Pre-purchase inspections · Berlin

Know what you’re buying – before you sign at the notary.

Inspection, document review and a written condition report with defect list and a 10–15-year cost outlook – for flats and houses. We send you prices and the list of services after your enquiry.

Spot defectsDamp, roof, heating, suspected pollutants – before you sign.
Know the costsWhat the next 10–15 years will cost you, with cost ranges.
Negotiate betterFactual arguments for the price and the contract.
For flatsCheck the WEGOwners’ association: reserve, resolutions, special levies – and your share.

On this job we work solely for you. The Berlin Chamber of Engineers’ code of conduct rules out commissions from agents, sellers or contractors.

Our reports are written in German as standard; a report in English is available on request. The inspection itself and all calls can be in English.

Request a quote Scope of services

Scope of services

Our reports are written in German as standard; a report in English is available on request. The inspection itself and all calls can be in English.

Flat (condominium) including the owners’ association records

Included in the service

Review of the owners’ association (WEG) records: declaration of division, minutes, budget, accounts
Inspection of the flat and the accessible common property (approx. 2–3 h)
Verbal summary on site
Written condition report with defect list
10–15-year cost outlook
Assessment of the maintenance reserve and your cost share
Duties after purchase

House detached, semi-detached or terraced

Included in the service

Preparation and document review
Inspection from roof to basement as far as accessible (approx. 4–5 h)
Verbal summary on site
Written condition report with defect list
10–15-year cost outlook
Location check from official maps
Duties after purchase

We send you prices and the list of services after your enquiry – we reply within one working day. It shows the basic package for your property, any surcharges and all options with their price – for example thermal imaging, drone images or a review of the building file.

Request a quote

Outside Berlin we state the travel costs in advance in our quote.

How it works

Enquiry today – Property, location and planned notary date by email – you receive prices and the list of services.
Appointment usually within 1–2 weeks – You arrange access with the agent – or we do.
Inspection 2–5 h – Verbal summary right on site.
Report 7–10 working days – Express in 3 working days – in time for the notary.

What you receive

Verbal summary right after the inspection
Condition report as PDF with photos
Defect list with traffic lights: urgent · medium-term · monitor
Cost ranges per item and for 10–15 years
Duties after purchase, with deadlines
Notes on subsidies and next steps

What is not included

Non-destructive and as far as accessible: no opening-up; samples only as an option and with the owner’s consent
Inaccessible or concealed parts (e.g. a roof without safe access, pipes inside walls) are assessed from indications only
No function test of heating, electrics or pipes (done by specialist firms) and no structural assessment
Moisture readings are comparative; costs are estimate ranges, not quotes
No valuation and no legal advice – legal questions, e.g. on the purchase contract, are for your lawyer

Who inspects

Qualifications

Inspection by the managing director, M. Sc. Abdel Karim Abu Elkheir, in person
B. Eng. Civil Engineering, M. Sc. Industrial Engineering (construction)
Member of the Berlin Chamber of Engineers (Baukammer Berlin)
Professional indemnity: €3m personal injury, €300,000 financial loss

On this job we work solely for you. The Berlin Chamber of Engineers’ code of conduct rules out commissions from agents, sellers or contractors.

You first receive our quote with our terms and information on your right of withdrawal. You then instruct us by email; if the inspection is to take place within the 14-day withdrawal period, please confirm this expressly.

We send you prices and the list of services after your enquiry – we reply within one working day. Outside Berlin we state the travel costs in advance in our quote.

Request a quote by email

Phone +49 176 23581339 · info@ing-bassam.de · Straße am Flugplatz 6a, 12487 Berlin

Frequently asked questions

How long does the pre-purchase inspection take?

The inspection takes approx. 2–3 hours for a flat and approx. 4–5 hours for a house; you get the verbal summary right on site. The written report follows within 7–10 working days, as an express report within 3 working days. An appointment is usually available within 1–2 weeks.

Do I have to be there for the inspection?

No. You arrange access with the agent – or we do. If you are not on site, we go through the summary with you afterwards by phone or video; you receive the condition report as a PDF with photos.

What does the pre-purchase inspection cost?

We send you prices and the list of services after your enquiry by email – we reply within one working day. Write to info@ing-bassam.de or call +49 176 23581339. Nothing is commissioned until you accept our quote.

Is the report in English?

On request. Our reports are written in German as standard; in English you receive the condition report with a glossary of the German terms (Hausgeld, maintenance reserve, declaration of division). We state the price for this in our quote. The inspection itself and all calls can be in English.

Do you work outside Berlin?

Yes, also in the area around Berlin. Outside Berlin we state the travel costs in advance in our quote.

How do I instruct you – and can I withdraw?

Does the inspection replace a valuation or legal advice?

No. We do not determine the market value and do not give legal advice – legal questions, e.g. on the purchase contract, are for your lawyer. The inspection is non-destructive and covers what is accessible; costs are estimate ranges, not quotes.