requirements or restrictions on construction or conversion work. Where harmful changes are present, remediation should be carried out by a professional service provider.

Sample of a contaminated land record

The contaminated land record is an information sheet from the contaminated sites register listing the key data of a plot affected by contamination. The status of the total area and the coordinates provide an overview of the extent. Some municipalities also provide a map showing the precise distribution of the contamination.

Before purchasing, you should consult the responsible authority and a remediation company. Costs can quickly run to several thousand euros and should be factored into the purchase price.

FAQs

How long does it take to receive contaminated site information?

Processing time depends on the workload of the responsible office. The nationwide average is between 2 and 6 weeks, though deviations are common. Errors in the application — such as an incorrect or missing cadastral map, or incorrect property details — cause additional delays.

Is remediating contaminated land time-consuming?

Yes. Every remediation begins with a detailed analysis. Soil samples are taken from various layers of earth in order to analyse the degree and depth of contamination. An early analysis avoids delays in the construction process.

How much does remediating a contaminated site cost?

Generalisation is hardly possible — the extent depends on the degree of pollution, the size of the area and the nature of the soil. In severe cases, around 100 euros per cubic metre of earth is incurred, and up to 300 euros is possible. In addition, more earth has to be removed than would be necessary for construction alone.

What happens if contamination is identified on the plot?

Land affected by contamination must generally be remediated. The Federal Soil Protection Act and the Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance govern the necessary measures. Disposing of the excavated material is considerably more expensive than uncontaminated spoil. Obtaining information in advance is decisive for the value of the land or property.

What can I do to guard against contaminated sites?

Have a soil survey carried out, check the history of the plot, ask local residents, consult the contaminated sites register and the register of suspected sites, and make contractual arrangements — for example, that the seller bears the remediation costs.

Are contaminated sites also recorded in the land registry?

No. Information on possible contamination of your plot can only be inspected in the contaminated sites register of the responsible municipality, or requested online via DocEstate.