Eigentumswohnungsbereich

Eigentumswohnung is a form of real estate ownership in which a defined living unit within a multi-unit residential building is owned by an individual or legal entity, while the common parts of the property are jointly owned by all owners. The legal framework in Germany is provided by the Wohnungseigentumsgesetz (WEG).

A unit becomes Eigentum through a declaration of division (Teilungserklärung) and a subdivision plan (Aufteilungsplan), and the ownership is entered in the land register (Grundbuch) with an associated Miteigentumsanteil (share in the common property). The owners together form the Eigentümergemeinschaft (homeowners association), which is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the building and its common areas.

Day-to-day management is often handled by a property manager (Verwalter) or a management committee, with decisions made in assemblies where voting rights typically reflect each owner’s share. Costs for the property are shared among owners and include operating expenses, maintenance, and contributions to a maintenance reserve (Instandhaltungsrücklagen). Special usage rights (Sondernutzungsrechte) may grant individual units exclusive use of certain common parts, such as balconies or parking spaces.

Ownership carries both rights and duties. Owners may individually finance their units (e.g., by mortgage) and must comply with the building’s rules and the regulations of the Eigentümergemeinschaft. A unit is transferable, subject to contractual and legal requirements, and the sale affects both the individual owner and the community through changes in ownership shares and responsibilities.