Deep dive for Option 1: Keep the property

Remove ex-partner from mortgage: cleanly and without an early repayment penalty

This page explains one technical step within the 'Keep the property' path: removing the ex-partner from the German mortgage. This usually requires bank approval and depends on whether the remaining borrower can carry the financing alone.

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What does removal mean — and what happens without it?

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Without removal

Joint liability remains. If payments are missed, you are still liable. Credit rating is affected.

With change of borrower

Liability is transferred to one person. No early repayment risk. Clean separation.

Change of borrower vs. full termination

	Change of borrower	Full termination
Early repayment penalty	None	Possible (five figures)
Loan	Continues	Terminated
Notary & land register	€ 1,000–2,000	€ 1,000–2,000
Bank fee	€ 200–500	Possibly higher
New credit check	No	Yes

When will the bank agree?

Income checkedLoan-to-value assessedCredit rating verifiedMaintenance obligations included

The bank will only agree if it considers repayment to remain secure. It checks income, expenses, maintenance obligations, employment status, credit rating and remaining debt. The value of the property and the loan-to-value ratio also play a role.

Banks assess cases differently. A rejection by the current bank does not automatically mean that no solution is possible. Comparing more than 300 financing partners increases the chances of finding a viable solution.

What if I cannot manage the payment alone?

Adjust the term

A longer term reduces the monthly payment but increases total costs.

Different bank

Some banks assess income and ancillary earnings more generously.

Additional collateral

A second borrower can make bank approval possible.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes. The bank must agree because it is releasing one borrower from liability.
: Typical costs are notary fees, land register fees and possible bank charges. An early repayment penalty generally does not apply for a straightforward change of borrower.
: Yes, if the loan continues and only the borrower is changed, the early repayment penalty can often be avoided. The key requirement is bank approval.
: If the ex-partner is also a co-owner, the land register entry must be changed by a notary. The loan agreement alone does not automatically change ownership.

End joint liability cleanly

Bank approval, credit rating and land register must be checked together. Thomas Brauner analyses your options free of charge and without obligation.

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